Engine mixed structures

Abstract

Mixed structure (100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400) comprising: a body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) defining an axis (906, 1306, 1506, 1706) extending from an injector side (908, 1308, 1508, 1708, 1908, 2108) towards an opposite piston side (106, 606, 910, 1310, 1510, 1710) extends along the axis (906, 1306, 1506, 1706), wherein the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) has an inwardly facing surface (1000, 1400, 1800) near the axis (906, 1306, 1506, 1706) defining a central volume (1802), and an outwardly facing surface (916, 1316, 1516, 1716) distal to the axis (906, 1306, 1506, 1706), wherein the injector side (908, 1308, 1508, 1708, 1908, 2108) of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) is set up,to be oriented towards a fuel injector (304) of a cylinder of an engine, while the piston side of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) is arranged to be oriented towards a piston head of the engine cylinder (302), characterized in that the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) has one or more ribs (120) which are separated from each other about the axis (906, 1306, 1506, 1706) of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) and are spaced apart around the central gas volume (1802) to define one or more gas channels (101, 912, 920, 1320, 1520, 1720, 2404) extending radially through the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) to and from the central volume (1802), and the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) one or has multiple conductor surfaces,defining one or more fuel-gas mixing lines extending through the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) to and from the central volume (1802), and the central volume (1802) being configured to receive one or more fuel flows (400) from the fuel injector (304) and one or more gas flows from the one or more gas channels (101, 912, 920, 1320, 1520, 1720, 2404), and during operation at least one of the fuel (400) flows mixes with the one or more gas flows to form a fuel-gas mixture with a specific fuel (400) to gas ratio, and wherein the Fuel-gas mixing lines are provided to direct the fuel-gas mixture out of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder (302).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority over preliminary US application No. 62 / 616,702, filed on January 12, 2018, and preliminary US application No. 62 / 623,194, filed on January 29, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. AREA

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to structures and arrangements that reduce the formation of soot in engines. Such embodiments known from the prior art are described, for example, in US 9,429,127 B2, US 6,095,437 A, or US 5,035,358 A. BACKGROUND

[0003] In a compression-ignition engine, fuel can be injected directly into compressed, hot gases, such as air or a mixture of air and recirculated exhaust gas. The fuel mixes with these gases within the cylinder near the injection point. As the relatively cool fuel mixes with the hotter gases, the resulting mixture reaches a temperature sufficient for ignition. This can be a dynamic event, and fuel may ignite and burn at the head of the fuel spray while fuel continues to be injected at the other end.

[0004] Because the temperature of the gases entrained in the injected fuel remains high, the delay between fuel injection and ignition of the fuel-air mixture in a cylinder can be reduced. This can cause the fuel spray prior to initial ignition to have a suboptimal fuel-air mixture ratio, which can produce soot. The generation and subsequent accumulation of soot can impair engine performance and eventually necessitate engine cleaning or other repairs. Furthermore, certain regulations or laws may limit the amount of particulate matter or other emissions that engines can produce. SHORT DESCRIPTION

[0005] In one aspect, a hybrid structure is created that includes a body defining an axis and extending along that axis from an injector side to an opposite piston side. The body has an inward-facing surface near the axis, defining a central volume, and an outward-facing surface distal to the axis. The injector side of the body is configured to face a fuel injector of an engine cylinder, while the piston side of the body is configured to face a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body has one or more channel surfaces that define one or more gas channels extending through the body to and from the central volume.The body further comprises one or more conduit surfaces that define one or more fuel-gas mixing lines extending through the body to and from the central volume. The central volume is configured to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and one or more gas flows from the one or more gas channels. During operation, at least one of the fuel flows mixes with the one or more gas flows to form a fuel-gas mixture with a specific fuel-to-gas ratio. The fuel-gas mixing lines are configured to direct the fuel-gas mixture out of the body and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

[0006] In the previously mentioned mixed structure, the body can be a single monolithic seamless structure.

[0007] Additionally or as an alternative, one or more gas channels can extend through the body in such a way that the gas is drawn from the outside of the body into the central volume of the body.

[0008] Furthermore, or as a further alternative, the specific ratio of the fuel-gas mixture can be controlled based on at least one of the number, shape, location and size of one or more of the gas channels or mixing lines.

[0009] In some embodiments of any of the aforementioned mixed structures, the gas channels may have corrugated shapes in the body between the outward-facing surface and the inward-facing surface of the body.

[0010] In some embodiments of any of the aforementioned mixing structures, each of the mixing lines may be configured to generate a swirl, vortex and / or turbulence in the fuel-gas mixture flowing through it.

[0011] In some embodiments of any of the aforementioned mixing structures, the mixing lines may extend radially outside the axis and be arranged such that each flow of the power-gas mixture is centered in its corresponding mixing line.

[0012] In some embodiments of any of the aforementioned hybrid structures, the injector side of the body may define a stepped section to avoid contact between the body and one or more inlet or outlet valves of the engine cylinder during engine operation.

[0013] In some embodiments of any of the above-mentioned mixed structures, at least one section of the body may be surface-treated or coated.

[0014] In a second aspect, a further mixing structure is created. This mixing structure includes a body designed to be positioned between a fuel injector and a cylinder of an engine. The body defines an internal volume designed to receive gas from an exterior surface and to receive one or more fuel streams from the fuel injector within that internal volume. The body further defines one or more mixing channels designed to direct vapors of the fuel and gas, as they mix, from the internal volume to one or more outlet ports and through these to the cylinder.

[0015] In the aforementioned mixing structure according to the second aspect, the body can be arranged to cool the gas before or during the mixing of the gas with the fuel in the internal volume and the one or more mixing lines.

[0016] Additionally or as an alternative, the body may have a connecting structure that defines at least one alignment hole and one alignment pin, and the mixing lines may each be aligned with a nozzle of the fuel injector.

[0017] In particular, the connection structure can be a shrink fit, press fit on a cylinder head of the engine cylinder, welded, bolted, screwed to it or formed as part of it.

[0018] In any of the aforementioned mixing structures according to the second aspect, the mixing lines can define one or more openings connected to one or more gas channels, and the mixing lines can be configured to direct flows of gas from the one or more gas channels into the mixing line during operation of the cylinder.

[0019] Additionally or as an alternative, each of the mixing lines may contain one or more depressions, textured surfaces, grooves or protrusions to aid the mixing of the fuel and gas vapors flowing through the mixing lines.

[0020] In some embodiments of any of the aforementioned mixing structures according to the second aspect, the mixing lines may be arranged to mix the fuel and the gas to a homogeneous state before combustion of the vapors in the cylinder.

[0021] Additionally, the mixing lines can be designed to direct the fumes into the cylinder in such a way that, compared to combustion in the cylinder without mixing the fuel and gas to a homogeneous state, a relatively reduced amount or no amount of soot, nitrogen oxides, or both soot and nitrogen oxides is produced in the cylinder.

