Fueling a precombustion chamber by spray from

Abstract

An engine includes an engine block (102) having a cylinder (101), a piston (105) movably disposed in a main chamber (103) of the cylinder (101), a pre-chamber (117) adjoining and in fluid communication with the main chamber (103) via a pre-chamber nozzle (202), and a fuel injector (107) in fluid communication with the main chamber (103), wherein the fuel injector has a spray nozzle (302) engaged with the main chamber (103). The fuel injector (107) and the pre-chamber (117) are aligned such that a first one of the spray nozzles (302) is directed toward the pre-chamber nozzle (202).

Description

Background Art

[0001] An internal combustion engine generally operates by burning a fuel mixture within a combustion chamber, where the combustion forces one or more components in the engine to move. A typical internal combustion engine may include multiple cylinders defining combustion chambers within an engine block, where the combustion within the cylinders moves internal pistons, which in turn move the engine's crankshaft. The fuel mixture may be introduced into the combustion chamber through an inlet and burned.

[0002] Combustion within the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine can be generated using different mechanisms, such as using high pressure and high temperature conditions or using an ignition device. The common ignition device provided requires generating a continuous ignition source or spark so that combustion is created by generating a spark from the air and fuel mixture within the combustion chamber of the engine. Conventionally, the spark is created by energizing a copper ignition rod and placing the energized ignition rod within a set distance from a grounded nickel or iridium plate, where the electrical difference between the energized ignition rod and the grounded plate creates a continuous spark. Alternatively, part of the air and fuel mixture can be ignited in a pre-combustion chamber, where the air and fuel mixture is ignited and the resulting combustion reaction is released into the main combustion chamber to ignite the remainder of the air and fuel mixture. After combustion within the combustion chamber, the combustion products can be discharged from the combustion chamber outlet as exhaust gas. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to an engine comprising an engine block having a cylinder, a piston movably disposed in a main chamber of the cylinder, a pre-combustion chamber adjacent to the main chamber and fluidically connected to the main chamber via a nozzle, and a fuel injector fluidically connected to the main chamber, wherein the fuel injector has a spray nozzle engaged with the main chamber, and wherein the fuel injector and the pre-combustion chamber are aligned such that a first nozzle of the spray nozzles is directed toward a nozzle of the pre-combustion chamber.

[0005] In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a pre-chamber injection method, comprising providing an engine having an engine block with at least one cylinder, a piston movably disposed in a main chamber of the cylinder, a pre-chamber adjacent to and in fluid communication with the main chamber via a pre-chamber nozzle, and a fuel injector having a spray nozzle engaged with the main chamber of the cylinder. The method may further comprise spraying fuel from a first nozzle of the spray nozzle in a first direction toward the pre-chamber nozzle such that a first amount of fuel enters the pre-chamber nozzle. While the fuel is being sprayed from the first nozzle, the fuel may also be sprayed from a second nozzle of the spray nozzle into the main chamber in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0006] Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Specific embodiments of the disclosed technology will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For consistency, similar elements in the various figures are represented by similar reference numerals. The sizes and relative positions of the elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, angles and the shapes of various elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve the legibility of the drawings. Furthermore, the specific shapes of the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily intended to convey any information about the actual shape of the specific elements and are selected solely for ease of identification in the drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 A combustion system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2 A combustion system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3A-3B A pre-chamber and fuel injection alignment are shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4 An engine timing diagram is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 5 An engine timing diagram is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 6 An engine timing diagram is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0014] Figure 7 A computer system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0015] Figure 8 A flow chart illustrating a method according to one or more embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, many specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0017] Throughout this application, ordinal numbers (such as first, second, third, etc.) can be used as adjectives for elements (i.e., any noun in this application). The use of ordinal numbers does not imply or create any particular ordering of elements, nor does it limit any element to a single element, unless explicitly disclosed, such as using the terms "before," "after," "single," and other such terms. Instead, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish between elements. By way of example, a first element is distinguished from a second element, and a first element may encompass more than one element and be followed by (or preceded by) a second element in the ordering of elements.

[0018] exist Figures 1-8 In the following description, in each embodiment disclosed herein, any component described with respect to a figure may be equivalent to one or more similarly named components described with respect to any other figure. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components may not be repeated in each figure. Therefore, each embodiment of the components of each figure may be incorporated by reference and is assumed to exist optionally in each other figure having one or more similarly named components. In addition, according to each embodiment disclosed herein, any description of the components of a figure is interpreted as an optional embodiment, and the optional embodiment may be implemented as an embodiment described in addition to, in combination with, or in place of the corresponding similarly named components in any other figure.

