Ignition energy and breakdown voltage circuit and method
US5513620A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 1995 |
| Grant date | May 7, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02P17/12
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In an engine and associated ignition energy and breakdown voltage circuit, the engine having at least one spark plug and an associated ignition coil having a primary and secondary winding, the secondary winding in communication with at least one spark plug. The ignition energy and breakdown voltage circuit comprising the ability to sense an arcing current generated by the spark plug, and also includes the ability for probing a spark plug breakdown voltage. A multiplier is provided for multiplying the spark plug arcing current by the arcing voltage and thereby producing a power signal. The ability to store the breakdown voltage of the spark plug for a period of time is provided, and further the ability to produce an energy signal in proportional representation of an amount of energy delivered to the spark plug. A method is also provided for adaptively changing spark plug energy in response to feedback from the ignition energy circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.