US 5,463,267 A · Spark plug with automatically adjustable gap

Abstract

In spark ignited engine configurations, it is common to provide a spark plug that has a spark gap that has dimension that will accommodate good starting capabilities for the engine. In some cases, this spark gap is larger than required for the engine to run efficiently, especially at high loads. As a result, the voltage required to bridge the gap when the engine is running at high loads is much higher than necessary and causes erosion of the electrode and a build up of deposits on the ground strap. Ultimately, this greatly reduces the life of the spark plug. The present invention provides a spark plug that utilizes an adjusting means that is connected to the electrode of the spark plug and functions to move the electrode with respect to the ground strap to adjust the gap therebetween. The adjusting means is responsive to the temperature of the spark plug which will vary with engine loads or an increase in pressure within the combustion chamber.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A spark plug assembly adapted for use with an internal combustion engine, comprising:

an outer shell defining a ground member;
an insulator member secured within the outer shell;
an electrode member secured within the insulator member in a manner wherein a first end portion of the electrode extends from the insulator to a position that is adjacent the ground member to define a gap therebetween;
and
means for adjusting the dimension of the gap between the electrode and the ground member, said adjusting means being adapted to move the electrode in a linear direction with respect to the insulator toward and away from the ground member in response to the operation of the engine.

2 more elements

A spark plug assembly adapted for use with an internal combustion engine, comprising:

an outer shell having a centrally disposed bore and a ground member extending from one end thereof;
an insulator member having a first and second end portion and a centrally disposed bore and being positioned within said outer shell;
an electrode member having a first end portion and a second end portion and being positioned within the central bore of the insulator member in a manner wherein the first end portion of the electrode extends beyond the first end portion of the insulator to a position adjacent said ground member;
and
means for adjusting the position of the first end portion of the electrode in a linear direction with respect to the insulator to move the first end portion of the electrode toward and away from the ground member in response to the operating temperature of the spark plug assembly.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Spark plug with automatically adjustable gap

Life of this patent

Spark plug with automatically adjustable gap

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16