Patent ID: 6586865
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: H01T

Abstract:
A spark plug for igniting a fuel mixture within a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, the plug comprising:a housing formed of electrically-conductive material; a central electrode having an end surface; a ground terminal coupled to said housing having a ground electrode, the ground electrode being disposed in a first position, at a first temperature, opposing said end surface to form a gap therebetween and wherein the ground terminal is configured to deflect such that the ground electrode moves away from said end surface in response to an increase in temperature to a second temperature greater than said first temperature to thereby increase the gap, wherein the ground terminal comprises a first member having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second member having a second coefficient of thermal expansion different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion, said first and second member being arranged in a bimetallic arrangement configured to cause said deflection responsive to said increase in temperature.