RU2542351C2 - Spark-plug - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: engines and pumps.

SUBSTANCE: spark-lug (10) for ICE comprises central electrode (12) and multiple lateral electrodes (14). Every lateral electrode (14) has lower part (25) and upper part (26). Every upper part (26) includes the outermost part (28). The latter is located in central plane (30) which comprises lengthwise axis (20) of far part (18) of central electrode (12). Cross-section of every upper part (26) made along its central plane (30) confines convex outer side (32) and concave inner side (34). Every convex outer side (33) includes bent surface (36) tangential to multiple tangential planes (38), all crossing lengthwise axis (30) of central electrode (12) far part (18) at points located at or above far end (22) of central electrode (12) far point.

EFFECT: higher output and torque.

15 cl, 18 dwg

Description

CROSS RELATIONS TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of provisional application, serial number 61 / 215,329, filed May 4, 2009, entitled "ION GUN SPARK PLUG FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES", and claims the priority of application for US patent No. 12/772,680, entitled "SPARK PLUG", filed May 3, 2010, 2001, the contents of which are incorporated into this application by reference.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY. RELATED TO THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to spark plugs for internal combustion engines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spark plugs for internal combustion engines have been known for over 100 years. Although the design of the spark plugs has improved significantly during this time, there continues to be a need for spark plugs that will further improve engine performance and hopefully reduce fuel consumption.

The need for spark plugs that provide improved engine performance is particularly relevant in the field of racing, where even a slight increase in engine performance and / or a slight decrease in engine fuel consumption can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention satisfies this need. The invention is a spark plug containing (a) a central electrode comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion having a circular cross section with a longitudinal axis and terminating in a distal end; and (b) a plurality of side electrodes, each side electrode having a lower part and an upper part and having substantially identical shape and dimensions, with each upper part containing a farthest point, each farthest point located in a central plane within which the longitudinal axis of the distal part of the central electrode is completely located, the cross section of each upper part, made along its central plane, limits the convex outer side and the non-convex inner side, p When in use, each side comprising a convex outer curved surface tangent to a plurality of tangent planes, all the tangent planes intersect the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the central electrode at points located on or above the distal end of the furthest point of the center electrode.

GRAPHIC MATERIALS

These and other signs, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description, the accompanying claims and accompanying graphic materials, where:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a spark plug containing signs according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a horizontal projection of one end of the spark plug shown in figure 1;

Fig. 3a shows a cross-sectional view of the spark plug shown in Fig. 2 along line 3-3;

FIG. 3b shows an alternative cross-sectional view of the spark plug shown in FIG. 2 along line 3-3;

FIG. 4A is a schematic view of a first lower portion of a side electrode used in the invention; FIG.

FIG. 4B is a schematic view of a second lower portion of a side electrode used in the invention; FIG.

On figs depicts a schematic view of the third lower part of the side electrode used in the invention;

Fig. 4D is a schematic view of a fourth lower portion of a side electrode used in the invention;

FIG. 4E is a schematic view of a fifth lower portion of a side electrode used in the invention; FIG.

FIG. 4F is a schematic view of a sixth lower portion of a side electrode used in the invention; FIG.

FIG. 4G is a schematic view of a seventh bottom of a side electrode used in the invention; FIG.

FIG. 4H is a schematic view of an eighth lower portion of a side electrode used in the invention; FIG.

FIG. 4I is a side view of the bottom of the side electrode of FIG. 4H;

FIG. 4J is a schematic view of a ninth lower portion of a side electrode used in the invention; FIG.

4K. shows a side view of the lower part of the side electrode shown in fig.4J;

FIG. 4L is a schematic view of a tenth of a bottom of a side electrode used in the invention; FIG.

FIG. 4M is a side view of the bottom of the side electrode of FIG. 4L;

Fig. 4N shows an alternative side view of the bottom of the side electrode of Fig. 4L.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of one embodiment of the invention and several variations of this embodiment. However, this description should not be construed as limiting the invention to these specific embodiments. Practitioners in the art will also appreciate many other embodiments.

As used in this text, unless the context otherwise requires, the term “contain” and variations of this term, such as “comprising,” “contains” and “contained”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, whole parts or stages. Thus, in this technical description, unless the context otherwise requires, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like, should be understood as including, as opposed to exclusive, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”

As shown in the figures, all dimensions indicated in this description are given only as an example and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the proportions shown in these figures are not necessarily scaled. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art with reference to this description, the actual dimensions of any device or part of the device disclosed in this description will be determined by their intended use.

The invention is a spark plug 10 for an internal combustion engine that is capable of delivering outstanding performance.