[0022] In some embodiments of any of the aforementioned mixing structures according to the second aspect, the body may have a stepped section to extend the path length of one or more mixing lines while avoiding contact between the body and one or more valves of the engine cylinder.

[0023] In a third aspect, another mixing structure includes means for receiving fuel from a fuel injector and for separately receiving gas, means for mixing the fuel and the gas to form a fuel-gas mixture with a specific ratio, and means for directing the fuel-gas mixture into a combustion chamber of an engine cylinder.

[0024] In the previously mentioned mixed structure according to the third aspect, the means for receiving the gas and the fuel can cool the gas before or while the gas mixes with the fuel.

[0025] In some embodiments of any of the aforementioned mixing structures according to the second aspect, the means for mixing the fuel and the gas to form the fuel-gas mixture may include: a mixing line having inner walls, and means for generating turbulence in the fuel and gas flows to increase the homogeneity of the fuel-gas mixture, as well as means for centering and separating a flow of the fuel-gas mixture from the inner walls of the mixing line.

[0026] Additionally or as an alternative, the means for directing the fuel-gas mixture into the combustion chamber can direct the fuel-gas mixture in such a way that it enters the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder before combustion, delay the combustion of the fuel-gas mixture, or both introduce the fuel-gas mixture into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder before combustion and also delay the combustion of the fuel-gas mixture. List of characters

[0027] The present invention can be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are shown below: • Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a mixed structure for a cylinder of an engine; • Fig. 2 a cutaway partial view of the in Fig. 1 shown mixed structure; • Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of the in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the mixed structure shown, as coupled to a cylinder head of an engine cylinder in an engine, according to one embodiment; • Fig. 4 another cross-sectional view of the in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown mixed structure, which is located on the cylinder head of the in Fig. 3 illustrated cylinders are coupled according to one embodiment; • Fig. 5 a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixed structure for a cylinder of an engine; • Fig. 6 a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixed structure for a cylinder of an engine; • Fig. 7 a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixed structure for a cylinder of an engine; • Fig. 8 a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixed structure for a cylinder of an engine; • Fig. 9 a side view of another embodiment of a mixed structure; • Fig. 10 a perspective view of an injector side of the in Fig. 9 illustrated mixed structure; • Fig. 11 a cross-sectional view of the mixed structure along line 11-11, which is in Fig. 9 is shown; • Fig. 12 another cross-sectional view of the mixed structure along a line 12-12 in Fig. 9; • Fig. 13 a side view of another embodiment of a mixed structure; • Fig. 14 a perspective view of an injector side of the in Fig. 13 illustrated mixed structures; • Fig. 15 a side view of another embodiment of a mixed structure; • Fig. 16 a perspective view of an injector side of the in Fig. 15 illustrated mixed structures; • Fig. 17 a side view of another embodiment of a mixed structure; • Fig. 18 a perspective view of an injector side of the in Fig. 17 illustrated mixed structures; • Fig. 19 a side view of another embodiment of a mixed structure; • Fig. 20 a perspective view of an injector side of the in Fig. 19 illustrated mixed structure; • Fig. 21 a side view of another embodiment of a mixed structure; • Fig. 22 a perspective view of an injector side of the in Fig. 21 illustrated mixed structure; • Fig. 23 a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the piston side of the in the Fig. 9 to 12 illustrated mixed structure and • Fig. 24 a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixed structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] One or more embodiments of the invention described herein provide mixing structures or arrangements. These mixing structures or arrangements can be mechanical structures located on or near fuel injectors of cylinders in an engine. The mixing structures can influence and / or control the ignition delay of the fuel (for example, by delaying the ignition with respect to the injection timing). Ignition control can enable a different (for example, leaner) fuel-air mixture to be reached before the mixture enters a combustion zone to ignite or burn. Various concepts enabling this modification of the fuel combustion event are described herein.Although some designs may employ pipes and channels, other hybrid structures and arrangements may define ducts, flow paths, conduits, and the like, and may lack both a pipe structure and a through-flow structure within the combustion chamber of a cylinder. It has been shown that some designs incorporating pipes or channels suffer from catastrophic failures, such as explosions occurring within the pipes.

[0029] By referencing some of these concepts, the mixing structures or arrangements can be positioned in cylinder heads between the fuel injectors and the pistons, or they can be arranged on top of the pistons. Such arrangements can control (for example, reduce) the amount of hot gas entrained in an injected fuel stream. A fuel injector can inject the fuel and may have a nozzle that forms multiple fuel streams.

[0030] By adding substances to these mixtures, the fuel and air have more time to mix before ignition. The fuel-to-air ratio can be controlled. The mixing process between the fuel and the air / gas mixture can be controlled. It may be possible to reduce or eliminate the production of certain exhaust products (e.g., soot, NOx) during combustion by controlling the fuel-air / gas mixture.

[0031] By being added to these mixed structures, the structure can come into contact with the hot gas and air to act as a heat sink. In this way, it can locally cool the previously hot gas / air as it is drawn into, carried along with, and / or entrained by a fuel stream. The mixed structure can cool the gases that are entrained in fuel streams injected into the cylinder. A cooler mixture can delay ignition, thereby reducing the amount of soot produced or preventing soot production altogether. Various embodiments of the mixed structure may be referred to as a soot reduction arrangement or an engine arrangement. In the sense used herein, the terms gas or gases include air, a combination of air and recirculated exhaust gas (exhaust gas recirculation, EGR), a combination of air and other diluents (for example, water vapor, CO2 and / or N2, etc.).), air modified to change the oxygen concentration, and a combination of any of the above with drawn-in natural gas.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a mixed structure 100, which is set up for use in a cylinder of an engine. Fig. 2 shows a cutaway partial view of the in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a mixed structure. The mixed structure can be formed by a body 102 having one or more interior spaces or centrally arranged volumes 124 surrounding a central axis ZC. The body extends along the central axis ZC from a fuel injector side 104 to an opposite piston side 106. In an installed and operational state, the fuel injector side can face a fuel injector, so that it injects fuel into the cylinder in coordination with the insert arrangement. The piston side can face the bottom or piston head of the same cylinder.

[0033] The mixing structure can be connected or coupled to the piston crown or cylinder head. The body can be connected or coupled to a cylinder head and remain stationary while a piston moves within the cylinder relative to the mixing structure, the fuel injector, and the cylinder head. In one embodiment, the body can be attached to the bottom of the piston (for example, the end of the piston closest to the fuel injector) and move toward and away from the fuel injector and cylinder head during piston operation.

