Super Sonic Spark Plug™
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U.S. Patent #5,610,470
Sonic Spark™, LLC
747 Sheridan Blvd., Unit 3B
Lakewood, Colorado 80214
Toll-Free: 1-888-473-9827
Local: (303) 936-2085
Fax: (303) 936-1416
Features | Fuel Computers | Inventor | Racing | Order | Credentials
The Super Sonic Spark Plug™ is protected under U.S. patent #5,610,470. For the complete patent text downloaded via U.S. Patent Office web site, click here.
This product is a spark plug having a base with a bottom end portion adapted to be received and retained by a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. An insulator retains a central electrode within the base with a combustion chamber end of the electrode extending into a combustion chamber of the engine when the plug is installed in the cylinder head. The central electrode combustion chamber end includes a combustion chamber end face with a hole having the physical characteristics of an acoustically tuned pipe with an open and a closed end formed in its surface. A ground electrode is attached to the base and defines a spark gap between its inner surface and the central electrode face. The ground electrode has a hole passing through it which has the physical characteristics of an acoustically tuned pipe with two open ends.
Technical Field
This invention relates to spark plugs for generating an electrical spark to initiate the combustion process in internal combustion type engines. More particularly, this invention relates to such spark plugs used in reciprocating, piston driven engines such as those commonly employed to power vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, boats, light aircraft and the like.
Background of the Invention
Spark plugs have long been used to provide an electrical spark to initiate combustion in the combustion chambers of internal combustion engines. Most commonly, spark plugs of the prior art have been utilized in reciprocating piston gasoline fueled engines such as those commonly used to power passenger cars. Generally, these plugs have a lower portion which includes a base with external threads which engage inner threads of a receptacle port in the engine head such that, when the plug is in place, the base of the plug is in a combustion chamber of the engine at a location generally opposing the face of a piston. Typically, these plugs have a ground electrode at the bottom of the base and a central electrode extending from an insulated jacket above and opposing the ground electrode. A high voltage is applied to the electrode generally, just before the piston is in the top-dead-center position before the power stroke to initiate combustion of a compressed fuel air mixture provided in the combustion chamber.
The physical principle of the present invention may be modeled by well known mathematical formulas for the fundamental and resonant vibrations of organ pipes. The fundamental and resonant frequencies of vibration for a through hole in a base electrode may be found from formulas for the fundamental and harmonic frequencies of vibration of a pipe open at both ends:
f = n V / 21
Where:
f.ident.frequency in cycles per second
V.ident.velocity of sound in feet/second
l.ident.length of pipe in feet
n.ident.an integer and n.gtoreq.1.
This formula shows that the resonant frequencies are odd and even harmonics of a fundamental frequency.
As an example which is directly applicable to a through hole of this invention, assuming that:
a. the velocity of sound in the burning gas in the combustion cylinder is 1300 ft/sec;
b. the length of through hole 21 in "L" shaped ground electrode 20 of spark plug assembly 11 of FIG. 1 is 0.00517 ft.(0.062 in.); and,
c. the value of n=1 (for the fundamental frequency):
the fundamental frequency of a through hole may be estimated to be about
f.sub.1 =(1.times.1300 ft/sec)/(2.times.0.00517 ft)
f.sub.1 =125,725.3 Hertz ,or,
f.sub.1 =125 Kilo Hertz.
The harmonic frequencies of the through hole are then n.times.125. Kilo Hertz where n1: ##EQU1##
The fundamental and resonant frequencies of vibration for a closed bottom hole in a central electrode may found from formulas for the fundamental and harmonic frequencies of vibration of a pipe closed at one end and open at the other end:
f = n V / 41
Where:
f.ident.frequency in cycles per second
v.ident.velocity of sound in feet/second
l.ident.length of pipe in feet
n.ident.an odd integer and n.gtoreq.1.
This formula shows that the resonant frequencies are odd harmonics of a fundamental frequency.
As an example which is directly applicable to a central electrode hole of this invention, assuming that:
a. the velocity of sound in the burning gas in the combustion cylinder is 1300 ft/sec;
b. the depth of hole 27 of center electrode 19 of spark plug assembly 11 of FIG. 1 is 0.00208 ft. (0.025 in.); and,
c. the value of n=1(for the fundamental frequency):
the fundamental frequency may be estimated as about
f.sub.1 =(1.times.1300 ft/sec)/(4.times.0.00208 ft)
f.sub.1= 156 Kilo Hertz.
The harmonic frequencies are then n.times.156. Kilo Hertz where n is an odd integer 1: ##EQU2##
While exemplary spark plugs comprising specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments and various modifications within the spirit of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. For example, a through hole in a ground electrode may have a longitudinal axis which is not normal to a longitudinal axis of the ground electrode and may be of a diameter different from that of a hole in the central electrode. It is, therefore, contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modification which incorporates the essential features of this invention or which encompasses the spirit and scope of the invention.
Factors That Affect Ignition and Power
The Fuel Computer System is a finely tuned ignition system. However, its optimum performance is very dependent on the following:
a. Spark Plug Manufacturer's specifications, including heat range, type, and gap.
b. Use of specified fuel grade.
c. All components of the Computer Control, with intermediate and engine accessory components of good working order, and particularly the fuel injector, oxygen sensor, and computer calibration.
With all of the above in good working order, the performance can be seriously affected by bad fuel. Particularly, the so-called "Oxygenated Fuels" upset the whole equation of performance.