[0019] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to spray-guided stratification for passive precombustion chamber fuel supply. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a precombustion chamber attached to and in fluid communication with a main chamber, wherein a fuel injector connected to the main chamber has one or more spray nozzles aligned with the precombustion chamber's nozzle. In yet another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for passively fueling a precombustion chamber via alignment of a fuel injector fuel spray with the precombustion chamber's nozzle.

[0020] refer to Figure 1 , illustrates a combustion system 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein. The combustion system 100 may be an internal combustion engine including at least one cylinder 101 formed within an engine block or engine cylinder 102. Figure 1, only a portion of the engine block is shown, and only one cylinder in the engine block is shown, although the engine block may have several cylinders. Cylinder 101 may have an engine bore 315 defined between the cylinder's sidewalls (which may or may not include an engine liner). A main chamber 103 formed within cylinder 101 may be the combustion chamber of combustion system 100. Furthermore, a cylinder head 104 may be mounted on top of cylinder 101 and form the upper end of main chamber 103. In one or more embodiments, cylinder head 104 may have a pent-roof angle 121 of 90 to 150 degrees. However, other embodiments may exist in which cylinder head 104 may have a different geometry. A piston 105 may be disposed within cylinder 101 and form the lower end of main chamber 103. During the engine cycle, piston 105 moves up and down within cylinder 101, and the volume of main chamber 103 varies with the position of piston 105. Further, the piston 105 may be connected to a crankshaft (not shown) via a connecting rod. The crankshaft may convert the reciprocating motion of the piston 105 into a rotational motion, as is well known in the art.

[0021] The pre-chamber 117 can be positioned in fluid communication with the main chamber 103. According to one or more embodiments, the pre-chamber 117 can have a volume that is significantly smaller than the main chamber 103. For example, in one or more embodiments, the pre-chamber 117 can have a volume that is equal to 1% to 10% of the engine clearance volume, which can refer to the volume between the cylinder head 104 and the piston 105 when the piston 105 is at top dead center. In one or more embodiments, the geometry of the exterior surface of the pre-chamber 117 that interfaces with the main chamber 103 can be flat, concave, or convex, all of which can affect the flow characteristics of the fuel spray and the volume of the fuel spray that can enter the pre-chamber 117 under a given fuel strategy.

[0022] The pre-chamber 117 may have one or more nozzles integrally formed through the wall of the outer surface of the pre-chamber 117, such that the one or more nozzles provide fluid communication between the pre-chamber 117 and the main chamber 103. In certain embodiments, the nozzles may be holes having a selected shape formed through the pre-chamber wall. In certain embodiments, the nozzles may be separate nozzle inserts that are inserted into and attached to the holes formed through the pre-chamber wall. In one or more embodiments, the pre-chamber 117 may have one to twelve nozzles. The one or more nozzles are configured to accelerate the fuel as it enters the pre-chamber 117 from the main chamber 103, which may enhance fuel vaporization and mixing. A spark plug 118 may be connected to the pre-chamber 117 and configured to engage with it. For example, the spark plug 118 may be provided in the cylinder head 104 to engage with the end of the pre-chamber 117 opposite the main chamber 103. A spark plug 118 may be used to ignite the fuel within the pre-chamber 117 before the ignited fuel may be injected through one or more nozzles and into the main chamber 103 .

[0023] A fuel injector 107 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be installed in the cylinder head 104. A clamp (not shown) can removably secure the fuel injector 107 to the cylinder head 104. The clamp can be set on the top of the fuel injector 107 and attached to the cylinder head 104 to maintain the position of the fuel injector 107. The fuel injector 107 can be aligned and coaxial or angled relative to the cylinder axis of the cylinder head 104. In one example, the installation of the fuel injector 107 to the cylinder head 104 includes providing one or more spray nozzle assemblies at the tip of the fuel injector. In certain embodiments, the nozzle assembly may include a fuel passage, a premixing tube, and a port formed inside the tip of the fuel injector 107. The fuel injector 107 can be in fluid communication with the main chamber 103, so that one or more spray nozzle assemblies can be in a position where the orifice of the spray nozzle assembly is in fluid communication with the main chamber 103.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, one or more spray nozzle assemblies can have a wide spray angle. A first spray nozzle assembly of the one or more spray nozzle assemblies can be directed toward and aligned with one of the nozzles of the precombustion chamber 117. The first spray nozzle assembly can be configured to passively supply fuel to the precombustion chamber 117 while actively supplying fuel to the main chamber 103.