[0034] In one embodiment, the body can include a step section 108 and a second section 110 extending in directions along the central axes ZC. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper step has a smaller outer circumference than the outer circumference of the lower section. The step can extend radially (relative to the central axis ZC) from an inner surface 112 to an opposite distal outer surface 114, and the second section can define an annular space and extend radially (relative to the central axis ZC) from an inner surface 116 to an opposite distal outer surface 118. The outer surface of the second section can be located further away from the central axis ZC than the outer surface of the upper step.In further embodiments, the upper step and / or the second section has / have an outer surface that may be located at a different distance from the central axis ZC; or the inner surface of the second section may be positioned further away from the central axis ZC than the inner surface of the upper step. The transition between the step section and the second section may be smooth or have a textured or surface profile; and it may be oriented at a 90-degree angle relative to at least one of the step section or the second section, or it may have a linear profile and be oriented at approximately 45 degrees to or away from the outer circumference; and the transition may have a non-linear profile and be curved or corrugated in a convex or concave manner.In one embodiment, at least one segment of the stage section's surface can be configured to direct exhaust gas from the cylinder's interior to a nearby exhaust valve. In another embodiment, at least one further segment of the stage section's surface can be configured to influence or control an intake gas flow (or intake gas and natural gas for a multi-fuel engine) to the cylinder. The configuration of these and other aspects of the topology has varying degrees of impact on a wide range of performance factors. In principle, the selection and combination of configuration factors can be chosen with respect to engine type, fuel type, cylinder / piston size, engine duty cycle, emissions regulations, fuel consumption figures, EGR rates, the use of multi-fuel systems, and the like.While some specific combinations of features are given herein as examples, other combinations can be used in conjunction with features external to the device according to the invention to achieve desired results in specific applications.

[0035] The first stage and the second stage can be connected to each other via one or more gas channels 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas channels can be integrally formed from or defined by the surfaces of one or more cooling fins 120. The fins can be spaced apart from each other in circumferential directions surrounding the central axis ZC. The fins extend radially from the inner surface of the upper stage to the outer surface of the upper stage. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins each have a corrugated or wave-like shape or configuration. This shape can increase the surface area of ​​the fins (for example, compared to flat or non-corrugated fins) and create a stronger interaction between hot gases and the fin surfaces for greater heat transfer from the gases, as described herein.

[0036] In another embodiment, other ribs can have a different shape, size, and thickness. For example, some other ribs can have a substantially flat shape with a smooth surface. A smooth surface condition can help reduce the pressure drop along the length of the rib. In further embodiments, the rib surface can define several projections extending from the rib surfaces into the gas channels, and / or it can define depressions or grooves extending inward into the rib surfaces, away from the gas channels.The shape of the ribs, their number, spacing, arrangement size and profile of the projections and / or depressions and / or grooves and the angle, surface treatment and surface properties of each rib can influence the behavior and flow paths of the gas that is drawn from the outside of the mixed structure into the central volume of the mixed structure through the gas channels.

[0037] The second section of the body can contain several fuel-gas mixing lines 122. These mixing lines extend from the inner surface of the second section to the outer surface of the second section. The mixing lines can be oriented at transverse angles with respect to the central axis ZC. For example, the central axes of the mixing lines can be oriented at an acute angle, which may be greater than 10 degrees and less than 90 degrees with respect to the central axis ZC, with the mixing lines angled away from the upper stage. In one embodiment, the central axes of the other mixing lines can be oriented at a different angle, such as 90 degrees or an obtuse angle, relative to the central axis ZC. There are several mixing lines that are located in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 illustrates (although only two are labelled). The mixing lines can be symmetrically distributed or arranged around the central axis ZC. In other embodiments, a different number of mixing lines are provided, for example, a single mixing line may be used. The illustrated mixing lines have a cylindrical shape, while alternative suitable shapes may include a fan-shaped shape, a conical shape, a polygonal shape, a square cross-sectional shape, a rectangular cross-sectional shape, another polygonal cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, and the like.

[0038] In any of the embodiments provided herein, the gas channels and / or the fuel-gas mixing lines may be distributed radially symmetrically around and relative to the central axis ZC, such that there is an equal number of radial distances between each adjacent pair of channels or lines (that is, the radial distance between a channel or line and its two nearest neighboring channels or lines on each side is equal to the radial distance between all other channels or lines and their respective two nearest neighboring channels or lines on each side). Furthermore, in any of the embodiments, the total number of channels may be equal to or different from the total number of lines. The radial distance between adjacent channels may also be equal to or different from the radial distance between adjacent lines.In one embodiment, there is a larger total number of gas channels than fuel-gas mixing lines, and the gas channels are radially closer together than the fuel-gas mixing lines.

[0039] In one embodiment, the body can include the stepped section, thereby increasing the distance between the mixing lines and the fuel injector while simultaneously preventing contact between the body and one or more of the fuel injector valves. Without the stepped section, the circumference of the body closest to the fuel injector would be much larger. This could cause the insert to come into contact with the cylinder head valves or interfere with their operation.

[0040] In one embodiment, the hybrid structure can be produced using additive manufacturing. For example, at least the fins of the cooling arrangement can be formed using a three-dimensional printing system. In another embodiment, the hybrid structure can be cut from a larger body or otherwise machined. Suitable materials for the hybrid structure can be a thermally conductive material. In one embodiment, the hybrid structure can be made of a metal or a metal alloy. In various embodiments, the hybrid structure can be a ceramic or a cermet (for example, a mixture of one or more ceramics and one or more metals) or a ceramic matrix composite. The hybrid structure may optionally not be a homogeneous material. In one embodiment, the surface material differs from the internal material.This can be achieved during the manufacturing process, or it can be accomplished by coating or treating the surface of the composite structure. Coatings can include wear-resistant materials (such as diamond-like coatings (DLC)) or can be active (for example, catalysts) to influence the combustion process itself.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the [unclear text]. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrated mixed structure as it is coupled with a cylinder head 300 of an engine cylinder 302 in an engine, according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates another cross-sectional view of the [structure / feature] in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrated structure, which is connected to the cylinder head of the in Fig. 3 illustrated cylinders are coupled, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0042] The composite structure can be attached to the cylinder head at a point between a fuel injector 304 and a piston crown 306 in the cylinder. During engine operation, the piston moves towards and away from the fuel injector, or up and down in the perspective of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the mixing structure can be stationary, since it can be mounted on the cylinder head or otherwise attached. The piston moves towards and away from both the fuel injector and the stationary mixing structure. In one embodiment, the mixing structure or cooling arrangement can be attached to, coupled to, or incorporated into the crown of the piston in such a way that the mixing structure moves together with the piston towards and away from the fuel injector.

[0043] During operation, the fuel injector injects one or more fuel streams 400 into the central volume of the mixed-structure body. During operation, the fuel streams flow from the fuel injector through the (in Fig. 1 illustrated) central volume of the mixing structure through. The pressure supplied to the fuel injector can cause all or substantially all of the fuel (e.g., at least 90% of it) to pass through the mixing lines (after mixing with gases, as described herein).

[0044] As the fuel flows into the inner volume of the body, the flowing fuel draws gases 402 through the mixing structure. The gases, which may be relatively hot, can be drawn in through the gas channels between the fins such that the hot gases move from the outside of the mixing structure inwards, through the fins (e.g., between them), and into the central volume of the mixing structure. The fins allow the hot gases to pass from the outside of the body of the mixing structure to the inside of the stage section and the second section (e.g., along radial directions towards the central axis ZC). In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the gases drawn into the inner volume of the body pass through the gas channels between the fins with little to no (e.g.,no more than 10%) gases are drawn into the central volume through the piston side or injector side of the mixed structure.

