US 4,574,754 AGranted

Stratified charge combustion system and method for gaseous fuel internal combustion engines

OwnerWarren A. Rhoades, Jr.inventor

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Abstract

A stratified charge combustion system is disclosed for use in a gaseous fuel internal combustion engine. The stratified charge combustion system comprises a combustion chamber, an ignition source in communication with the combustion chamber, and a gaseous fuel injection valve assembly in communication with the combustion chamber and in spaced relationship from the ignition source. An entry port for the gaseous fuel defined by the valve assembly is recessed outside the combustion chamber, and a transitional surface that curves away from the direction of fuel injection is located adjacent the entry port. When gaseous fuel is injected, it strikes the transitional surface at such an angle and speed that it clings to and follows the transitional surface under the Coanda Effect and then aerodynamically clings to and follows a wall of the combustion chamber as the gaseous fuel flows to the ignition source.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A stratified charge combustion system for use in a gaseous fuel internal combustion engine comprising:

(a) a combustion chamber defined by the fixed inside surface of a cylindrical lining and the inside surfaces of opposed combustion chamber ends, at least one of the opposed ends being a piston positioned in the cylindrical lining to move reciprocatingly along the longitudinal axis of the lining;
(b) an ignition source mounted in the combustion chamber immediately adjacent a fixed inside surface;
(c) a gaseous fuel injection valve assembly in communication with the combustion chamber and in spaced relationship from the ignition source with a portion of the inside surfaces extending between the fuel injection valve assembly and the ignition source, the fuel valve assembly defining an entry port for the entrance of gaseous fuel, the entry port being recessed outside of a fixed inside surface, the entry port being sized and shaped to inject gaseous fuel in an arc of about 180.degree. or less around the axis of the fuel valve generally toward the ignition source;
(d) means for pressuring the gaseous fuel prior to injection;
and
(e) a curved transitional surface extending from the entry port toward the portion of the inside surfaces extending between the fuel injection valve assembly and the ignition source, the curved transitional surface curving away from the direction of the entry port, the curved transitional surface having a curvature for the particular direction and configuration of the entry port, for the particular configuration of the portion of the inside surfaces extending between the injection valve assembly and the ignition source, the particular arrangement of the fuel injection valve assembly in the combustion chamber, and for the particular pressure of the gaseous fuel to produce the Coanda Effect in the injected gaseous fuel flow after it passes through the entry port and follows the curved transitional surface under the Coanda Effect as the curved transitional surface curves away from the direction of the entry port, and also to produce a flow of the gaseous fuel that clings to and follows the particular configuration of the inside surfaces to the ignition source.

3 more elements

A method for producing stratified charge combustion in a gaseous fuel internal combustion engine, which has a combustion chamber defined by the fixed inside surface of a cylindrical lining and the inside surfaces of opposed combustion chamber ends, at least one of which is positioned in the cylindrical lining to move reciprocatingly along the longitudinal axis of the lining, an ignition source mounted in the combustion chamber immediately adjacent a fixed inside surface, and a gaseous fuel injection valve assembly in communication with the combustion chamber and in spaced relationship from the ignition source with a portion of the inside surfaces extending between the injection valve assembly and the ignition source, the fuel injection valve assembly defining an entry port, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) pressurizing the gaseous fuel prior to injection;
(b) providing a curved transitional surface that curves away from the direction of the entry port at a curvature for the particular direction and configuration of the entry port, for the particular configuration of the portion of the inside surfaces extending between the injection valve assembly and the ignition source, for the particular arrangement of the injection valve assembly in the combustion chamber, and for the particular pressure of the gaseous fuel;
(c) injecting the pressurized gaseous fuel at such an angle and speed that the gaseous fuel strikes the transitional surface and clings to and follows the transitional surface under the Coanda Effect, and then aerodynamically clings to and follows the portion of the inside surfaces extending between the injection valve assembly and the ignition source as the gaseous fuel flows to the ignition source;
and
(d) igniting the air/fuel mixture adjacent the ignition source.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 06/659,679Filed 11 Oct 1984 · continuation in part
Priority: 16 Aug 1982
Granted: 11 Mar 1986
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification12 codes

F02M 21/0275
Injectors: for in-cylinder direct injection, e.g. injector combined with spark plug
F02B 17/005
Engines characterised by means for effecting stratification of charge in cylinders: having direct injection in the combustion chamber
F02M 21/0269
Lift valves, i.e. stem operated valves: outwardly opening valves, e.g. poppet valves
F02M 21/0281
Injectors: adapters, sockets or the like to mount injection valves onto engines; Fuel guiding passages between injectors and the air intake system…