Spark plug 10 comprises a central electrode 12 and a plurality of side electrodes 14. The invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3.

The central electrode 12 comprises a proximal portion 16 and a distal portion 18. The distal portion 18 has a circular cross section with a longitudinal axis 20. The distal portion 18 ends with a distal end 22. In one embodiment, the distal end 22 of the central electrode 12 is made in the form of a dome to obtain a corresponding rounded forms. To facilitate manufacturing, the central electrode 12 is cylindrical, as is the case with conventional spark plugs.

In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the back portion 18 is from about 0.125 inches to about 0.265 inches. This diameter of the distal portion 18 is approximately two or three times larger than in a conventional spark plug. The size of the central electrode 12 is increased for several reasons. One reason is stabilization of the spark. A larger electrode stores more energy, thereby releasing more electricity when a spark forms. The second goal is to create a continuous rapid movement of ions during the ignition cycle, which will not stop even with ultra-high combustion pressure, as in racing engines.

A plurality of side electrodes 14 are located at an equal distance from each other around the central electrode 12 so as to limit the circle containing the central electrode 12 located in the center. The side electrodes 14 are usually integral with the threaded main cylinder 24. In the embodiment depicted in the graphic materials, the plurality of side electrodes 14 comprise 8 side electrodes 14. In any case, it is important that the number of side electrodes 14 is from about 3 to about 12. When the number of side electrodes 14 is less than 3 or more than 12, the performance of the internal combustion engine is noticeably reduced.

Each of the side electrodes 14 has a substantially identical shape and size. Each of the side electrodes 14 comprises a lower part 25 and an upper part 26. The upper part 26 contains the farthest point 28. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the farthest point 28 of each side electrode 14 may be relatively sharp. However, in other embodiments, the farthest point 28 of each side electrode 14 may be more rounded or flat.

As shown in FIG. 2, each farthest point 28 is located in the central plane 30, within which the longitudinal axis 20 of the distal portion 18 of the central electrode 12 is completely located. A cross section of each upper portion 26 of each side electrode 14 made along its central plane 30 delimits the convex outer side 32 and the non-convex inner side 34.

3A, each convex outer side 32 comprises a curved surface 36 tangential to a plurality of tangent planes 38, with all tangent planes 38 intersecting the longitudinal axis 20 of the distal portion 18 of the central electrode 12 at points located on or above the distal end 22 the far point of the central electrode 12. In a typical embodiment, the curved surface 36 of the convex outer side 32 is smooth, preferably without discontinuities.

FIG. 3B shows an alternative cross-sectional view identical to that shown in FIG. 3A, except that the inner side 34 delimits a small flat section 37 near the farthest point 28.

According to the aforementioned design, the plurality of side electrodes 14 resemble a plug that has been bent into a loop so that the teeth are directed in an arc inward toward a point on the central electrode 12.

As also shown in FIG. 3, the side electrodes 14 are electrically isolated from the central electrode 12 by a layer of bakelite 40 or another suitable insulator.

As shown in figa-4M, the side electrodes 14 may have various shapes. FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional shape of a lower portion 25 of a side electrode 14 having a generally square cross-section. FIG. 4B shows the lower portion 25 of the side electrode 14 having a generally rectangular cross section. On figs shows the lower part 25 of the side electrode 14, having a generally oval shape. On fig.4D shows the lower part 25 of the side electrode 14, having a generally circular shape. FIG. 4E shows the lower portion 25 of the side electrode 14 having a generally square shape but with rounded corners. FIG. 4F shows the lower portion 25 of the side electrode 14 having a generally rectangular cross section but with rounded corners. FIG. 4G shows the lower portion 25 of the side electrode 14 having a generally triangular cross section.

On fign and 4L shows the upper part 26 of the side electrode 14, having the shape of an eccentric cone. 4J and 4K similarly depict the upper portion 26 of the side electrode 14 having the shape of an alternative eccentric cone.

FIGS. 4L and 4M show the upper portion 26 of the side electrode 14, comprising a generally flat inner side 34 and an outer side 32, which is shown in cross section along its central plane 30, with the inner side 34 having a generally flat surface and the surface of the outer side 32 has the shape of a circular arc.

FIG. 4N shows a cross section of an alternative upper portion 26 of the side electrode 14 shown in FIG. 4L, where the inner side 34 has a slightly concave shape.

Typically, the farthest point 28 of each side electrode 14 is located at a distance from the central electrode 12 of about 0.04 inches to about 0.095 inches, typically from about 0.05 inches to about 0.07 inches.