[0045] Each fin can function as a heat sink to transfer thermal energy. In one embodiment, the thermal energy can be transferred from the hot gases. The at least partially cooled gases are then entrained in the fuel flow within the central volume to form a fuel-gas mixture 401 within the central volume of the body. This fuel-gas mixture can be formed before the fuel or gas enters the combustion chamber of the cylinder. The fuel and gas mix to form the fuel-gas mixture, which flows out of the mixing structure through one or more of the mixing lines. The fuel-gas mixture then flows into the combustion chamber of the cylinder.This fuel-gas mixture may be cooler than the fuel-gas mixtures that do not flow through or mix within the mixing structure, which may delay ignition within the chamber of the cylinder and prevent or reduce soot formation as described herein.

[0046] Optionally, the mixing lines can be aligned to direct the fuel-gas mixture further into the cylinder's combustion chamber, allowing the mixture to penetrate deeper (e.g., compared to directing the fuel and gas directly into the combustion chamber without pre-mixing using the mixing structure). For example, pre-mixing the fuel and gas within the body and then directing the resulting fuel-gas mixture into the combustion chamber using the lines can alter the mass and velocity combination of the mixture jet compared to the mass and velocity the fuel and gas jets would have separately without pre-mixing. For instance, the jet with the mixing structure might be more restricted (e.g., narrower) than the jet without it.Furthermore, the jet can have a lower initial mass carry but a higher velocity compared to the jet without the mixing structure. Without a mixing structure, the jet could entrain more gases earlier in the flow path, which would have a high mass in the spray area, and the dispersal of the spray would result in a lower velocity and less penetration into the cylinder. The more concentrated, higher velocity of the mixture due to the structure causes the mixture to enter further into the combustion chamber, to locations that may be farther from the structure (compared to not using the structure). As the penetration of the mixture into the combustion chamber increases, soot oxidation within the combustion chamber can be enhanced, which can eliminate or reduce the amount of soot in the engine cylinder.

[0047] The conduits can be visualized as passages with continuous walls, open only at opposite ends. In one embodiment, one or more (or all) of the conduits may contain perforations, holes, or slots distributed along their length. These perforations or holes may be radially distributed along the length of the conduits, such that they may be located at varying radial distances from the axis ZC. The holes or perforations may allow additional gas to be drawn into the conduits, mixed with the fuel, and cooled before being directed into the cylinder.The design, positioning, size, and angle of the holes or perforations can influence the fuel-gas ratio of the mixture via the added gas volume and the degree of mixture homogeneity via the mixing effect caused by the action of the flowing gas streams. This also affects the orientation of the mixture relative to the inner walls of the pipe by creating a buffer layer along the wall (i.e., the mixture flow can move concentrically through the pipe without contacting the sides). A laminar flow of gases can flow parallel to the mixture stream, pushing the mixture stream toward the center of the pipe.

[0048] In one embodiment, the mixing lines can be defined by one or more exposed internal surfaces extending through the body. These internal surfaces can be located in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The two surfaces are cylindrical, but in other embodiments they can have a different shape. The shape can be selected based, at least in part, on application-specific parameters. For example, these surfaces can have a conical shape, so that the sizes of the openings of the conduits on the outer surface can be larger than the sizes of the openings of the conduits on the inner surface. As another suitable configuration example, the surfaces can have a conical shape, with the sizes of the openings of the conduits on the outer surface being smaller than the sizes of the openings of the conduits on the inner surface. In various embodiments, the surfaces can be smooth, or they can have protrusions or depressions.The protrusions or depressions can modify the flow paths of the fuel-gas mixtures through the pipes to control flow characteristics such as how far the fuel-gas mixtures penetrate the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder, or the degree of turbulence and / or mixing. This can alter the degree of turbulence by creating turbulent flow instead of laminar or plug flow of the mixture. Optionally, the depressions or protrusions can promote mixing of the gases and fuel by creating a more turbulent flow of the gases and / or fuel, thereby increasing the degree of turbulence by ensuring that the gases and fuel are more uniformly mixed in the mixtures.

[0049] Suitable conduits can also have linear cylindrical shapes. For example, each conduit can be centered around or along a linear axis. In one embodiment, one or more of the conduits can have a curved shape. For example, the conduits can have curved shapes such that they can be centered around curved axes with the same or different radii of curvature.

[0050] The shape and size of the channels, their linear or curved paths, the presence of protrusions and / or depressions in the channels, and / or perforations or holes extending to the channels, can influence the momentum, direction, and / or angular momentum with which the fuel-gas mixture exits the mixing structure. One or more of these parameters can be varied or modified for mixing structures used for different fuel types, gas temperatures, engines, cylinders, or the like, in order to control how far the fuel-gas mixture penetrates the combustion chambers of the engine cylinders.

[0051] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 500 for a cylinder of an engine. The mixing structure can optionally be described as a soot reduction arrangement because the mixing structure cools the gases that can be entrained in the fuel injected into the cylinder, thereby delaying ignition and reducing the amount of soot produced or preventing soot production altogether. Furthermore, the mixing structure can guide the fuel-gas mixture further into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder. This can oxidize more soot.

[0052] The in Fig. The illustrated mixed structure in section 5 exhibits some characteristics that are similar to those described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The mixed structure illustrated in Figure 2 is similar to or identical with it. The mixed structure may be formed from a body 502 having a shape extending around a central axis ZC in the middle or central volume. While various mixed structures may be illustrated as having a single central volume, in one embodiment the mixed structures may include one or more internal walls that divide the central volumes into two or more smaller central volumes.

[0053] The body extends along the central axis ZC from the fuel injector side 104 to the opposite piston side, as described above. The body of the composite structure can be attached to a cylinder head or can be attached to the crown of the piston and move towards and away from the fuel injector and the cylinder head during piston operation.

[0054] The body can contain the upper stage and the second section. Unlike the mixed structure, the body of the mixed structure does not contain any ribs between the stage section and the second section, or any air passages extending radially through the stage section. Instead, the upper stage section and the second section can be connected by a solid wall 526. As described above, the second section can contain one or more mixing ducts.

[0055] During operation, the fuel injector injects fuel into the central volume of the mixing structure. The flowing fuel draws in hot gases through the mixing structure. These hot gases are drawn into the central volume and mix with the fuel to form the fuel-gas mixture. This mixture can then be routed from the mixing structure into the combustion chamber of the cylinder via the mixing lines. The body of the mixing structure can act as a heat sink, absorbing thermal energy from the hot gases and cooling them before, during, and / or after mixing with the fuel within the central volume. The at least partially cooled gases are then carried along by the fuel flow in the central volume and exit the mixing structure as the fuel-gas mixture through one or more of the lines.The fuel-gas mixture then flows into the combustion chamber of the cylinder. This fuel-gas mixture may be cooler than the fuel-gas mixtures that do not flow through or mix within the mixing structure, which can delay ignition inside the cylinder chamber. Delayed ignition can prevent or reduce soot formation, as described herein.

