Method for determining an operating parameter of an internal combustion engine

US6125691A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Daimler-Benz AG · DE

Inventors

• Peter Hohner · Echterdingen, DE
• Jurgen Schenk · Dresden, DE
• Hartung Wilstermann · Gaildorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 14, 1998
• Grant date: Oct 3, 2000
• Expiry date: Aug 14, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F02D41/0072
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for determining an operating parameter of an internal combustion engine. An ionic current signal curve at a spark plug of the internal combustion engine is measured for a number of ignitions as a function of time. The measured signal curves are then averaged to obtain an averaged signal curve. A maximum and/or the time of the maximum of the averaged signal curve is determined. Based on the maximum of the average signal curve and/or the time of the maximum of the average signal curve, the operating parameter is calculated.