The "Oxygenated Fuels" have a higher sparking resistance, lower energy values, and a slower burn rate. Specifically, the sparking resistance is critical for good engine performance. Fuels are insulators, not ideal electrical conductors. It takes a very high voltage to ignite the fuel and start combustion. With acceleration under heavy load, your engine's cylinders are delivered a rich mixture with high sparking resistance, possible cause for a misfire.
Because of "Oxygenated Fuel" mandates, Sonic Spark recommends shorter spark gaps; and with older ignition systems, a higher voltage energy system should be considered – especially if the engine is pulling heavy loads.
Sonic Spark, LLC™ pre=sets all Sonic Spark Plugs™ with shorter gaps to compensate the effect of "Oxygenated Fuels." In addition, the Ultra Sound flame accelerates the burn which remedies the negative effect of these fuel additives.
Understanding the Fuel Computer Control System
The Fuel Computer Control System, as well as older carburetor systems, are basically dependent on the critical step of properly timed fuel ignitions with spark plugs. In order to obtain maximum power, the burn reation of oxygen with fuel must, following ignition, be completed in a very short period – as the piston moves back to top dead center position. The development of maximum power is primarily affected by low flame propagation, since typical spark plugs produce an inefficient and slow flame nugget. Sonic Spark's™ smart plugs produce a high velocity, rotating frontal ultra sound flame which harmonically shatter the fuel-air mixture's microscopic vaporized droplets. This electro-acoustic atomization accelerates the burn reaction, making your engine cleaner and more efficient. Emissions are lowered, engines start up quicker, run smoother, get more power, and enjoy better mileage.
1. Driver sends the throttle signal to the COMPUTER MANAGER.
2. COMPUTER MANAGER sends a fuel control signal to the THROTTLE BODY FUEL INJECTOR.
3. COMPUTER MANAGER controls the ignition timing and spark firing in the ENGINE.
4. THROTTLE BODY FUEL INJECTOR provides the air/fuel mixture to the ENGINE cylinders.
5. ENGINE running signals are sent to the COMPUTER MANAGER for adjusting of the fuel ignition signals.
6. Hot exhaust gas is temperature measured by the OXYGEN SENSOR (Thermostat) for the fuel adjustment signals.
7a. If the Hot exhaust gas is too cold, the fuel adjustment signal is balanced.
b. If too hot, the fuel adjustment signal calls to decrease fuel.
c. If the hot exhaust temperature is correct, the fuel adjustment signal is balanced.
8. ROAD LOAD affects the engine speed, which will vary the engine running signals to the COMPUTER MANAGER to adjust (2) fuel control signal, and (3) ignition timing.
9. Under proper combustion, with the computer manager in balanced adjustment, the EXHAUST gases are: Water (H20), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and Nitrogen (N2).
Test
Date
Standard
Plugs
Sonic
Spark
Net
Gain
Sonic Spark Plugs™ were originally developed exclusively for professional race cars.
At left are Water Load Dynamometer results for race car engines, taken @ 4,000 RPM with no engine adjustments.
1-20-94
194.6 BHP
247.3 BHP
52.7 BHP
1-07-95
270.0 BHP
280.8 BHP
10.8 BHP
160 lbs.
fuel/hr.
110 lbs.
fuel/hr.
Invention Patent Disclosures
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved spark plug which will improve the combustion efficiency of reciprocating piston internal combustion engines in which it is installed.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved spark plug which will reduce polluting emissions from internal combustion engines in which it is installed.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved spark plug which is easy to fabricate and inexpensive to manufacture.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved spark plug assembly which will promote more complete combustion in internal combustion engines in which it is installed, improving the economy and performance of the engine, and providing improved reliability of operation.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved spark plug that generates a cleaning action during the combustion process which to reduce the accumulation of carbon and fuel deposits and thereby increase the efficiency and life of the engine.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved spark plug which provides improved starting performance in unfavorable environmental conditions such as extreme cold and extreme heat.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved spark plug that is self cleaning, and does not have a tendency to foul.
An additional object of the invention is to provide an improved spark plug that will increase the power output of an engine in which it is installed.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved spark plug assembly which will promote smooth and quiet engine performance.
A spark plug comprising an embodiment of the present invention includes a base having a bottom end portion adapted to be received and retained by the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. An insulator retains a first electrode with a combustion chamber end extending into a combustion chamber of the engine when the plug is received and retained by the cylinder head. A second electrode is attached to the base end in set apart relation to the combustion chamber end of the first electrode to define a spark gap therebetween within the combustion chamber. The second electrode includes an inner surface defining a hole passing through it. In a preferred embodiment a surface of a face of the combustion chamber end of the first electrode defines a hole with a bottom such that the combustion chamber end face hole and the second electrode hole have a common axis. A spark plug comprising the invention may be fabricated by forming a hole in the base ground electrode and the face of the central electrode of a conventional prior art spark plug.
About the Inventor of Sonic Spark Plugs™
David Wofsey is an erstwhile scientist for Martin Marietta (now called Lockheed Martin – the world's largest defense contractor), where he earned a Purple Martin scientific achievement award for his work on the Titan Missile; Wofsey is believed to be the only individual (non-team) recipient. Previously, he worked in the field of acoustics. David Wofsey is also president of the Citizen's Rapid Transit Committee of Denver, a private think-tank.
Sonic Spark inventor David Wofsey is available for professional engineering consultation.
Please visit his Scientific Credentials page.
Sonic Spark / David Wofsey
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1-888-473-9827
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Under Construction / Last Updated May 7, 1999
Copyright © 1999