Method for carrying out an ionic current measurement in a combustion engine using a lean fuel mixture
US6018986A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02P2017/125
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of carrying out ionic current measurement in an internal combustion engine, using a lean fuel mixture which requires an increased burning duration, comprises the steps of (a) generating an ignition spark, (b) detecting initiation of combustion of the lean fuel mixture by the ignition spark, (c) cutting off the ignition spark within 20 microseconds after the initiation of combustion and (d) thereafter performing the ionic current measurement. The combustion start can be detected by measuring the change in the burning potential and/or the burning current, detected at the low-tension side of the secondary coil of the ignition system, using leak capacitances of the ignition coil, or by using a separate winding of the ignition coil. The ignition spark is cut off by a controllable ignition magneto.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.