[0056] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 600 for a cylinder of an engine. As mentioned herein, embodiments of the mixing structure can optionally be described as a soot reduction arrangement. In such embodiments, the mixing structure can cool the gases that may be entrained in the fuel injected into the cylinder, thereby delaying ignition and reducing the amount of soot produced or preventing soot formation altogether. Furthermore, the mixing structure can direct the fuel-gas mixture further into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder to oxidize more soot.

[0057] The mixed structure can be formed from a body 602 having a shape extending around a central axis ZC in one or more central volumes (which are in Fig. 6 (not visible, but shaped identically to or similarly to the central volume). The body extends along the central axis ZC from a fuel injector side 604 to an opposite piston side 606. The fuel injector side faces a fuel injector that injects fuel into the cylinder, to which the mixing structure may be associated. The piston side faces the crown of the piston in the same cylinder.

[0058] The body can be a single, continuous piece, such as one that can be printed as a single, continuous object. For example, the body can be a monolithic object formed from a single piece of material, rather than from two or more pieces joined together. The single-piece body may, if desired, lack seams or interfaces that would exist if the body were formed from two or more joined pieces, where seams or interfaces would be present at the points where the pieces are joined. Alternatively, the body can be formed from two or more separate parts.

[0059] The body of the composite structure can be attached to a cylinder head (because the fuel injector is also attached to the cylinder head) and remain stationary while a piston in the cylinder moves relative to the composite structure, the fuel injector, and the cylinder head. In one embodiment, the body can be attached to the crown of the piston (for example, the end of the piston that may be closest to the fuel injector) and can move toward and away from the fuel injector and the cylinder head during piston operation. In an alternative embodiment, the body can be formed from two or more separate (for example, unconnected) parts, one part being coupled to the top of the piston and another part being coupled to the cylinder head.

[0060] The body can include an upper section 608 (containing the step) and a second section 610, spaced apart from each other along the central axis ZC. The upper section can include a cylindrical section or part 628 (for example, the step) and a conical section or part 630. The cylindrical section has an outer surface 614 located at or approximately at (for example, within manufacturing or printing tolerances) the same radial distance from the central axis ZC. The conical section has a conical shape that extends further away from the central axis ZC to locations that may be farther from the cylindrical section. The conical section widens outward or away from the central axis ZC.For example, the outer surface of the body at the end of the conical section that intersects the cylindrical section may be located closer to the central axis ZC than the opposite end of the conical section.

[0061] The second section also has a conical shape that widens away from the central axis ZC. The conical section of the upper section and the conical section form concentric cones or sections of cones that may be centered on or along the central axis ZC. The sections may be connected to one another by one or more spacers 620. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacers may be columns extending from a bottom surface 638 of the conical section of the upper section to an opposite upper surface 640 of the conical section.

[0062] The cylindrical step of the upper section can contain several ribs, which may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction surrounding the central axis ZC to form gas passages or channels. The ribs extend radially from the inner surface of the cylindrical section of the upper section to the opposite outer surface of the cylindrical section of the upper section.

[0063] During operation, the fuel injector injects the fuel into the inner volume of the mixture structure. The flowing fuel draws the hot gases through gas channels and into the mixture structure. In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the gases drawn into the central volume can be drawn in through the gas channels. The hot gases can be drawn into the central volume by the fuel flow through the gas channels between the fins.

[0064] The fins function as heat sinks to extract thermal energy from the hot gases and cool them, similar to the above in conjunction with the embodiment described in the Fig. The mixture structure is described in Figures 1 to 4. The at least partially cooled gases are then carried along in the fuel flow in the central opening to form the fuel-gas mixture within the central volume of the mixture structure. This mixture then flows out of the mixture structure via a space 601 between the bottom surface of the conical section of the upper section and the upper surface of the conical section. In one embodiment, a portion of the mixture can be released from a central opening 603 (in Fig. (8 illustrated) flow out, which is fluidically connected to the central volume and encloses the conical sections. Alternatively, some of the gas flowing into the central opening, which is carried along with the fuel to form the fuel-gas mixture, can enter the central opening from the outside of the mixing structure through the central opening.

[0065] The fuel-gas mixture then flows into the combustion chamber of the cylinder. This fuel-gas mixture may be cooler than the fuel-gas mixtures that do not flow through or mix within the mixing structure, which can delay ignition inside the cylinder chamber and prevent or reduce soot formation as described herein.

[0066] In one embodiment, the mixing structure may have an outlet through which the fuel-gas mixture exits the body of the mixing structure, which may be a continuous or nearly continuous circuit. In contrast, some other embodiments allow the fuel-gas mixture to exit the mixing structures through separate and spaced-apart channels, resulting in multiple streams of the fuel-gas mixture emerging from the mixing structures at discrete locations along the outer edge or circumference of the second section of the structures. The concentric cones in the body of the mixing structure guide the fuel-gas mixture so that it exits the body along all or substantially all (for example, at least 90% of the outer edge or circumference) of the conical section.The 620 spacers can disrupt or partially block the flow of the fuel-gas mixture out of the body at specific points. However, the fuel-gas mixture can still flow over the remainder of the outer edge or circumference of the conical section. This can distribute the fuel-gas mixture over a larger volume before it enters the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder, which can further cool the fuel-gas mixture, reducing or eliminating soot formation.

[0067] In one embodiment, the upper section and the lower (conical) section can be separate bodies. For example, the spacers, columns, or connectors can be rigidly connected to one of the upper section or the conical section, but not both. Alternatively, the spacers can be fixed to the upper section or the conical section, but not to the other. The upper section can be coupled to the cylinder head, while the conical section can be coupled to the piston crown. Sections 608 and 610 can be brought into contact with each other or into close proximity to each other as the piston moves toward the fuel injector (and the fuel injector injects fuel into the mixture structure). Sections 608 and 606 can be separated from each other as the piston moves away from the fuel injector.

[0068] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 700 for a cylinder of an engine. This mixing structure can be described as a soot reduction arrangement because the mixing structure cools the gases entrained with the fuel injected into the cylinder, thereby delaying ignition and reducing the amount of soot produced or preventing soot formation altogether. Furthermore, the mixing structure can direct the fuel-gas mixture further into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder to oxidize more soot.

[0069] The mixed structure can be formed from a body 702 having a shape extending around a central axis ZC in the central volume. The body extends along the central axis ZC from the fuel injector side to the opposite piston side, as described above in connection with the mixed structure. The fuel injector side faces a fuel injector that injects fuel into the cylinder to which the mixed structure may be associated. The piston side faces the crown of the piston in the same cylinder.

