Glow sensor-ceramic tip
US6148660A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF23Q2007/002
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A glow sensor which combines functions of a diesel engine glow plug with an ion sensor for sensing engine combustion initiation and characteristics includes a ceramic rod retained in a supporting ceramic sleeve carried by a metal shell mountable in an engine cylinder head. The ceramic rod includes a heating element in a glow tip at the inner end of the rod which, in use, extends into an engine combustion chamber or pre-chamber. A conductive material such as platinum or palladium is coated on the lower end of the glow tip and connected by a conductor with a source of electric voltage. In use, the voltage produces a current carried by electrons generated by ionization of the combustion chamber gases during combustion. The current varies with the degree of ionization and the amount of electrons generated during various phases of the combustion event. The resulting information is usable in controlling engine operation or evaluating its operation for test purposes. Various construction features of disclosed embodiments include an internal conductor through the ceramic rod from the platinum or palladium material to a lead or an external conductor applied on the surface of the ceramic rod…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.