Patent · US Expired

Auto-ignition detection method

US5526788A · kind A · utility

15Cited by
2References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 8, 1993
Grant dateJun 18, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 8, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T10/40
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An engine ignition and control system for an internal combustion engine. The system includes an ignition transformer mounted to a spark plug and adapted to rapidly re-fire the spark plug during a combustion cycle enabling the performance of various engine diagnostic procedures. A controller provides a signal to an ignition circuit which causes the transformer to charge for ignition and subsequently charge for performing diagnostics. The system also includes a diagnostic circuit, connected to the transformer, which can detect the occurrence of an electrical discharge across the spark plug electrodes as a result of one of the diagnostic charges. The detections circuit either outputs a signal to the controller or omits the signal to the controller. This allows the controller to diagnose conditions within the combustion cylinder.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.