Patent ID: 8994256
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: H01T

Abstract:
1. An igniter for an internal combustion engine, the igniter comprising: a center electrode; an insulator disposed about the center electrode; a ground shield disposed about the insulator, the insulator having a tip portion extending past an end portion of the ground shield and a tip portion of the center electrode extending through and away from the tip portion of the insulator; a cap secured to the center electrode, wherein the cap includes (a) a first wall that includes a first outer surface and which extends radially past a distal end of the tip portion of the center electrode; and (b) a second wall that includes a second outer surface, the entirety of which extends from and is disposed at an angle with respect to the first outer surface of the first wall, wherein the second wall extends axially past and covers the distal end of the tip portion of the center electrode and a distal end of the tip portion of the insulator, and wherein the second surface and the second wall form a peripheral edge that forms a continuous annular rim; and a spark gap disposed between the peripheral edge of the cap and the end portion of the ground shield, wherein the peripheral edge of the cap is spaced away from a surface of the tip portion of the insulator.