Enhanced combustion for spark ignition engine using electromagnetic energy coupling
AssigneeSouthwest Research Institute
InventorsJess W. Gingrich, Terrence F. Alger, II, Charles E. Roberts, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of improving the combustion of a spark-ignition internal combustion engine. Such engines have at least one cylinder, each cylinder having a compression chamber and operated such that an air-fuel mixture introduced into the combustion chamber is ignited to cause a combustion event. An antenna is placed within the combustion chamber, and is used to apply electromagnetic energy to the combustion.
Claims17
A method of improving the combustion of a spark ignition engine, the engine having at least one cylinder, each cylinder having a combustion chamber and a piston that reciprocates within the combustion chamber, comprising:
- locating an antenna within the combustion chamber;
- providing an air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber;
- igniting the air-fuel mixture with an igniter, such that a combustion event occurs;
- delivering an electromagnetic signal to the antenna;
- wherein the antenna applies electromagnetic energy into the combustion chamber near the time of the combustion event;
- adjusting, during the combustion event, the frequency of the electromagnetic energy in response to changing dimensions of the combustion chamber as the piston moves with the combustion chamber.
A piston cylinder for use in a spark-ignition engine in which an igniter is used to ignite an air-fuel mixture resulting in a combustion event, comprising:
- a combustion chamber;
- a piston operable to move reciprocally within the combustion chamber;
- at least one intake valve;
- at least one exhaust valve;
- an antenna located within the combustion chamber;
- electromagnetic generator located outside the combustion chamber, in electrical connection with the antenna, and operable to deliver an electromagnetic signal to the antenna;
- wherein the antenna is operable to radiate electromagnetic energy into the combustion chamber near the time of the combustion event;
- wherein the electromagnetic generator is programmed to adjust, during the combustion event, the frequency of the electromagnetic energy in response to changing dimensions of the combustion chamber as the piston moves with the combustion chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.