NL1021606C1 - Spark plug for e.g. internal combustion engines, generates multiple sparks at different depths in fuel mixture - Google Patents

Abstract

The spark plug is a synchronised multiple spark igniter as opposed to a standard single spark igniter and generates sparks at different depths in the fuel/air mixture.

Description

The SMSI or Synchronized multiple spark igniter.

History / Introduction SMSI is written in full for Synchronized Multiple Spark Igniter and is intended as a successor to the already 100-year-old principle of single-spark plug 5 as it is commonly known. Only a joint assembly of functions gives existence to the SMSI ignition device. The single spark plug principle to ignite gas mixtures in cylinders of piston engines has been used successfully from now on and in virtually all gas engine designs. With ingenuity and know-how, the single spark plug has been brought to its current high state of development. From its function, the one-way spark plug offers the possibility of mixing gas mixtures by means of igniting an electric spark. It is a typical electrical "impact" spark plug. Spark plugs are electrically driven by mechanical or electrical ignition devices. These give a short electrical pulse to a transforming coil which in turn converts the low-voltage pulse (primary) into a high-voltage pulse (secondary). This high voltage pulse causes one spark per ignition cycle to jump between two spark plug electrodes. The igniting mixture then expands and exerts force force work on a cylinder piston which moves a crankshaft for external work. Drawing 1 shows a voltage / time diagram and the location at a spark plug where spark transfer takes place. Schematic diagrams show the operating diagrams of a coil and capacitor ignition. No predominantly inflammatory problem could be reported as long as stoichiometric or lambda 1 mixtures were used. (Mixtures with so much air where complete gas combustion takes place.) High Nox, Co and Co2 values have long been accepted in gas engine exhaust gas-25 sen. When the demands became stronger to achieve a cleaner environment, this also related to gas engine exhaust gases. In parallel, gas / fuel consumption also had to be reduced from an economic point of view. All this has led to gas engines on "lean mixture". However, more air in gas mixtures means that higher ignition voltages are required. Air has an insulating effect and spark formation therefore requires a higher ignition voltage. Spark plugs and total ignition systems are nowadays more heavily charged electrically, which appears to cause an increase in malfunctions. Ignition by single spark plugs and gas mixture controls have become more complicated and more susceptible to interference. Problems with spark plugs and / or ignition devices are often misinterpreted and unnecessary parts are exchanged. Everything has been tried constructively to ensure that gas mixtures in engines with their ignition system continue to function properly in 'lean operation'. After all, good ignition conditions in gas mixtures are of vital importance in gas engines. This has led to intensive developments in the field of single spark plugs and ignition systems. Despite this commitment, the use of ignition systems remained sensitive to malfunctions and full of imperfections.

5 For this reason, alternatives were sought to achieve good, clean and reliable mixture ignition. Mention may be made here of: 1) (Expensive, often not yet trouble-free) systems for gas pressure injection (400 bar) to simulate the diesel principle in gas engines, 2) Use of self-filling and / or “rich mixture” injected front chambers, for flame front magnification, 3) installation of multiple one-10 spark plugs in gas engine cylinders, 4) use of dual-fiil ignition, 5) Deployment of complex and more expensive electronic ignitions with added functions such as: - energy control for spark plugs - ignition point controls with limitations - detonation protection - 4-2OmA ignition point control - ignition point vs speed control etc. etc. Coils have also been developed to be able to generate higher secondary voltages or to arrive at other ignition characteristics electrically. Coils were also developed with a signal output to visualize the voltage development after spark plug deterioration on a screen and then to be able to intervene. All this has been done in order to comply with the legal requirements regarding emissions 20 and / or to be ahead despite technical and functional limitation of spark plugs. However, increased ignition voltage does not guarantee better ignition.

As a 2nd generation of mixture ignition, the SMSI concept has been developed to improve the one-off principle. With the SMSI, multiple synchronous sparks are created simultaneously but ON VARIOUS DEPTH in a mixture to be ignited. 25 The sparks arise in cascade form. To achieve this, a different construction of the SMSI compared to the generally known assembly of one-way spark plugs is required. The SMSI principle results in a cleaner and much faster ignition pattern of gas mixtures. This specific rapid and complete mixture combustion with the SMSI offers a multitude of advantages over the single spark plug pattern. 30 These include: 1) Mechanical engine power gain, 2) less fuel consumption, 3) smaller engine dimensions with equal power, 4) quieter engine, 5) detonation elimination at least with single-speed engines, 6) cleaner engine emissions means a lower environmental impact (this is reflected in traffic jams, among other things!) 7) a calmer engine rotation through more complete combustion, uniform cylinder load, 8) SMSI is a "cold" igniter which can replace "cold" and "warm" spark plugs. As a result, a delivery assortment can become smaller rail 15, 3) after adjustment or course of SMSI electrode adjustments, less critical composition deviations from emission values are to be expected.

