초록 ▼

An ignition device of the plasma jet type is disclosed. The device has a cylindrical cavity formed in insulating material with an electrode at one end. The other end of the cylindrical cavity is closed by a metal plate with a small orifice in the center which plate serves as a second electrode. An a

An ignition device of the plasma jet type is disclosed. The device has a cylindrical cavity formed in insulating material with an electrode at one end. The other end of the cylindrical cavity is closed by a metal plate with a small orifice in the center which plate serves as a second electrode. An arc jumping between the first electrode and the orifice plate causes the formation of a highly-ionized plasma in the cavity which is ejected through the orifice into the engine cylinder area to ignite the main fuel mixture. Two improvements are disclosed to enhance the operation of the device and the length of the plasma plume. One improvement is a metal hydride ring which is inserted in the cavity next to the first electrode. During operation, the high temperature in the cavity and the highly excited nature of the plasma breaks down the metal hydride, liberating hydrogen which acts as an additional fuel to help plasma formation. A second improvement consists of a cavity insert containing a plurality of spaced, metal rings. The rings act as secondary spark gap electrodes reducing the voltage needed to maintain the initial arc in the cavity.

대표청구항 ▼

In a plasma jet ignition device having an insulating material with a plasma cavity formed therein, a first electrode having an end inserted into said cavity, an orifice plate having an orifice therein comprising one side of said cavity and means for causing an arc discharge to occur within said cavi

In a plasma jet ignition device having an insulating material with a plasma cavity formed therein, a first electrode having an end inserted into said cavity, an orifice plate having an orifice therein comprising one side of said cavity and means for causing an arc discharge to occur within said cavity between said first electrode and said orifice plate, the improvement comprising, a solid fuel pellet inserted into said cavity, said pellet being responsive to said arc discharge for releasing a gaseous fuel into said cavity.