Patent · US Expired

Ionization misfire detection apparatus and method for an internal combustion engine

US5602332A · kind A · utility

10Cited by
6References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 12, 1996
Grant dateFeb 11, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 12, 2016

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.