[0025] Still refer to Figure 1Cylinder head 104 may optionally include a second fuel injector 108 for use in conjunction with fuel injector 107. As shown, cylinder head 104 may include at least one intake passage 119 terminating in second intake port 110. Second fuel injector 108 may be positioned along intake passage 119 in a configuration that allows fuel to be injected into intake passage 119. Second fuel injector 108 may be a similar fuel injector to fuel injector 107. Furthermore, intake port 110 may include an intake valve 113 to control the opening and closing of intake port 110. When second fuel injector 108 injects fuel, air flowing into main chamber 103 through intake passage 119 may be entrained in the fuel spray plume from second fuel injector 108. Although not shown, main chamber 103 and intake passage 119 may be connected to an air source in a conventional manner. The air in main chamber 103 and intake passage 119 may be ambient air or a mixture of ambient air and recirculated exhaust gas.

[0026] The cylinder head 104 may also include at least one exhaust passage 111 having an exhaust port 112. An exhaust valve 114 may be arranged to control the opening and closing of the exhaust port 112. When the exhaust port 112 is open, exhaust gas may be pushed out of the main chamber 103 into the exhaust passage 111. An intake passage 119, an exhaust passage 111, and associated components (e.g., valves 113, 114 and fuel injectors 107, 108) may be provided in the cylinder head 104 for each cylinder in the combustion system 100, e.g., Figure 1 The arrangement for cylinder 101 is shown in FIG.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, fuel injectors 107, 108 may be used to inject fuel directly into the main chamber 103 and / or intake passage 119. The fuel injectors 107, 108 may be fluidly connected to a fuel line 115 that communicates with a fuel supply 116.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the computer 120 may include a control system, such as an engine control unit, that can control the opening and closing of the fuel injectors 107, 108 to deliver fuel to the main chamber 103 at desired times during the engine cycle. The control system can also control the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves 113, 114. In one or more embodiments, the computer 120 may include a processor and a user interface panel at which a user can provide input, such as commands, to the computer 120.

[0029] In certain embodiments, cables (not shown), such as electrical or hydraulic power cables, may be coupled to the fuel injectors 107, 108. The cables may provide power to the fuel injectors 107, 108 from a power source (not shown). Additionally, the cables may be connected to a computer 120 to control the fuel injectors 107, 108. The computer 120 may include instructions or commands to automatically operate the fuel injectors 107, 108 or a user may manually control the computer 120 at a user interface panel (not shown). It is further contemplated that the computer 120 may be connected to an office via a satellite so that a user can remotely monitor conditions and send commands to the fuel injectors 107, 108. If leaks or performance issues are detected, an alert may be sent to the control system to manually or automatically adjust or shut down the fuel injectors 107, 108.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the combustion system 100 can be configured to perform turbulent jet controlled compression ignition (TJCCI). TJCCI can involve passively supplying fuel to a pre-chamber 117 and igniting the fuel within the pre-chamber 117. The ignited fuel can then be injected from the pre-chamber 117 into the main chamber 103 through one or more of a plurality of nozzles.

[0031] Now go to Figure 2 , Figure 2 A combustion system according to one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 1 As discussed in

[15] , the pre-combustion chamber 117 can have a plurality of nozzles 202 through which fuel can enter and exit the pre-combustion chamber 117. According to one or more embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 202 allow for vaporization and acceleration of the fuel as it enters the pre-combustion chamber 117 from the main chamber 103. This can allow for improved mixing within the pre-combustion chamber 117.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the fuel injector 107 can have one or more spray nozzles through which one or more fuel sprays 204 can be propelled. A first fuel spray 204 can be directed toward one of the plurality of nozzles 202 so that a volume of fuel can enter the pre-combustion chamber 117. Another fuel spray 204 can be directed toward the main chamber 103. In one or more embodiments, the direction of the first fuel spray 204 can be different from the direction of the other fuel sprays 204.