The multiple spark principle used in the SMSI is not new in itself and has been described several times before in patent practicals that are not practicable. The S is the reason why not a single multiple version is available in this form. Among other things, a new feature of the SMSI principle is that SMSI sparks arise at different depths in a gas mixture. This creates a completely different, more efficient, faster and cleaner ignition pattern of a mixture to be ignited.

An excellent heat dissipation is necessary to dissipate the heat absorbed by the electrodes via the SMSI construction.

THE SMSI CONSTRUCTION (see drawing 2).

The connection between the high voltage input (1) and the SMSI electrodes can preferably consist of an already available ceramic element from an existing spark plug (AA). However, it is not absolutely necessary. Other connections are also conceivable, but an existing ceramic element is the preferred available and tested spark plug part. The ceramic element does not have to contain 5K suppression resistance. The SMSI function does not request this. Especially not as an H.F. ignition is coupled. The middle electrode material 20 (1) does not have to be special in composition, it does not stay in the combustion chamber heat. The Tip 2 must protrude outside the ceramic casing and offer the possibility of having a few wire runs added for later high-voltage connection to underlying SMSI electrodes.

The SMSI house (BB) has a modified form to accommodate all required SMSI parts and functions. The screw connection (3) in a cylinder head is equal to the size, thread type and length of a single spark plug to be replaced for standardization purposes. There is also a non-lossable sealing ring (4) mounted between SMSI and motor housing. SMSI igniters must be mounted with a suitable pipe wrench, required for centering installation purposes.

The lower SMSI part mainly consists of two pre-formed ceramic elements E1 + E2 with built-in, special, SMSI electrodes.

These elements are mounted in the SMSI housing and then pressed by means of. a hollow disk (H1) in which adapted recesses for the electrode pairs are punched (only the first SMSI electrode is shown). The recesses are dimensioned so wide that contact between electrodes and ground is not possible.

The structure of the SMSI house (BB) has two sessions for metallic seal rings 0216 06 sealing rings. Seat R1 fixes an existing spark plug element with the help of the drawn seam (F1). This can also be done by a suitable threaded swivel which presses the element onto the seat and ring R1. It is recommended to create a connection to atmospheric pressure both via the seat of the housing at R1 and via the flanged connection or swivel connection at F1 as a pressure relief. The upper element E1 has a shape to be described below. Unlike single spark plugs, the SMSI seals a combustion chamber using the current chamber pressure on ring R2! The lower element E2 with shown high-voltage connection and SMSI electrodes has a specific shape as described. It is important to know that E1 and E2 are suitably pressed together by Hl. During assembly, E1 - E2 are obtained by using. a pin with spring pressure and with pressure pressed against each other on R2. (See sketch 6). Only then is H1 d.m.v. welded a laser weld in the house (BB). Thus, in the cold state there is a bias voltage on R2 and during engine operation the combustion chamber pressure presses on R2 via the structure. The identical hollow shape of H1 on the E2 underside offers the possibility of passing on the sealing pressure to R2 upon rising of the cylinder heat and expansion of the hollow shape of H1. The hollow plate H1 also serves as a "Heat shield". The package of ceramic SMSI elements is surrounded by a metal shell that can quickly dissipate the heat from the combustion space. There is a small space between assembly E1 / E2 and housing (BB) in which a thin ribbed metal plate can be mounted for accelerated contact heat dissipation between the ceramic SMSI parts and the metal SMSI housing in the cylinder head. The tapered electrodes are tapered and left in element E2 to protect against falling into the cylinder chamber space.

THE UPPER ELEMENT, El. (Sketch 3)

Drawing 2 is taken as a reference. The upper SMSI element has a tapered fit on the inside - top side that slides over the lower ceramic tip of a single spark plug element for high voltage connection. On the outside, this part fits in the house (BB). The seat for the metallic sealing ring of the SMSI element runs parallel to the seat in the house (BB). Space has been left in the middle through which the high-voltage connection with screw connection protrudes from the lower element E2.

The underside of element E1 is flat or rings may be provided on the ceramic which connect a knife and fork to grooves of the lower element E2 for centering and for improved electrical insulation purposes. Confirmation from above and below element is done by means of ceramic cement.

THE LOWER ELEMENT, E2. (Sketch 4) 5 Here too, drawing 2 has been taken as a reference. At the top the element is flat or there may be grooves provided for a knife and fork connection between the elements E1 / E2.

The outer diameter of E2 has a small space to house (BB). For extra heat dissipation, a thin ribbed metal sleeve can be mounted here. There is a recess on the inner side of the element for casting the high-voltage threaded connection with ceramic cement. The electrodes are cylindrical with a tapered spout (see sketch 8). The tapered part is intended to prevent electrodes from falling into the cylinder chamber. All electrode structures are recessed in element E2 and the whole is filled with ceramic cement. The medium high voltage connection is placed concentrically and the first SM SI electrode protrudes eccentrically through a predetermined hole in the E2 ceramic. This is done to obtain optimum insulation between electrodes. If an 18 mm SMSI igniter is taken as an example, 5 sparks can occur here at different depths at the same time. Electrodes are grouped as indicated in sketch 4. There are three constructions consisting of two electrodes with a metal strip connection. See also sketch 8. This is intended as an electrical connection and as heat dissipation from the electrodes to the ceramic. The underside of E2 has the same hollow shape as the sealing plate H1 in sketch 5.

