Ionization misfire detection apparatus and method for an internal combustion engine
US5392641A · kind A · utility
21Cited by
16References
15Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 1993 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02P2017/128
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A misfire detection apparatus and method is provided for detecting misfire in cylinders of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle. The method includes sensing ionization current through spark plugs in either a distributorless ignition system or a distributor ignition system. The method also includes disabling ionization current sensing during ignition coil discharge time. The method further includes making and storing the combustion ionization measurements in order to determine if a misfire has occurred and if catalyst damage has occurred due to the misfire.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.