[0033] Now go to Figure 3A-3B , Figure 3A-3B Alignment of a pre-combustion chamber nozzle and a fuel injector spray nozzle is shown according to one or more embodiments. Figure 3AA top view of the interior surface of the cylinder head 104 is shown with the fuel injectors 107 and pre-combustion chambers 117 protruding from the interior surface and positioned between the intake and exhaust valves. Figure 3B Shown Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of an engine assembly is shown in FIG. Figure 3A Take out section AA in the figure.

[0034] The fuel injector 107 may have one or more spray nozzles 302 through which the fuel may be dispensed, and the precombustion chamber 117 may have one or more nozzles 202 through which the fuel ejected from the fuel injector 107 may be received. Depending on the size of the engine, the fuel injector 107 and the precombustion chamber 117 may be spaced apart from each other such that the first fuel injector nozzle 302a and the first precombustion chamber nozzle 202a aligned with the first fuel injector nozzle 302a are spaced apart by a distance within the range of the engine cylinder bore 315 ( Figure 1 1% to 20% of the total weight of the cellulose acetate (shown in FIG).

[0035] Each fuel injector spray nozzle 302 can have a different nozzle size and spray angle (also referred to as a spray umbrella angle). Compared to commercially available spray nozzles, the spray nozzle 302 disclosed herein can provide a wider spray umbrella angle to properly target one of the multiple nozzles 202 in the precombustion chamber 117. The spray umbrella angle can be measured as the angle across the outer diameter of the fuel spray 204 ejected from the spray nozzle 302. Accordingly, the half spray umbrella angle 312 can be measured between the outer diameter of the spray plume from the fuel injector 107 and the central axis 314 of the fuel injector 107, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one nozzle 302 of the fuel injector 107 may be oriented to align with at least one pre-combustion chamber nozzle 202. Figure 3B The spray aiming path 313 is shown in FIG. 3 , and when compared to conventional fuel injector fuel sprays, the spray aiming path 313 can provide a wider spray angle. For example, Figure 3B , the first fuel injector nozzle 302a can be oriented to align with and face the first pre-combustion chamber nozzle 202a, such that the fuel ejected from the first fuel injector nozzle 302a can flow along a spray alignment path 313 to enter the first pre-combustion chamber nozzle 202a. The half-spray angle 312 provided by the first fuel injector nozzle 302a can be greater than the half-spray angles provided by the remaining fuel injector nozzles 302, such that the overall spray angle from the fuel injector 107 can be greater than the spray angle provided by conventional fuel injectors.

[0036] Conventional center- or top-mounted fuel injectors for gasoline engines may have spray angles ranging from 30 to 90 degrees to avoid spraying fuel onto the engine cylinder liner and associated oil dilution. While one or more nozzles 302 of the fuel injector 107 according to embodiments disclosed herein may be oriented to provide the same spray angle as a conventional fuel injector, at least one fuel injector nozzle 302a aligned with the pre-chamber nozzle 202a may provide a larger spray angle. For example, according to embodiments disclosed herein, the first fuel injector nozzle 302a aligned with the first pre-chamber nozzle 202a may provide a spray angle ranging from approximately 100 to 130 degrees. According to embodiments disclosed herein, the wider spray from this nozzle configuration may be limited to a shorter duration than conventionally used, which may avoid fuel spray reaching the engine cylinder liner and associated oil dilution. Further, performing dual injection events per cylinder cycle may allow for the use of shorter spray durations while still providing the same or similar amount of total fuel injection per cycle.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of nozzles 202 can be designed to appropriately accelerate and vaporize the fuel from the first fuel spray 204. The pre-combustion chamber nozzle 202 can be formed as a hole in the pre-combustion chamber wall, or can be a separate nozzle insert inserted through and attached to the pre-combustion chamber wall. In certain embodiments, to increase the chances of the air-fuel mixture flowing into the pre-combustion chamber, the nozzle can have a lip or protrusion formed around the periphery of the nozzle outer orifice to capture the spray plume from the fuel injector. In addition, the pre-combustion chamber nozzle 202 can have a small diameter, for example ranging from about 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm, which can be designed to increase the velocity and turbulence level of the air-fuel mixture driven through the nozzle 202 by the pressure differential between the main chamber and the pre-combustion chamber due to piston compression. This increase in the velocity and turbulence level of the air-fuel mixture through the nozzle 202 can improve fuel vaporization.

