Systems and methods for adjustable pre-chamber
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsThomas Leone, Michael Damian Czekala
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for an engine, including an engine cylinder coupled to a cylinder head, and a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber includes a first end proximal to the cylinder head, a spark gap, and pre-chamber walls enclosing an internal volume including a dead volume. The dead volume includes all of the internal volume positioned between the first end and the spark gap. A moveable element is positioned in the internal volume and fluidly coupled to the dead volume, wherein moving the moveable element changes a ratio of the dead volume to the internal volume. In this way, combustion conditions may be enhanced at a plurality of engine conditions.
Claims20
An engine, including an engine cylinder coupled to a cylinder head, and a pre-chamber, the pre-chamber comprising:
- a first end proximal to the cylinder head,
- a spark gap,
- pre-chamber walls enclosing an internal volume including a dead volume, the dead volume including all of the internal volume positioned between the first end and the spark gap, and
- a moveable element positioned in the internal volume and fluidly coupled to the dead volume, wherein moving the moveable element changes a ratio of the dead volume to the internal volume.
A method for an engine, the engine including an engine cylinder, a cylinder head, and a pre-chamber, the method comprising:
- enclosing an internal volume of the pre-chamber with pre-chamber walls,
- positioning a spark gap in the internal volume, the internal volume including a dead volume, the dead volume including all of the internal volume positioned between a first end of the pre-chamber and the spark gap, the first end of the pre-chamber proximal to the cylinder head,
- positioning a moveable element in the internal volume, wherein the moveable element is fluidly coupled to the dead volume,
- and
- varying the dead volume, including varying a ratio of the dead volume to the internal volume, by moving the moveable element.
An engine system, comprising:
- an engine including an engine cylinder with a cylinder head and a pre-chamber, the pre-chamber including,
- a first end proximal to the cylinder head,
- a spark gap,
- pre-chamber walls enclosing an internal volume including a dead volume, the dead volume including all of the internal volume positioned between the first end and the spark gap,
- a moveable element positioned in the internal volume and fluidly coupled to the dead volume, wherein moving the moveable element changes a ratio of the dead volume to the internal volume, and
- a controller, including executable instructions stored in non-transitory memory thereon to move the moveable element in response to a change in engine operating conditions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.