An "emergency spark" "N", see sketch 5, may arise by mounting an electrode 25 close to the first high-voltage electrode. The distance is greater than normally required for the SMSI sparks.

THE SEALING PLATE Hl. (see sketch 5)

The plate has a hollow shape. There are 3 recesses that allow pairs of electrodes to pass through. The last ground electrode is mounted on H1 as a gateway to ground. The recesses are so large that no electrodes can form to ground contact.

ASSEMBLY OF PLATE H1 ON HOUSE (BB), (see sketch 6) 35 During assembly, the plate with recesses is slid over the electrodes. A pin prestressed with spring force (P) presses ring R2 through the plate and the ceramic package E1 + E2. This is the case. After this is done the plate is fixed with a laser weld. In the cold state of the motor, the pressure on the ring is a bias, in hot operation the expansion pressure and the deformation pressure due to the temperature of H1 on ring R2.

5 THE ELECTRONIC DISTANCE SETTING, (see sketch 7)

The electrode pairs are guided as stakes through the H1 recesses. These are cut to defined lengths.

At the end of the stakes, loose electrodes are secured with a laser weld, or, the ends become warm and bent to size as desired. Electrodes are never parallel but always on top of each other !! SMSI ELECTRODE CONSTRUCTION. (see sketch 8)

The preformed, tapered electrodes can be assembled as shown in sketch 8. There is a strip connection 1 for heat dissipation to element E2 which also serves as an electrical connection between two electrodes.

20 25 30 35 1021606 7 ALTERNATIVE SMSI COOPERATION.

The high-voltage connection here may, for example, consist of an existing, ceramic, single-spark element as described on page 3 or otherwise.

SMSI elements E1 and E2 can be cast in one piece and contain enclosed electrode structures.

Such a ceramic block can be mounted in a preformed housing (BB sketch 2) and by means of a plate (H1, sketch 2) can be secured in housing BB in the manner described. Upon implementation, an assembly process is greatly simplified, while all desired SMSI functions remain guaranteed.

10 15 20 25 30 35 • pi o-21 6 06 8

SMSI PROPERTIES

1. Better cooling electrodes.

2. Gas seal to atmosphere better.

3. Better electrical insulation.

5 4. No internal spark plug resistance required.

5. Synchronized, actual multiple function.

6. Actual multiple sparks arise at different depths.

7. Multiple sparks arise simultaneously.

8. Multiple sparks arise in an "Open Room".

10 9. An "emergency spark" as security is possible.

10. Electrode distances can be adjusted.

11. Sparks arise close to the BDP.

12. Mixture ignition occurs against BDP or after! 13. The mechanical motor power is increased.

14. A smaller motor with the same power is possible through point 13.

15. Emission is greatly improved and protects the environment.

16. Cold and warm spark plugs are no longer required.

17. A factory assortment can be reduced.

18. The SMSI does not have to have a heat crumple zone.

20 19. All ceramics are cooled much better.

20. The ceramic insulator can withstand high voltage better.

21. The SMSI principle can be built in all standardized diameters.

22. Because of its construction and function, a detonation scheme is no longer necessary. Certainly with stationary engines.

25 2 3. Outdated engines can contain the emission values with SMSI and therefore do not have to be exchanged.

24. The SMSI principle offers the possibility of igniting worse types of gas.

25. The SMSI igniter can be used with any existing ignition system.

30 26. The SMSI can be mounted in any existing cylinder.

27. With SMSI, emissions, fuel consumption and engine torque can be improved.

28. SMSI together with an H.F. inflammation give a 2-3 improvement factor.

1021606

Claims (5)

1. From its function, the SMSI synchronized multi-spark igniter offers an improved, faster and more reliable form for gas mixture ignition in gas engines above the 100-year-old and long-term successful deployment of spark plug spark plug as it is generally known. It can be said that the one-spark plug principle ran into restrictions after engines with a "lean mixture" had to be operated for environmental reasons. Running with a “lean mixture” is also economically desirable due to increased fossil fuel prices. 10 2. The structure of the sparking SMSI part differs from the conventional and already commonly known spark plug construction. To be mentioned here are, among other things: the electrode positioning, and the SMSI housing, the manner of pressure chamber sealing, the heat dissipation of the electrodes, the shape of electrodes or electrode pairs and also the adapted ceramic SMSI elements. 3. The SMSI is mounted as an "open chamber" igniter in a motor cylinder, just like spark plugs. However, a multitude of functional multiple functions can be added after using SMSI igniters. 4.SMSI can be linked to all types of ignition systems, but will still improve by a factor of 2-3 in efficiency after being combined with a high-frequency ignition. 5. The SMSI can be built in an alternative and simplified way, as described on page 7. 25 30 35 021 0 08 4.