[0038] As described above, in one or more embodiments, the first precombustion chamber nozzle 202a and the first fuel injector spray nozzle 302a can be aligned so that the fuel dispensed from the first spray nozzle 302a can enter the precombustion chamber 117 via the first precombustion chamber nozzle 202a. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, to provide such nozzle alignment, the fuel injector 107 and precombustion chamber 117 hardware can be provided with stops and / or restraints that fit within and / or interlock with corresponding receptacles in the engine cover to maintain the fuel injector nozzle and precombustion chamber nozzle in alignment when the fuel injector and precombustion chamber are installed in the engine.

[0039] Now go to Figure 4 , Figure 4An engine timing diagram 400 is shown for a single direct injection combustion strategy according to one or more embodiments. An engine timing diagram, such as engine timing diagram 400, may represent the four strokes of an engine (exhaust, intake, compression, and expansion) and the respective timings of exhaust and intake valve actuation, fuel injection, and spark. Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, each cycle of the engine may correspond to two revolutions (four strokes) of the piston 105 within the cylinder 101. Accordingly, there are two examples of top dead center positions that the piston 105 may reach: gas exchange top dead center 402, located between the exhaust stroke 404 and the intake stroke 406, and ignition top dead center 408, located between the compression stroke 410 and the expansion stroke 412.

[0040] See also Figure 1 and Figure 4 , a single direct injection combustion strategy may involve fuel injection 414 via fuel injector 107 late in the compression stroke 410. Spark 416 may be generated by spark plug 118 immediately after fuel injection 414 and before piston 105 reaches ignition top dead center position 408.

[0041] Now go to Figure 5 , Figure 5 An engine timing diagram 500 is shown for a multiple direct injection combustion strategy according to one or more embodiments. Figure 1 and Figure 5 The multiple direct injection combustion strategy may include multiple fuel injections 502 via the fuel injector 107 during both the intake stroke 406 and the compression stroke 410. Spark 416 may be generated by the spark plug 118 immediately before ignition top dead center 408.

[0042] Now go to Figure 6 , Figure 6 An engine timing diagram 600 is shown for a port fuel injection and direct injection combustion strategy according to one or more embodiments. Figure 1 and Figure 6 The port fuel injection and direct injection combustion strategy may include port fuel injection 602 via fuel injector 108 during the intake stroke 406, and direct fuel injection 604 via fuel injector 107 during the compression stroke 410. Spark 416 may be generated by spark plug 118 immediately before ignition top dead center 408.

[0043] exist Figure 4-6In each of the combustion strategies described in, the fuel injector 107 can have multiple spray nozzles 302 or a single spray nozzle 302 that can reduce fuel stratification in the main chamber 103 for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions. The one or more spray nozzles 302 can be sized so that the hydraulic fuel rate of the fuel passing through the spray nozzle 302 matches the desired amount of stratified fuel. Further, each of the one or more spray nozzles 302 can have a spray behavior that matches the distance between the spray nozzle 302 and the nozzle 202 of the pre-combustion chamber 117 to avoid liquid impingement while maintaining vapor impingement. The one or more spray nozzles 302 can have a wide umbrella angle, such as Figure 1 Angle 121 is depicted in order to allow for proper alignment of the nozzle 202 with the pre-combustion chamber 117 .

[0044] Figure 7 A block diagram of a computer system 702 is depicted, according to one or more embodiments, for providing computing functionality associated with the algorithms, methods, functions, processes, procedures, and programs described herein. The illustrated computer 702 is intended to include any computing device, such as a server, a desktop computer, a laptop / notebook computer, a wireless data port, a smartphone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a tablet computing device, one or more processors within such devices, or any other suitable processing device, including physical or virtual instances of the computing device (or both). In addition, the computer 702 may include a computer including input devices (such as keys, a keyboard, a touch screen, or other devices that can receive user information) and output devices (output devices that transmit information related to the operation of the computer 702, including digital data, visual or audio information (or a combination of information), or a graphical user interface).

[0045] The computer 702 can serve as a client, a network component, a server, a database, or other persistent or any other component (or combination of roles) of a computer system for performing the subject matter described in this disclosure. The illustrated computer 702 is communicatively coupled to a network 730. In some embodiments, one or more components of the computer 702 can be configured to operate within an environment including a cloud-based, local, global, or other environment (or combination of environments).

[0046] At a high level, the computer 702 is an electronic computing device operable to receive, transmit, process, store, or manage data and information related to the described subject matter. According to certain embodiments, the computer 702 may also include or be communicatively coupled to an application server, an email server, a web server, a cache server, a streaming data server, a business intelligence (BI) server, or other server (or combination of servers).