Due to the above-described unique design of the spark plug 10 according to the invention, the spark plug 10 can provide improved engine performance, including an increase in horsepower and torque, by using excess energy from the ignition source to create a fast ion movement that mixes with the incoming air / fuel in the chamber combustion. A stream of negative ions is mixed with the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber immediately before ignition, during the formation of a spark and during combustion. This stream of ions changes the combustion characteristics of the fuel by releasing more potential energy and slowing down the actual process of fuel combustion. This phenomenon is similar to an increase in fuel octane. When ignited, the ions cool the working ends of the electrodes. This event often leads to a rapid circular flow around the central electrode.

This phenomenon has the additional advantage that the spark plug according to the invention does not have to be designed for one of a large number of defined thermal ranges. For most applications, only one thermal range is required. In contrast, using conventional spark plugs, up to 20 different designs are required, one for each thermal range.

Due to the design of the side electrodes according to the invention, negative ions are separated from the electric charge flowing from the coil. Ions move along the periphery of the negative electrodes, accumulating a moment along the bends of the side electrodes, reaching the apex in the far part, and then punching the path to the central electrode for the passage of the spark discharge plasma. When the piston approaches the top dead center of the compression / combustion stroke, high pressure occurs in the combustion chamber. In this atmosphere, the spark plasma is amplified and separated, so that many sparks are released from different grounding electrodes. Up to three different high-energy spark centers were observed during high pressure tests.

The rapid movement of ions acts on the central electrode and expands outward in a dose of air-fuel mixture, strongly ionizing the specified dose before, during and shortly after this spark. Thus, the electric charge provided by the coil is fully utilized.

Another phenomenon that occurs during the operation of the invention is that moving ions create a screen of increased pressure under the central electrode and in the cavity between the insulator and the inner wall of the main shell. This high-pressure screen keeps carbon from partially burnt fuel and oil, preventing contamination of the insulator and the inner wall of the main shell, thus preventing potential closure of the spark.

After ignition, the rapid movement of ions cools the ignition front, thereby slowing down the combustion process. This process of rapid movement of ions causes an increased duration of pressure on the lowering upper part of the piston. This combustion process with the fast movement of ions also provides more complete combustion, thereby reducing the percentage of unburned hydrocarbons.

Another positive benefit associated with exhaust is that the cooling property of the fast movement of ions prevents an increase in NO _x level. This is different from conventional spark plugs, where a higher thermal range must be used to burn more hydrocarbons (and such a higher level of heat necessarily leads to the formation of more NO _x ).

Finally, the construction according to the invention also produces a very strong and stable spark, which can pass through large gaps between the electrodes at an ultrahigh combustion pressure, thereby significantly reducing the misfire.

EXAMPLES

The dynamograms are reproduced using a high-performance test V-shaped 8-cylinder engine. These tests were conducted by an independent base. The engine has not undergone changes or additions other than replacing spark plugs.

These dynamograms show an increase in horsepower and torque achieved thanks to the spark plug according to the invention, compared with conventional racing spark plugs of the prior art.

Example 1

In this example, the test engine was a 420 FE cubic inch Ford FE with 850 cubic feet / min Holly carburetor and 38 ignition timing controls. The series spark plugs were Autolite 3924 series spark plugs with a 0.040-inch clearance. The spark plugs according to the invention were serial Autolite 3924 candles, modified as shown in FIG. 1, with a gap of 0.058 inches.

Candle series Candle according to the invention rpm Cool moment Power Cool moment Power 3900 470.7 349.5 462.7 343.6 4000 505.1 384.7 503.5 383.4 4100 500.6 390.8 505.5 394.6 4200 499.8 399.7 507.6 405.9 4300 499.5 408.9 503.7 412.4 4400 498.2 417.4 501.8 420,4 4500 502.0 430.1 508.3 435.5 4600 512.8 449.2 511.9 448.3 4700 516.2 461.9 523.0 468.0 4800 514.9 470.6 522.0 477.1 4900 519.0 484.2 521.7 486.7 5000 518.8 493.9 525.4 500,2 5100 520.9 505.8 522.4 507.3 5200 523.2 518.0 520.5 515.3 5300 519.4 524.1 524.3 529.1 5400 514.2 528.7 521.4 536.1 5500 514.3 538.6 518.6 543.1 5600 505.6 539.1 511.7 545.6 5700 500,0 542.6 501.6 544.4 5800 493.5 545.0 493.1 544.6 5900 483.5 543.1 487.0 547.1 6000 476.6 544.5 481.6 550.1 6100 471.4 547.5 469.4 545.2 6200 462.3 545.8 462.2 545.6 6300 452.7 543.0 458.0 549.4 6400 447.3 545.1 446.5 544.1 6500 437.6 541.6 435.8 539.3

Example 2

The test engine was a 812 cubic inch Ford engine with 850 cubic feet / min Holly carburetor and 38 ignition timing controls. The series spark plugs were Autolite 3924 series spark plugs with a 0.45-inch clearance. The spark plugs according to the invention were Autolite 3924 series candles, modified as shown in FIG. 1 with a gap of 0.062 inches. In Example 2, two tests were carried out with spark plugs according to the invention.

