A history of ignition types

[C5Performance]

IGNITION SYSTEM HISTORY
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To understand modern ignitions, it might be helpful to look back and see how we got to this point.
There have been four basic ignition designs which consist of the Flame and Hot Tube, Magneto, Battery, and Computerized.

Flame ignition used an open flame source that was momentarily exposed to the cylinder using a valve, which triggered ignition of the fuel. The Hot Tube design improved this process by introducing super heated air surrounding a closed chamber. As the piston rose, compression increased and eventually the air/fuel mixture ignited. The length of the chamber and temperature of the surrounding air determined the “timing” of the cylinder combustion.

FLAME TUBE IGNITION

• C5Performance
• Jul 18, 2013

The first “spark plug” was invented in 1839 and by 1883 Siegfried Marcus patented an ignition that used a small generator to produce spark via magnets...and the Magneto ignition became the new standard. This introduced the Coil, Trembler, and Sparkplug into our lives. Magnetos improved consistency of the combustion by producing a strong controlled spark, although they cannot be advanced or retarded like a modern ignition. Mags are still used today for racing.

magneto09121401

• C5Performance
• Jul 18, 2013

In 1908 a man named Charles Kettering was hired by GM to produce 8,000 new ignition systems for the upcoming 1910 Cadillac cars. This radically new ignition combined four induction coils into one armored and vibration resistant case, and reduced the four “tremblers” into one contact point, adding a condenser to draw excess current away from the points to extend their life.
This was to change the industry for the next 70 years and led to Mr. Kettering to create the Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co = DELCO.

points plate

• C5Performance
• Jul 18, 2013

The quest for stronger spark, cooler coils, longer lasting points, and less maintenance brought modern electronic ignitions into our lives. They eliminate breaker points, come sealed from moisture, have options for tuning, and are simple to install.

Today ignition manufacturers work hard to produce reliable and powerful ignitions that work with modern fuels. Timing accuracy and engine efficiency have become the focus. We moved from open flames and heat tubes to ticklers and breaker points. Today we use Hall Effect (magnetic) and Optical (light beam) triggers.

What will the future bring us for new technology?