Internal-combustion engines – Igniters
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-09
2001-12-11
Argenbright, Tony M. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Igniters
C174S0720TR
Reexamination Certificate
active
06328010
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of internal combustion engines. More specifically, the present invention relates to ignition systems of internal combustion engines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An internal-combustion engine obtains its power from heat and pressure produced by the combustion of a fuel-air mixture inside a closed chamber or cylinder. A spark ignition internal combustion engine, i.e., a typical gasoline engine, uses a spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture. An ignition system of a spark ignition internal combustion engine typically includes a battery, a distributor, an ignition switch, primary and secondary wiring, spark plug wires, and spark plugs. The distributor distributes an igniting voltage to the spark plugs via the spark plug wires so that they fire in a definite sequence. The spark plugs are threaded into the cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal-combustion engine to ignite the fuel-air mixture by producing timed sparks between electrodes in response to the received igniting voltage.
The spark plug wires are typically routed around or over the exhaust manifold, or header, of the internal combustion engine. A wire loom or spark plug wire retaining clips may be used to route and retain the spark plug wires. In addition, heat shields may be used to insulate the spark plug wires from the heat produced by the internal combustion engine. In a typical gasoline powered internal-combustion engine, such as in a car, van, or truck, the spark plug wires are often subject to premature failure caused by heat fatigue from the heat produced at the exhaust manifold. The problem of heat fatigue may be exacerbated if the spark plug wires become disengaged from the wire loom and come into contact with the engine. Alternatively, or in addition to heat fatigue, if the spark plug wires are incorrectly routed or become disengaged from the wire loom or retaining clips, the spark plug wires could be cut or chafed, further leading to spark plug wire failure.
Unfortunately, failure of the spark plug wires delays or prevents the igniting voltage from reaching the spark plugs, necessitating the replacement of the failed spark plug wires. Consequently, failure of the spark plug wires leads to engine malfunction, inconvenience to the owner of vehicle, and undesirable repair costs.
The replacement of failed spark plug wires can present additional problems. In particular, spark plug wire routings must be kept intact during service and followed exactly when replacement of the wires becomes necessary. Failure to route the wires properly can lead to radio ignition noise and crossfiring of the spark plugs, or shorting of the spark plug leads to ground.
Another problem arise when installing the spark plug wire boots onto the spark plugs because it may be difficult to assure that the metal terminal within the boot is fully seated on the spark plug terminal and that the boot has not moved on the wire. If boot to wire movement has occurred, the boot may give a false impression of being fully seated, although good electrical contact has not been made between the spark plug wire and the spark plug. The aforementioned conditions result in the further need for troubleshooting to identify the installation problem, increases repair time, and increases repair costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that a spark plug wire harness for use with an ignition system of an internal combustion engine is provided.
It is another advantage of the present invention that a spark plug wire harness is provided that insulates the spark plug wires from the heat produced by the internal combustion engine.
It is yet another advantage of the present invention that the spark plug wire harness is readily removed and reinstalled with spark plug wire routings intact.
The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by a spark plug wire harness for use with an ignition system of an internal combustion engine. The spark plug wire harness includes a substantially rigid body, plug wire mounting posts coupled to an input end of the substantially rigid body, and terminals coupled to an output end of the substantially rigid body. Conductors are embedded in the substantially rigid body. Each of the conductors has a first end in electrical communication with one of the plug wire mounting posts and a second end in electrical communication with one of the terminals.
The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in another form by an assembly for providing voltage from a distributor to spark plugs in an ignition system of an internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a distributor cap configured to couple with the distributor in the ignition system, the distributor cap including conductive posts, and spark plug wires. Each of the spark plug wires has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to one of the conductive posts. The assembly further includes a spark plug wire harness. The spark plug wire harness includes a substantially rigid body. Plug wire mounting posts are coupled to an input end of the substantially rigid body, the distal end of each spark plug wire being coupled to one of the plug wire mounting posts. Terminals are coupled to an output end of the substantially rigid body, the terminals being configured to be placed in electrical communication with the spark plugs. Conductors are embedded in the substantially rigid body. The conductors have first ends in electrical communication with the plug wire mounting posts and second ends in electrical communication with the terminals.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2488096 (1949-11-01), Newman
patent: 3104658 (1963-09-01), Olsen
patent: 3339010 (1967-08-01), Brentrup
patent: 4756283 (1988-07-01), Kleinbohl
patent: 5046466 (1991-09-01), Lipski
Argenbright Tony M.
Gresham Lowell W.
Jacobsen Charlene R.
Meschkow & Gresham P.L.C.
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