[0047] Computer 702 may receive requests from client applications (e.g., executing on another computer 702) over network 730 and respond to the received requests by processing the requests in an appropriate software application. Requests may also be sent to computer 702 from internal users (e.g., from a command console or through other appropriate access methods), external or third parties, other automated applications, and any other appropriate entity, person, system, or computer.

[0048] Each component of computer 702 can communicate using system bus 703. In certain embodiments, any or all components of computer 702, whether hardware or software (or a combination of hardware and software), can interface with each other or be coupled with interface 704 via system bus 703 using application programming interface (API) 712 or service layer 713 (or a combination of API 712 and service layer 713) (or a combination of both). API 712 can include specifications for routines, data structures, and object classes. API 712 can be independent of or dependent on the computer language and refer to entire interfaces, individual functions, or even groups of APIs. Service layer 713 provides software services to computer 702 or other components communicatively coupled to computer 702 (whether or not illustrated). The functionality of computer 702 can be accessible to all service consumers using this service layer. Software services (such as those provided by service layer 713) provide reusable, defined business functionality through defined interfaces. For example, the interface may be software written in JAVA, C++, or another suitable language that provides data in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format or another suitable format. While illustrated as an integrated component of computer 702, alternative embodiments may illustrate API 712 or service layer 713 as a standalone component that is associated with other components of computer 702 or other components communicatively coupled to computer 702 (whether or not illustrated). Furthermore, any or all portions of API 712 or service layer 713 may be implemented as submodules or sub-modules of another software module, enterprise application, or hardware module without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] Computer 702 includes interface 704. Although Figure 7702. A single interface 704 is shown in FIG. 702, but two or more interfaces 704 may be used depending on the specific needs, desires, or specific implementation of the computer 702. The interface 704 is used in a distributed environment connected to a network 730 by the computer 702 for communicating with other systems. Generally, the interface 704 includes logic encoded in software or hardware (or a combination of software and hardware) and operable to communicate with the network 730. More specifically, the interface 704 may include software supporting one or more communication protocols associated with the communication, such that the network 730 or the hardware of the interface is operable to communicate physical signals within and outside the illustrated computer 702.

[0050] Computer 702 includes at least one computer processor 705. Although Figure 7 A single computer processor 705 is shown in FIG, but two or more processors may be used depending on the particular needs, desires, or particular implementation of the computer 702. Generally, the computer processor 705 executes instructions and manipulates data to perform the operations of the computer 702 and any machine learning networks, algorithms, methods, functions, processes, procedures, and programs as described in this disclosure.

[0051] The computer 702 also includes a memory 706 that stores data for the computer 702 or other components that may be connected to the network 730 (or a combination of both). For example, the memory 706 may be a database that stores data consistent with the present disclosure. Figure 7 A single memory 706 is illustrated in FIG. 7 , but two or more memories may be used depending on the functionality being described and the particular needs, desires, or implementation of the computer 702. Although the memory 706 is illustrated as an integral component of the computer 702, in alternative implementations, the memory 706 may be external to the computer 702.

[0052] The application 707 is an algorithmic software engine that provides functionality (particularly with respect to the functionality described in the present disclosure) according to the specific needs, desires, or specific implementations of the computer 702. For example, the application 707 can serve one or more components, modules, applications, etc. Further, although illustrated as a single application 707, the single application 707 can be implemented as multiple applications 707 on the computer 702. In addition, although illustrated as being integral to the computer 702, in alternative embodiments, the application 707 can be external to the computer 702.

[0053] There may be any number of computers 702 associated with or external to the computer system containing computer 702, with each computer 702 communicating via network 730. Further, the terms "client," "user," and other appropriate terms may be used interchangeably as appropriate without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, this disclosure contemplates that many users may use one computer 702, or that one user may use multiple computers 702.

[0054] Figure 8 Depicted is a flow chart according to one or more embodiments. More specifically, Figure 8 A flow chart 800 is provided for describing a pre-chamber injection method. Figure 8 One or more of the blocks in Figure 1-7 One or more components described in . Figure 8 The various blocks in the embodiment are presented and described sequentially. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that some or all of the blocks may be executed in a different order, may be combined, may be omitted, and some or all of the blocks may be executed in parallel. In addition, the blocks may be executed actively or passively.

