Patent ID: 7401603
Filing Date: 2008-07-22
Classification: F02P

Abstract:
1. In a capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a storage capacitor; a power supply connected in series with the storage capacitor; an ignition transformer having primary and secondary windings; and a controllable switch; the primary winding of the ignition transformer and the storage capacitor being connected in series through the controllable switch; a spark plug connected in series with the secondary winding of the ignition transformer; the improvement comprising an electronic control circuit for driving the controllable switch which is operating in synchronism with the engine such that the switch is initially closed for a period of time to transfer energy to the ignition coil primary, that after this time, the switch is then opened for a second period of time and then the switch is again closed creating a pulse train, such that the switch is controlled by a successive string of control pulses to the switch, each of the individual pulse times having a duration and spacing as determined by the control circuit, these pulses being arranged in time to occur when it is possible to reinforce the ringing action of the ignition transformer secondary voltage resulting from the previous primary pulses, such that the open circuit breakdown voltage capability of the ignition transformer is increased.