[0070] The body of the composite structure can be attached to a cylinder head (with the fuel injector also attached to the cylinder head) and remain stationary while a piston moves within the cylinder relative to the composite structure, the fuel injector, and the cylinder head. In one embodiment, the body can be attached to the crown of the piston (for example, the end of the piston closest to the fuel injector) and move toward and away from the fuel injector and cylinder head during piston operation.

[0071] The body may contain an upper section 708, which is based on a combination of the upper level of the in Fig. 5 illustrated mixed structure and the upper section of the in Fig. The mixed structure can be based on the 6 illustrated structure. The upper section can contain a solid ring part or section 28 (for example, similar to the upper part of the upper section of the mixed structure, which can contain the solid wall 526) and a conical section.

[0072] The body may contain various components described herein in conjunction with other embodiments. For example, the body may have a solid wall (instead of the gas channels and ribs) described above in conjunction with the embodiment described in Fig. The 5 illustrated mixed structure describes the conical section that can be coupled to the wall (and forms part of the upper section with the wall) and the lower conical section.

[0073] A difference between the body of the mixed structure and the body of the in Fig. The mixed structure illustrated in Figure 6 can be the number and arrangement of spacers within the body. The body can contain several thin columns that form the spacers. The spacers can vary from one embodiment to another in terms of number, size, thickness, length, profile, and material. An increased number and thinner shape of the spacers can aid the mixing of the fuel-gas mixture, as this mixture flows in the space between the conical step and the conical section, and can further increase the surface area in contact with the fuel-gas mixture. That is, the spacers can act as heat sinks and dissipate thermal energy from the fuel-gas mixture in a similar manner to the fins described herein.

[0074] During operation, the fuel injector injects fuel into the central volume of the mixed structure. The flowing fuel draws in hot gases through the mixed structure. These hot gases can be drawn into the central volume between the fuel injector side of the body and the fuel injector, similar to how hot gases can be drawn into the body of the mixed structure itself.

[0075] The gases are then carried along in the fuel flow within the central volume and flow out of the mixing structure as the fuel-gas mixture through the space between the conical step 630 of the upper section and the conical section. The fuel-gas mixture can flow between the spacers, and the spacers can act as heat sinks to cool the fuel-gas mixture. The fuel-gas mixture then flows into the combustion chamber of the cylinder. This fuel-gas mixture may be cooler than the fuel-gas mixtures that do not flow through or mix within the mixing structure, which can delay ignition inside the cylinder chamber and prevent or reduce soot formation, as described herein.

[0076] Similar to the mixing structure, the outlet through which the fuel-gas mixture leaves the body of the mixing structure can be a continuous or substantially continuous circuit. The concentric cones in the body of the mixing structure guide the fuel-gas mixture so that it exits the body along all or substantially all (for example, at least 90%) of the outer edge or circumference of the conical stage 630. The spacers can disrupt or partially block the flow of the fuel-gas mixture out of the body at appropriate locations. However, the fuel-gas mixture can still flow over the remainder of the outer edge or circumference of the conical section. This can distribute the fuel-gas mixture over a larger volume, which can further cool the fuel-gas mixture, thus reducing soot formation.

[0077] Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure for a cylinder of an engine. The mixing structure can optionally be described as a soot reduction arrangement because the mixing structure cools the gases that can be carried along with the fuel injected into the cylinder, thereby delaying ignition and reducing the amount of soot produced or preventing soot production altogether. Furthermore, the mixing structure can direct the fuel-air mixture further into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder to oxidize more soot.

[0078] The mixed structure can be formed from a body 802 with a shape extending around a central axis ZC in the central volume. This body extends along the central axis ZC from the fuel injector side to the opposite piston side, as described above in conjunction with other cooling arrangements. The fuel injector side faces a fuel injector that injects fuel into the cylinder to which the mixed structure may be associated. The cylinder side faces the crown of the piston in the same cylinder.

[0079] The body of the composite structure can be attached to a cylinder head (with the fuel injector also attached to the cylinder head) and remain stationary while a piston in the cylinder moves relative to the composite structure, the fuel injector, and the cylinder head. In one embodiment, the body can be attached to the crown of the piston (for example, the end of the piston closest to the fuel injector) and can move toward and away from the fuel injector and the cylinder head during piston operation.

[0080] The body may contain various components described herein in conjunction with other embodiments. The body may contain the upper section, which is based on a combination of the upper stage of the components described herein. Fig. 5 illustrated mixed structure and the upper section of the in Fig. The 6 illustrated mixed structure can be based on this, and the above in conjunction with the one in Fig. The mixed structure can be described as illustrated in Figure 7. The upper section can contain the solid ring section or the solid ring step and the conical step. The body can contain a solid wall, as described above, the conical step, which may be coupled to a wall, and the lower conical section. The body can further contain one or more spacers connecting the conical step and the conical section.

[0081] During operation, the fuel injector injects fuel into the central volume of the body. The flowing fuel draws in hot gases through the mixing structure. These hot gases can then be drawn into the central opening between the fuel injector side and the fuel injector itself.

[0082] The gases are carried along in the fuel flow within the central volume and flow out of the mixing structure as the fuel-gas mixture through the space between the conical step of the upper section and the conical section. Some of the mixture can escape from the structure through the opening. The fuel-gas mixture can come into contact with the body within the space and transfer thermal energy to the body, thus cooling the fuel-gas mixture. The fuel-gas mixture then flows into the combustion chamber of the cylinder. This fuel-gas mixture can be cooler than the fuel-gas mixtures that do not flow through or mix within the mixing structure, which can delay ignition within the cylinder chamber and prevent or reduce soot formation, as described above.

[0083] Furthermore, the outlet through which the fuel-gas mixture leaves the body of the mixing structure can be a continuous or substantially continuous circuit, as described above. The fuel-gas mixture can be spread over a larger volume, which can further cool the fuel-gas mixture for the reduction or elimination of soot formation.

[0084] The cooling arrangements described herein can be a single-piece body, with all parts and components secured to one another and to a common other component (for example, the entire body of the composite structure can be attached to the cylinder head or the piston, but not both). In one embodiment, one or more of the cooling arrangements can be formed from a multi-part body, with one part of the body (for example, the upper section or the upper stage) coupled to the cylinder head, while another part of the body (for example, the lower section) is coupled to the crown of the piston.These parts can be brought into contact with each other or into close proximity to each other when the piston moves towards the fuel injector (and fuel can be injected into the body through the fuel injector), and can move away from each other when the piston moves away from the fuel injector.

[0085] In one embodiment, a hybrid structure can be provided for a cylinder in an engine. The hybrid structure can include an annular body surrounding a central opening and a central axis. The annular body can be designed to be positioned between a fuel injector of the cylinder and a piston in a combustion chamber of the cylinder. The annular body can be designed to receive fuel from the fuel injector into the central opening of the annular body along the central axis. The annular body can further be designed to draw hot gas into the central opening so that it is carried along with the fuel flowing from the fuel injector through the central opening.The annular body can be designed to guide a mixture of the hot gas and the fuel that can be injected through the annular body in order to reduce the temperature of the mixture of hot gas and fuel before the mixture of hot gas and fuel is directed into the combustion chamber of the cylinder.

