A spark plug combustion ionization sensor for measuring ion current inside the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The sensor measures ion current which flows when the energy released during combustion ionizes the air inside the cylinder, and thus can detect combustion and emission parameters. The spark plug combustion ionization sensor generally includes an insulated, dedicated sensing electrode, separate from the sparking electrode of a spark plug. The sensing electrode may also be shielded to further reduce interference such as electromagnetic interference (EMI). The use of a dedicated electrode allows for ion current measurement with less electromagnetic noise from the ignition process, and also eliminates the need for circuitry that is typically necessary when the sparking electrode is also used to sense ion current.
G01N 27/70 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating the ionisation of gases, e.g. aerosolsInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electric discharges, e.g. emission of cathode using electric discharge to ionise a gas and measuring current or voltage
F02P 13/00 - Sparking plugs structurally combined with other parts of internal-combustion engines
H01T 13/41 - Sparking plugs structurally combined with other devices with interference suppressing or shielding means
H01T 13/38 - Selection of materials for insulation
H01T 13/32 - Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation characterised by features of the earthed electrode
H01T 13/46 - Sparking plugs having two or more spark gaps
A spark plug combustion ionization sensor for measuring ion current inside the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The sensor measures ion current which flows when the energy released during combustion ionizes the air inside the cylinder, and thus can detect combustion and emission parameters. The spark plug combustion ionization sensor generally includes an insulated, dedicated sensing electrode, separate from the sparking electrode of a spark plug. The sensing electrode may also be shielded to further reduce interference such as electromagnetic interference (EMI). The use of a dedicated electrode allows for ion current measurement with less electromagnetic noise from the ignition process, and also eliminates the need for circuitry that is typically necessary when the sparking electrode is also used to sense ion current.
F02P 13/00 - Sparking plugs structurally combined with other parts of internal-combustion engines
F02P 17/12 - Testing characteristics of the spark, ignition voltage or current
G01L 23/22 - Devices or apparatus for measuring or indicating or recording rapid changes, such as oscillations, in the pressure of steam, gas, or liquidIndicators for determining work or energy of steam, internal-combustion, or other fluid-pressure engines from the condition of the working fluid for detecting or indicating knocks in internal-combustion enginesUnits comprising pressure-sensitive members combined with ignitors for firing internal-combustion engines
H01T 13/06 - Covers forming a part of the plug and protecting it against adverse environment
H01T 13/08 - Mounting, fixing, or sealing of sparking plugs, e.g. in combustion chamber
H01T 13/22 - Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation having two or more electrodes embedded in insulation
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