A versatile rapid pulsing multiple pulse ignition controller (17) used in conjunction with an converter power supply (13) with a voltage sensor/controller (16) and with an ignition coil (3) and energy capacitor (4) comprising an ignition system providing rapid firing multiple ignition sparks at high converter power supply efficiency; which ignition system is suitable for installation on existing automobile engines and other internal combustion engines including diesel engines. The ignition is powered by an converter (13) working as a gated oscillator driving a power amplifier which is turned off by voltage level sensor/controller (16) when the converter output (14a) reaches a preset value or ground potential, as when an ignition pulse is occurring, giving converter (13) the highest possible efficiency and minimum power dissipation. Controlled ignition firing and multiple pulsing is provided by a multiple pulse controller (17) connected to breaker points or other electronic trigger (18). The ignition controller (17) includes a universal input trigger converter (19) for detecting and shaping the input trigger and providing the initial timing trigger for the spark pulse, a gate pulse width control (20) for providing the pulse train width and varying it with RPM, and a gated clock oscillator (21) for providing the pulse rate. When multiple pulse controller (17) is used in conjunction with power converter (13), voltage sensor (16), and an ignition coil (3) and capacitor (4), a practical, easily installed, low cost, ultra-high efficiency "rapid pulsing" ignition system is provided, capable of producing ignition of lean mixtures for substantially reduced exhaust emissions and increased engine efficiency.

Rapid pulsed multiple pulse ignition and high efficiency power inverter with controlled output characteristics

An LCDI-type ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes first and second capacitors connected to an ignition coil and a voltage source for generating a charging voltage for the capacitors. The first capacitor is for producing an initial discharge of a spark plug, and the second capacitor is for lengthening the discharge of the spark plug after discharge has been initiated by the first capacitor. In one form of the invention, the second capacitor is charged only after the first capacitor has been charged by the voltage source to a prescribed voltage sufficient to produce a suitable discharge of the spark plug. As a result, even when the engine is operating at a high rotational speed and the time between consecutive firings of the engine is small, an adequate ignition voltage can be obtained. In another form of the invention, the charging voltage(s) of one or both of the capacitors is or are varied in accordance with the one or more engine operating conditions. Each charging voltage can be controlled to the minimum necessary value based on the present engine operating conditions.

Ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine

An apparatus for controllably generating sparks is provided. The apparatus includes a spark generating device; at least two output stages connected to the spark generating device; means for charging energy storage devices in the output stages and at least partially isolating each of the energy storage devices from the energy storage devices of the other output stages; and, a logic circuit for selectively triggering the output stages to generate a spark. Each of the output stages preferably includes: (1) an energy storage device to store the energy; (2) a controlled switch for selectively discharging the energy storage device; and (3) a network for transferring the energy discharged by the energy storage device to the spark generating device. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the logic circuit, which is connected to the controlled switches of the output stages, can be configured to fire the stages at different times, in different orders, and/or in different combinations to provide the spark generating device with output pulses having substantially any desired waveshape and energy level to thereby produce a spark having substantially any desired energy level and plume shape at the spark generating device to suit any application.

Method and apparatus for controllably generating sparks in an ignition system or the like

An automotive ignition system including an ignition capacitor electrically connected to a primary winding of a ignition transformer for providing energy to a spark plug which is connected to a second winding of the ignition transformer is disclosed. A charge circuit charges the ignition capacitor from a DC-DC voltage converter and includes an inductor and a thyristor. A discharge circuit discharges the ignition capacitor to the primary winding, and a control circuit operates the charge circuit and the discharge circuit in proper timed sequence during a demanded firing duration.

Automotive ignition systems

A high power high energy distributorless ignition system for multicylinder internal combustion engines using a single energy storage capacitor (4), a single leakage resonating inductor (20) with a switch SS partially or entirely across it, and one or more coils Ti with bi-directional switches Si and with single or double hith voltage outputs, the system defining a compact coil assembly powered by a resonant converter power supply (12), the ignition power delivery controlled by means of circuitry based on a robust gate (17), an oscillator (19), and steering circuitry (21).

Distributorless capacitive discharge ignition system

An ignition system for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine eliminates high-voltage cables and a mechanical distributor in order to reduce electrical power losses due to joule effect caused mainly by the high voltage circuit, comprises a plurality of ignition coils and plugs, one provided for each cylinder, a distribution unit for distributing advance-angle control signals into the respective cylinders, and a booster for boosting the supply voltage in order to reduce the size of the ignition coil, in addition to the conventional ignition system. Furthermore, the ignition coil can be built integrally with the ignition plug for eliminating high-voltage cables connected between coil and plug.

Meroki Nakai

Papers

Ignition system for an internal combustion engine