[0086] Optionally, the annular body may include: an upper annular space and a lower annular space coupled together; wherein the upper annular space has an outer circumference that may be located closer to the central axis than the outer circumference of the lower annular space; wherein the lower annular space widens outwards away from the upper annular space and the central axis; wherein the upper annular space may be located closer to the fuel injector than the lower annular space, while the annular body may be positioned between the cylinder's fuel injector and the piston in the cylinder's combustion chamber;wherein the upper annular space may contain several ribs oriented radially towards the central axis and spaced apart from one another in directions parallel to an outer circumference of the upper annular space, the ribs being positioned in an upper annular space such that the hot gas may be drawn into the central opening between the ribs by the flow of fuel in the central opening. The ribs may cool the hot gas as it flows between them; the upper annular space of the annular body may contain a conical step widening away from the central axis; the lower annular space of the annular body has a conical shape widening away from the central axis;The upper annular space of the annular body may contain a conical step that widens away from the central axis. The lower annular space of the annular body may have a conical shape that widens away from the central axis. The conical step of the upper annular space and that of the lower annular space may be spaced apart from each other in directions parallel to the central axis. The annular body may be designed such that the mixture of hot gas and fuel flows out of the annular body through a volume between the conical step of the upper annular space and the lower annular space. The arrangement may further include spacer columns that may be coupled and connected to the conical step of the upper annular space and the lower annular space.The annular body can contain several channels that fluidically connect the central opening to locations outside the annular body. The channels can be elongated in directions that may be oriented transversely to the central axis; the channels can be elongated in directions in which the mixture of hot gas and fuel is directed away from the central axis; the annular body extends in directions parallel to the central axis from a fuel injector side, which may be positioned to face the fuel injector, to an opposite cylinder side, which may be positioned to face the piston into the combustion chamber of the cylinder; the annular body can be designed to draw the hot gas into the central opening between the fuel injector side of the body and the fuel injector;The annular body can be configured to be coupled to a cylinder head of the cylinder; the annular body can be configured to be coupled to an upper side of the piston; the annular body has an opening facing the fuel injector, into which the fuel can be injected by the fuel injector into the annular body. The annular body can be formed from a first annular space and a second annular space. The first annular space can be configured to be coupled to a cylinder head of the cylinder, which may furthermore be coupled to or contain the fuel injector. The second annular space can be coupled to the piston.

[0087] Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixed structure 900. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of an electrical side 908 of the in Fig. 9 illustrated mixed structure. Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mixed structure along line 11-11, which is shown in Fig. 10 is illustrated. Fig. Figure 12 illustrates another cross-sectional view of the structure along a line 12 - 12 in Fig. 9. The mixed structures described herein may optionally be referred to as motor arrangements.

[0088] The composite structure can include a body 904 defining an axis 906 that extends from an injector side 908 along the axis toward an opposite piston side 910. The body can include a cylinder head connection structure or cylinder head connection section 926 and a thermal management structure 914. The cylinder head connection structure is coupled to a cylinder head, while the thermal management structure faces a piston crown. The body's connection structure is joined in place by a shrink fit. For example, the body can be formed from one or more materials that shrink in size after installation and / or use. The body can be designed to have dimensions that, after the body shrinks, match or conform to the dimensions of the component(s) to which the body is to be joined.In other embodiments, structures can be connected to a cylinder head of an engine cylinder by press fit, welded on, bolted to it, screwed onto it (for example, secured to it by screws) or in various other embodiments be designed as a part of a cylinder head of an engine cylinder.

[0089] In one embodiment, the axis can be a central axis around which the body extends symmetrically or which the body symmetrically surrounds. In another embodiment, the axis may not extend along the center of the body, and / or the body may not be symmetrical around or above the axis. The injector side of the body faces a fuel injector of an engine cylinder, while the piston side of the body faces a piston head of the engine cylinder.

[0090] The body has an inwardly directed surface 1000 opposite the axis. This inwardly directed surface defines one or more central volumes 1802 inside the body. While only a single central volume 1802 exists in the Fig. 10 and Fig. As can be illustrated in Figure 11, in one embodiment the body can contain one or more internal walls or other structures that divide the single central volume into two or more smaller volumes. This volume can be referred to as an injection chamber. The injection chamber can have a shape whose cross-sectional area decreases at points farther from the injector side of the body. For example, the injection chamber can be stepped with respect to its diameter such that various points of the injection chamber, which may be located closer to the piston side along the axis, can have smaller diameters than points located closer to the injection side along the axis. Optionally, the injection chamber can be cylindrical such that the cross-sectional area remains the same at various points along the axis.In further embodiments, the injection chamber can be conical or ribbed, so that different parts of the injection chamber, which may be located closer to the piston side along the axis, may have smaller diameters than parts which may be located closer to the injection side along the axis.

[0091] The body may further include an outwardly facing surface 916, which may be located distal to the axis. For example, the inwardly facing surface may be proximal to the axis, and the outwardly facing surface may be distal to the axis in that the inwardly facing surface may be located closer to the axis than the outwardly facing surface.

[0092] The body has several channel surfaces 918 that can define two or more gas channels 912, 920, arranged between the injector side and the piston side of the body. The gas channels can extend through the body from the outward-facing surface through the inward-facing surface. In various embodiments, some channel surfaces form linear slots through the body as gas channels, while other channel surfaces form circular channels through the body as gas channels. The slots can be elongated in directions extending from one side or toward an opposite side. In other embodiments, the slots can be elongated in other directions and / or have a different shape.The slots can, for example, be curved, arc-shaped, formed from two or more differently oriented linear sections, or the like. In one embodiment, the channel surfaces and / or gas channels can have a different size and / or shape. As in . Fig. As illustrated in Figure 12, the surfaces can, for example, be wavy. The channels do not appear to extend to the outward-facing surface of the body. Fig. 12 to extend, which is due to the fact that the canals extend along directions that are in Fig. They can be angled downwards. The choice of direction and shape can be based on the desired end use, the type of engine and fuel(s), and other application specifics.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the mixing lines 922 can be defined by the gas channels or arranged between them. The mixing lines 922 contain inner channel surfaces 924 inside the body of the arrangement 900. The gas channels 920 can be arranged between the mixing lines 922 and the injector surface 908, and the gas channels 912 can be arranged between the mixing lines 922 and the piston surface 910.

[0094] In some embodiments, one or more surfaces may have a catalytic coating, a wear-resistant coating, or a coating resistant to carbon buildup. Additionally or alternatively, the surface may be treated. Suitable treatments may include plasma treatment, heat treatment, laser coating, nitriding, carbonizing, and the like.

