The first component mimics surface gap spark plugs (like the type used in rotary engines) which directs the flame kernel to the piston (or rotor) more directly than traditional J-wire designs. This design was selected to reduce the travel time from the spark zone to the chamber containing the compressed gases. By opening the section at the top of the electrode, we avoid creating the "doughnut" shaped flame kernel produced by standard plugs. Given the short amount of time available to get combustion started, the faster you can direct the flame to the area above the piston, the better the burn.

Secondly, with retracted plug designs, the generated spark lies against the top of the combustion chamber surface. So, our engineers designed the E3 ground electrode to project farther forward into the combustion chamber. This brings the spark zone closer to areas of probable good air-fuel mixture. The outward projection also creates beneficial "micro-aerodynamics" within the spark zone. Since the initial combustion wave leaves the spark area at supersonic speeds, the elevated edge of the E3 electrode provides somewhat of a chimney effect as the next air-fuel mixture enters the spark zone.

Lastly, the strongest part of the E3 electrode design is our forced Edge-to-Edge spark discharge, which was proven to be the best way to direct a spark as it leaves the electrode's surface. Our design improved upon the phenomena that race car drivers used for years. They would "cut back" ordinary spark plug electrodes to improve the overall spark discharge. Since the spark itself occurs only when an avalanche of electrons migrates from the two electrodes (cathode to anode), sharp edges are better at initiating migrations, and accelerated electrons collide inside the spark zone.