Spark plug including magnetic field producing means for generating a variable length arc

摘要

A variable length arc magnetic spark plug includes a shell, a pair of electrodes that define a variable length air gap or diverging air gap therebetween, and at least one magnet that produces a magnetic field in the air gap separating the electrodes. The magnitude of an ignition signal supplied to the electrodes directly affects the force acting on the arc to move or position the arc relative to the magnetic field produced by the magnets in accordance with well known field principles. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of magnets produces a magnetic field in the diverging air gap. Less current is required to produce a larger or longer arc with the inclusion of the magnets in the vicinity of the air gap wherein the electrical arc is generated.