摘要 |
An ignition and diagnostic system ( 10 ) for an internal combustion engine includes a sparking device ( 12 ) through which a low voltage diagnostic device ( 54 ) monitors a sensing feature, for example spark gap ( 30 ) conditions, during spark intervals and returns diagnostic feedback to an engine control module ( 56 ). A coil ( 44 ) is electrically operatively connected to the sparking device ( 12 ) through a lead wire ( 48 ). The lead wire ( 48 ) can be removed and reinstalled with respect to the sparking device ( 12 ) via a flexor joint ( 60 ) for installation and maintenance. The flexor joint ( 60 ) enables positive electrical contact during operation so that low voltage signals from the diagnostic device ( 54 ) are maintained even during severe vibration conditions. The flexor joint ( 60 ) includes in one embodiment a compression spring ( 62 ) which is fully compressed or over-compressed. In another embodiment, the flexor joint ( 60 ) comprises a tubular sleeve ( 64, 64 ') having cantilevered upper tangs ( 70, 70 ') which resiliently engage the lead wire ( 48 ), and lower tangs ( 76 ) which similarly engage the center wire ( 32 ) of the sparking device ( 12 ) in a resilient manner.
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