Serial Invention 1 Invention 2 rpm Cool moment Power Cool moment Power Cool moment Power 4000 495.9 377.6 496.6 378.2 506.0 385.4 4100 505.4 394.5 496.9 387.9 504.1 393.5 4200 503.5 402.6 501.1 400.7 505.0 403.8 4300 506.1 414.4 498.9 408.5 511.2 418.6 4400 511.9 428.9 508.8 426.2 510.0 427.2 4500 513.5 440.0 514.4 440.7 511.4 438.2 4600 512.3 448.7 515.4 451.5 517.6 453.3 4700 523.3 468.3 519.4 464.8 526.2 470.9 4800 530.2 484.6 531.2 485.4 527.9 482.4 4900 528.6 493.2 529.7 494.2 527.1 491.8 5000 534.2 508.6 533.3 507.8 530.1 504.7 5100 530.9 515.5 531.4 516.1 532.9 517.5 5200 529.5 524.2 533.9 528.6 529.6 524.4 5300 524.1 528.9 528.1 532.9 526.9 531.7 5400 520.1 534.8 523.2 538.0 522.4 537.1 5500 519.2 543.7 523.2 547.9 517.8 542.2 5600 512.7 546.7 518.7 553.0 505.9 539.4 5700 498.7 541.3 511.1 554.7 503.7 546.7 5800 497.3 549.2 502.7 555.1 495.6 547.4 5900 494.1 555.0 493.6 554.4 492.8 553.6 6000 483.7 552.6 488.8 557.9 489.3 559.0

After describing the invention, it should be apparent that numerous structural modifications and adaptations can be made within the scope and exact intention of the present invention, as set forth above and as described below in the claims.

Claims (15)

1. Spark plug containing:
(a) a central electrode (12) comprising a proximal portion (16) and a distal portion (18), wherein the distal portion has a circular cross section with a longitudinal axis (20) and ends with a distal end (22);
(b) a plurality of side electrodes (14), each side electrode having a lower part (25) and an upper part (26) and having substantially identical shape and dimensions, with each upper part containing the farthest point (28), each the most distant point is located in the central plane (30), within which the longitudinal axis (20) of the distal part of the central electrode (12) is completely located, the cross section of each upper part (26), made along its central plane, limits the convex outer side and non-convex at morning side, each side comprising a convex outer curved surface (36) tangent to a plurality of tangential planes (38)
characterized in that the shape of the curved surface (36) of each convex outer side of the upper part (26) of each side electrode (14) is such that all tangent planes intersect the longitudinal axis (20) of the distal part (18) of the central electrode (12) at points located at or above the distal end (22) of the farthest point of the central electrode, with the inner side (23) of each side electrode (14) defining a flat section (37) near each farthest point (28). 2. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the diameter of the distal portion (18) of the central electrode (12) is from about 0.125 inches to about 0.265 inches. 3. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the central electrode (12) has a distal end (22), made in the form of a dome. 4. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the number of many side electrodes (14) is from about 3 to about 12 side electrodes. 5. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the lower part (25) of each side electrode (14) has a square cross section. 6. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the lower part (25) of each side electrode (14) has a rectangular cross section. 7. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the lower part (25) of each side electrode (14) has a generally oval cross-section. 8. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the lower part (25) of each side electrode (14) has a circular cross section. 9. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the lower part (25) of each side electrode (14) has a generally square cross section with rounded corners. 10. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the lower part (25) of each side electrode (14) has a generally rectangular cross section with rounded corners. 11. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the lower part (25) of each side electrode (14) has a generally triangular cross section with rounded corners. 12. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the upper part (26) of each side electrode (14) has the shape of an eccentric cone. 13. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the convex outer side (32) is smooth. 14. The spark plug according to item 13, where the convex outer side (32) forms an arc of a circle. 15. The spark plug according to claim 1, where the central electrode (12) is surrounded by an insulator (4), and the width of the longitudinal section of the distal end (22) of the central electrode (12) is essentially equal to the width of the longitudinal section of the farthest end of the insulator (40).

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