[0055] First, an engine may be provided (S802). In one or more embodiments, the engine may include an engine block 102 with a cylinder 101, and may include a piston 105 movably disposed in a main chamber 103 of the cylinder 101. The engine may also include a pre-combustion chamber 117 adjacent to the main chamber 103 and in fluid communication with the main chamber 103 via a nozzle 202, and may include a fuel injector 107 in fluid communication with the main chamber 103. In one or more embodiments, the fuel injector 107 includes a spray nozzle 320 engaged with the main chamber 103, such that a first nozzle of the spray nozzles 302 is directed toward the nozzle 202 of the pre-combustion chamber.

[0056] Fuel may be sprayed from a first nozzle of the spray nozzles 302 in a first direction toward the nozzle 202 of the pre-combustion chamber 117 (S804). Fuel may also be sprayed from a second nozzle of the spray nozzles 202 in a second direction into the main chamber 103 (S806). In one or more embodiments, the first direction may be different from the second direction. In one or more embodiments, a consistent flow direction may be established from the main chamber 103 to the pre-combustion chamber 117 during the compression stroke 410 of the piston 105.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the method described in flowchart 800 may further include controlling the equivalent ratio of the fuel-air mixture within the main chamber 103 using injection timing and injection duration. The equivalent ratio may refer to the ratio of fuel to air within the main chamber 103. In one or more embodiments, the injection timing and injection duration may be determined at least in part based on the charge pressure within the main chamber. The injection timing and injection duration may be optimized for a plurality of desired engine speeds and a plurality of desired load conditions. Based on the optimized injection timing and injection duration for each desired speed and condition, different fueling levels may be provided in the pre-combustion chamber 117 via the fuel injector 107.

[0058] The method described in flowchart 800 may also include using the pressure in the main chamber 103 during the compression stroke 410 of the piston 104 to retain fluid within the pre-chamber 117 and prevent fuel from leaking out of the pre-chamber 117. Additionally, passively supplying fuel to the pre-chamber 117 may include increasing the velocity and turbulence of the fuel in the pre-chamber 117 (e.g., by injecting ejected fuel from the fuel injector 107 into the pre-chamber via the nozzle 202) to enhance mixing and combustion rates of the fuel within the pre-chamber 117, and then injecting the fuel from the pre-chamber 117 into the main chamber 103 to ignite the fuel in the main chamber 103.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the pre-chamber injection method depicted in flowchart 800 can be a single direct injection strategy, which includes directing fuel from fuel injector 107 into pre-chamber 117 and main chamber 103 late in the compression stroke 410 of piston 105. The single direct injection strategy is characterized by a single fuel injection occurring during a four-stroke cylinder cycle. Furthermore, a multiple direct injection strategy, which includes multiple fuel injections occurring during a four-stroke cylinder cycle, can also be implemented. In one or more embodiments, both the single direct injection strategy and the multiple direct injection strategy can also include igniting the fuel in pre-chamber 117 using spark plug 118.

[0060] The pre-chamber injection method can also be implemented with port fuel injection and direct injection strategies. For example, port fuel injection (via fuel injector 108 along intake passage 119) can be implemented during the intake stroke 406 of piston 105, and direct injection of fuel into main chamber 103 and pre-chamber 117 can be implemented later in the compression stroke 410 of piston 105. Port fuel injection and direct injection strategies can also include igniting the fuel in pre-chamber 117 using spark plug 118.

[0061] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide at least one of the following advantages. Passively supplying fuel to the pre-chamber can help increase the fuel velocity and turbulence within the pre-chamber, which increases fuel mixing. The improved fuel mixing also increases the combustion rate of the fuel mixture within the pre-chamber, which can enhance the jet momentum into the main chamber. The creation of a highly turbulent jet flow from the pre-chamber into the main chamber results in repeatable main chamber combustion, even under ultra-lean dilution conditions. Further, passively supplying fuel to the pre-chamber eliminates the need for direct fuel injectors within the pre-chamber, reducing the cost of the engine. In addition, if the fuel injectors were installed within the pre-chamber, the volume of the pre-chamber would necessarily be much larger, which could make it difficult to maintain the desired engine size, particularly where a smaller engine is desired. Passively supplying fuel to the pre-chamber as described herein achieves all the benefits of actively supplying fuel to the pre-chamber, such as lower NOx emissions, while reducing cost and maintaining engine efficiency.

