A Dual Action Ignition System Provides Greater Ignition Power for Improved Engine Design Including Direct Fuel Injection

Greater igniter power is provided for improved ignition by combining two ignition systems. A low voltage high current system is connected to a modified Kettering high voltage system.

The Kettering system initiates arcing. When the arcing is established, high voltage is not required to maintain the arc. The high current system increases the current and arcing of the spark plug. This is in contrast to conventional state of the art where ignition power is limited by high voltage arc over.

Two separate designs are shown. One using this ignition system but otherwise a conventional spark ignited engine. The other is for a direct fuel injected engine where the spark plug electrodes get so hot as to result in ignition accomplished by fuel contacting the electrodes.

The increased energy that the spark plugs must withstand requires their redesign which is discussed in the text.