Air/fuel ratio detector

Patent · Tue Mar 25 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5901680

Yamada, T; Hirate, S

This patent describes an A/F detector. This detector consists of: a solid electrolyte oxygen pump element having porous electrodes formed on both sides of an oxygen-ion-conductive solid electrolyte and a solid-electrolyte oxygen-concentration-difference-actuated electrochemical cell sensor element disposed to face the pump element with a small gap therebetween. This element has two pairs of porous electrodes formed on an oxygen-ion-conductive solid electrolyte with the electrodes of each pair being disposed on opposite sides of the electrolyte. The small gap communicates with ambient gases. Means defining an air compartment open to the atmosphere on that side of at least the electrochemical cell sensor element of the two elements opposite the small gap. Means for applying a first current are between one of the electrodes of one of the two pairs and the electrodes of the pump element. The first current is directed so that the oxygen is supplied into the small gap. Means for applying a second current are between one of the electrodes of the one of the two pairs and the electrodes of the pump element other than the electrodes to which the first current is applied. The second current is directed so that the oxygen is pumped out from the small gap. One of an electromotive force is generated by the other pair of electrodes of the electrochemical cell sensor element and the second current and the first current provide an output signal for A/F ratio detection.

• Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
• Patent Number(s): US 4578171
• OSTI ID: 5901680
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250903* -- Energy Storage-- Batteries-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
CONTROL SYSTEMS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
ELECTROLYTES
ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE
ELEMENTS
FLUID FLOW
FUEL-AIR RATIO
GAS FLOW
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
METERS
NONMETALS
OXYGEN
OXYGEN METERS
POROSITY
PUMPS
SIGNALS
SOLID ELECTROLYTES