[0062] Although only a few example embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without substantially departing from the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. Engine, including: an engine block having cylinders; a piston movably disposed in a main chamber of the cylinder; a pre-combustion chamber adjacent to the main chamber and in fluid communication with the main chamber via a nozzle; and a fuel injector in fluid communication with the main chamber, wherein the fuel injector has a spray nozzle engaged with the main chamber, and The fuel injector and the pre-combustion chamber are aligned such that a first one of the spray nozzles is directed toward the nozzle.

2. The engine of claim 1, wherein one or more of the spray nozzles are directed into the main chamber.

3. The engine of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cylinder has a cylinder head having a roof angle of 5 to 25 degrees.

4. The engine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fuel injector is configured to spray fuel through the spray nozzle at a spray moment.

5. An engine as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a spark plug connected to and engaged with the pre-combustion chamber.

6. An engine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pre-combustion chamber further comprises at least one additional nozzle providing fluid communication between the pre-combustion chamber and the main chamber.

7. An engine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of the pre-chamber is equal to 1% to 10% of the engine clearance volume.

8. An engine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the external surface geometry of the pre-chamber is selectable from the group consisting of a flat surface, a concave surface and a convex surface.

9. An engine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle of the pre-combustion chamber is spaced a distance from the spray nozzle in the range of 1% to 20% of the engine cylinder bore.

10. A pre-combustion chamber injection method comprising: An engine is provided, the engine comprising: an engine block having cylinders; a piston movably disposed in a main chamber of the cylinder; a pre-chamber adjacent to the main chamber and in fluid communication with the main chamber via a nozzle; and a fuel injector having a spray nozzle engaged with the main chamber of the cylinder; spraying fuel from a first nozzle of the spray nozzles in a first direction toward the nozzle of the pre-combustion chamber such that a first amount of fuel enters the nozzle; and When the fuel is sprayed from the first nozzle, the fuel is sprayed from a second nozzle among the spray nozzles into the main chamber in a second direction different from the first direction.

11. The pre-combustion chamber injection method according to claim 10, further comprising: controlling the equivalent ratio of the fuel-air mixture in the main chamber by injection timing and injection duration, Wherein the injection timing and the injection duration are determined at least in part based on charge gas pressure in the main chamber.

12. The pre-combustion chamber injection method according to claim 11, further comprising: optimizing the injection timing and the injection duration for a plurality of engine speeds and a plurality of load conditions; and Different fuel supply levels are provided in the pre-combustion chamber based on optimized injection timing and injection duration.

13. The pre-chamber injection method of any one of claims 10-12, further comprising creating a consistent flow direction from the main chamber to the pre-chamber during a compression stroke of the piston.

14. The pre-chamber injection method of claim 13 further comprising using pressure in the main chamber from the compression stroke of the piston to retain fluid within the pre-chamber and prevent fuel from leaking out of the pre-chamber.

15. The pre-combustion chamber injection method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising: increasing the turbulence and velocity of the fuel in the precombustion chamber to enhance the mixing and combustion rate of the fuel in the precombustion chamber; igniting the fuel in the pre-combustion chamber with a spark plug; and The fuel is injected from the pre-chamber into the main chamber.

16. The pre-chamber injection method of any one of claims 10-15, further comprising varying the size of the spray nozzle to achieve a desired hydraulic flow rate.

17. The pre-combustion chamber injection method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, further comprising: Utilizing a single direct injection strategy late in the compression stroke of the piston; wherein the single direct injection strategy includes directing the fuel from the fuel injector into the pre-combustion chamber and the main chamber once during a four-stroke cylinder cycle; and The fuel is ignited in the pre-combustion chamber using a spark plug.

18. The pre-combustion chamber injection method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, further comprising: injecting fuel into the main chamber and the pre-combustion chamber during an intake stroke of the piston; injecting fuel into the main chamber and the pre-combustion chamber late in the compression stroke of the piston; and The fuel is ignited in the pre-combustion chamber using a spark plug.

19. The pre-combustion chamber injection method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, further comprising: performing port fuel injection during an intake stroke of said piston; performing direct injection of fuel into the main chamber and the pre-combustion chamber late in a compression stroke of the piston; and The fuel is ignited in the pre-combustion chamber using a spark plug.

20. The pre-combustion chamber injection method according to any one of claims 10 to 19, further comprising spraying the fuel through the spray nozzle at a spray timing.

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