Kenneth C Gould

US Patent:

6883509, Apr 26, 2005

Filed:

Jun 11, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/458632

Inventors:

David L. Porter - Westland MI, US
Garlan J. Huberts - Milford MI, US
Constantine Panagos - Saint Clair Shores MI, US
Guoming G. Zhu - Novi MI, US
Michael T. Nation - Ypsilanti MI, US
Bruce Wang - Troy MI, US
Kenneth L. Gould - Fayetteville GA, US
Kevin D. Moran - Trenton MI, US

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Van Buren Township MI

International Classification:

F02P003/06

US Classification:

123647, 123635, 123143 C, 324382

Abstract:

Internal combustion engine (ICE) on-plug ignition coils with transistor drivers located in powertrain control modules (PCM) or other remote locations are prone to high electrical and magnetic interference (EMI) emissions and are subject to interference from other components due to long connecting wires. Ionization detection circuits have even greater sensitivity to EMI because of their very low signal current levels (mioroampere). The present feature of the invention integrates both the coil driver transistor and ionization detection circuits into the on-plug ignition coil. By placing the circuit on top or on the side of the coil, the connection distance from the circuit to the secondary winding is minimized. Thus, the circuit is less susceptible to electrical and electromagnetic noise.

US Patent:

6922057, Jul 26, 2005

Filed:

Jun 11, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/458724

Inventors:

Guoming G. Zhu - Novi MI, US
Michael T. Nation - Ypsilanti MI, US
Bruce Wang - Troy MI, US
Kenneth L. Gould - Fayetteville GA, US
Garlan J. Huberts - Milford MI, US
Kevin D. Moran - Trenton MI, US

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Van Buren Township MI

International Classification:

F02P017/12

US Classification:

324382, 324402

Abstract:

A charge pump is used to supply current to the ionization detection circuit. To detect in-cylinder ions generated during the combustion process, a DC bias voltage needs to be applied. There are two ways to generate the DC bias: conventional DC power supply (large electronics) and capacitor charges by primary or secondary flyback voltage (high voltage capacitor). Typically, flyback voltage is used to charge the capacitor which supplies current to the ionization detection circuit. This necessitates the use of high voltage capacitors. Generally, ceramic capacitors are used. However, as temperature fluctuates, the board that the capacitor is mounted on can flex, causing the ceramic capacitor to crack. This invention proposes to use a high voltage charge pump to provide enough DC bias voltage for measuring ionization current. In a preferred embodiment, a model number M1C4827 EL driver is used in the charge pump circuit.

US Patent:

6951201, Oct 4, 2005

Filed:

Jun 11, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/458627

Inventors:

Guoming G. Zhu - Novi MI, US
Michael T. Nation - Ypsilanti MI, US
Bruce Wang - Troy MI, US
Kenneth L. Gould - Fayetteville GA, US
Kevin D. Moran - Trenton MI, US
Garlan J. Huberts - Milford MI, US

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Van Buren Township MI

International Classification:

F02P005/152
G01L023/22

US Classification:

12340627, 123630, 73 3508

Abstract:

In a first preferred embodiment, the present feature of the invention multiplexes both the ionization and driver current feedback signals into one signal, thus reducing cost and making coil packaging easier. The multiplexed signal first outputs the ionization detection signal and then replaces the ionization signal with the charge current feedback signal when the charge command Vis enabled. In other words, the multiplexed feedback signal outputs the ionization feedback signal and switches to the charge current feedback signal when the charge command Vis active. In a second preferred embodiment, the present feature of the invention comprises a method and apparatus to multiplex the ignition driver gate signal with both the ignition coil charge current feedback signal and the ionization signal, thus reducing the package pin count by two.

US Patent:

6954074, Oct 11, 2005

Filed:

Jun 11, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/458705

Inventors:

Guoming G. Zhu - Novi MI, US
Bruce Wang - Troy MI, US
Kenneth L. Gould - Fayetteville GA, US

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Van Buren Township MI

International Classification:

F02P017/00

US Classification:

324399, 324388

Abstract:

A circuit for measuring ionization current in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine including an ignition coil, having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and an ignition plug. The ignition plug ignites an air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber and produces an ignition current in response to ignition voltage from the ignition coil. A capacitor, charged by the ignition coil, provides a bias voltage producing an ionization current after ignition of the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. A current mirror circuit produces an isolated current signal proportional to the ionization current. In the present invention, the ignition current and the ionization current flow in the same direction through the secondary winding of the ignition coil. The charged capacitor operates as a power source and, thus, the ignition current flows from the charged capacitor through the current mirror circuit and the ignition coil to the ignition plug.

US Patent:

6998846, Feb 14, 2006

Filed:

Jun 11, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/458718

Inventors:

Chao F. Daniels - Ypsilanti MI, US
Guoming G. Zhu - Novi MI, US
Bruce Wang - Troy MI, US
Kenneth L. Gould - Fayetteville GA, US

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Van Buren Township MI

International Classification:

F02P 17/00
F02P 11/06

US Classification:

324399, 324388, 12340614

Abstract:

The present feature of the invention is generally directed to a subsystem of an ignition diagnostics and feedback control system using ionization current feedback. It utilizes the ionization signal from an ionization detection circuit to monitor ignition parameters, such as primary charge timing, primary charge duration, ignition/spark timing, and ignition/spark duration for future “smart” ignition system control. In addition, the ionization signal is also used to detect spark plug carbon fouling, as well as plug insulator overheating. These parameters can be monitored for every cylinder of the engine for each engine cycle.

US Patent:

7063079, Jun 20, 2006

Filed:

Jun 11, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/458492

Inventors:

Garlan J. Huberts - Milford MI, US
Michael T. Nation - Ypsilanti MI, US
Guoming G. Zhu - Novi MI, US
Kevin D. Moran - Trenton MI, US
Bruce Wang - Troy MI, US
Kenneth L. Gould - Fayetteville GA, US

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Van Buren Township MI

International Classification:

G01C 23/22

US Classification:

123630, 123652, 73 3508

Abstract:

Two embodiments of an integrated ionization detection circuit and ignition coil driver, an ASIC and a single electronic package, are disclosed. The apparatuses reduce the cost and complexity of an in-cylinder ionization detection system by combining like functionality into one ASIC or electronic module easing packaging constraints. In both embodiments, a current sink is used. The current sink removes noise in the form of voltage splices. The voltage spikes are high voltage, but of short duration. The current sink prevents these spikes from turning on the IGBT. However, the current sink allows the IGBT command signal to pass. This device also comprises a switch whereby ionization current and coil primary current are multiplexed.