[0095] Each pipe or duct extends from an inlet connection or opening to an opposite outlet connection or opening. The inlet connections for the gas pipes or ducts can be located along the outward-facing surface of the body, as the gases can be drawn into the pipes or ducts through the connections on the outward-facing surface. The outlet connections for the gas pipes or ducts can be located along the inward-facing surface of the body, as the gases exit the pipes or ducts through the connections on the inward-facing surface. The inlet connections for the mixing pipes can be located along the inward-facing surface of the body, allowing the mixture to be drawn into the pipes through the connections on the inward-facing surface.The outlet connections for the lines can be arranged along the outward-facing surface of the body, since the mixture from the lines exits through the connections in the outward-facing surface.

[0096] The inlet and / or outlet connections of the inlets and / or outlets of the ducts and / or conduits may have rounded shapes along the edges of the ducts or conduits, formed by the connection points, for example between the defined surfaces and the outward-facing surface, as shown in the Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 11 illustrates and defines these features. In one embodiment, these edges can have a non-rounded shape, such as a 90-degree junction between the defined surfaces and the outward-facing surface. The rounded edges can allow more gases to flow into the channels and / or can achieve enhanced surface interaction (and consequently greater heat transfer) between the body and the gases. Optionally, the inlet and / or outlet connections of the channels can have conical shapes, the cross-sectional area of ​​which decreases at locations in the channels farther from the outward-facing surface. Optionally, the inlet and / or outlet connections of the channels can have rumbled shapes, the cross-sectional area of ​​which increases at locations in the channels farther from the outward-facing surface.In one embodiment, the output port is configured to anchor a flame front at a specific location. For example, a flame holder can be arranged at the output port. The flame holder can anchor the flame front at a specific location during combustion.

[0097] The channels may optionally include one or more structures or features that modify the flow of gases within the channels. For example, the channel surfaces may be corrugated, defining one or more protrusions and / or depressions extending from or into the body within the gas channels. In one embodiment, the channel surfaces may be smooth or flat, lacking any protrusions or depressions. The corrugated shape of the surfaces creates non-linear (e.g., wavy) paths as the channels through which the gases can flow into the injection chamber of the body. These non-linear paths may be curved, sawtooth-shaped, zigzag-shaped, or otherwise.The non-linear paths along which the gases flow into the inner chamber can increase the surface area of ​​the body in contact with the gases and / or can increase the residence time of the gases with the body inside the channels. This can increase the heat transfer from the gases to the body (compared to channels with linear paths). The body has conduction surfaces that define fuel-gas mixture lines or channels extending through the body. These conduction surfaces can be elongated in directions that form acute angles with the central axis, as shown in [reference]. Fig. Figure 11 illustrates this. For example, one or more of the channels may incorporate a turbulator, turbulator blade, or guide vane at one or more of the inlet ports to modify the flow of gases into the channels. These structures can be used to achieve a desired flow distribution within the channels. Features such as protrusions and depressions may also be incorporated inside the flow channels to enhance mixing and / or improve heat transfer.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the channels or ducts can be elongated in a direction that may be non-orthogonal to the axis. For example, the inlets or inlet ports of the gas channels can be located closer to the piston side of the body than the injector side, and the outlet ports of the gas channels can be located closer to the injector side of the body than the piston side. The inlet ports of the mixing channels can be located closer to the injector side of the body than the piston side, and the outlet ports of the mixing channels can be located closer to the piston side of the body than the injector side. The channels can be aligned with the central axis of the fuel being injected.

[0099] During operation, one or more fuel streams can be injected into the central volume through one or more fuel injectors via an upper passage or opening 1004. The flow of fuel into the central volume draws gases into the central volume via the gas channels. The gases flow into the central volume and mix with the fuel in the central volume to form the fuel-gas mixture with a defined ratio (of fuel to air). In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the gases that mix with the fuel to form the fuel-gas mixture flow into the central volume via the channels and not through the upper passage opening of the central volume. The fuel-gas mixture then flows out of the central volume through the channels and into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

[0100] The angles at which the channels can be aligned with respect to the central axis can be varied in different bodies to control how far the mixture penetrates the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. For example, if the mixture spray flowing through a channel is directed to impinge on one or more surfaces of the channels, a momentum exchange can occur between the mixing structure and the mixture spray. This can reduce the momentum of the mixture spray and thus decrease how far the mixture penetrates the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. In one embodiment, the channels can be elongated along directions that coincide with (for example, can be linearly aligned with) the directions in which the fuel flows from the fuel injector can be directed into the central volume.For example, the inlet or outlet ports of the lines can be aligned with the orifices of a fuel injector, allowing fuel flows to be directed. This can enable a greater proportion of the momentum of the fuel flows (e.g., the fuel) to be maintained in and through the lines (as the mixture) and into the combustion chamber. Furthermore, it can allow mixture flows through the lines at locations that are more centered along the central axes of the lines (compared to lines that are not aligned with the fuel injector orifices). Optionally, the inlet ports of the lines can incorporate a restrictive structure, such as a lip, ring, or the like, which reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet port of a line compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the same line at other locations.

[0101] This constraint structure can aid in centering the mixture flow within the lines. Centering the mixture flows within the lines can help maintain a greater portion of the momentum of the mixture exiting the lines (compared to lines not aligned with the fuel injector orifices). In one embodiment, the lines can be elongated in directions that may be angled (for example, non-parallel) relative to the directions in which the fuel flows can be injected into the central volume. This can reduce the momentum of the fuel entering the lines and / or the momentum of the mixture exiting the lines.Because the momentum of the mixture leaving the pipes can control or influence how much soot can be oxidized in the combustion chamber, changes in the angles of the pipes in different bodies can control how much soot can be oxidized.

[0102] Various aspects of the lines and / or the output connections of the lines may differ from those described in the Fig. The embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 to 11 can be modified. For example, the cross-sectional shape or size of the lines can differ at various points along their length. For instance, the lines can have conical shapes (instead of the illustrated cylindrical shapes), with a cross-sectional area that decreases at points farther from the inward-facing surface of the body. The outlet connections of the lines can incorporate turbulator vanes or other structures to modify the flow of the mixture exiting the lines. This can help to focus or direct the mixture further into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. The outlet connections of the lines can also incorporate a restricting structure (for example, a lip) that compresses or focuses the flows of the fuel-gas mixtures.Optionally, the outlet connections of the lines can have recesses to modify the flow of the mixture out of the lines and / or reduce the likelihood of the lines becoming clogged at the outlet connections. For example, the recesses can provide volumes that can be filled with soot or similar substances before the outlet connections become blocked. This can extend the service life of the lines.

[0103] In one embodiment, the surfaces of the mixing lines can be smooth and lack any protrusions or depressions. This can allow the fuel-gas mixture exiting the body via the mixing lines to have a faster flow and / or greater momentum upon exiting the body (compared to mixing lines that are not smooth or may have corrugations). The mixing structure directs the fuel-gas mixtures to desired locations within the combustion chamber to aid soot oxidation.

[0104] Non-smooth surfaces of the gas channels can cause the gas flow to change and become more turbulent. Turbulent flow can increase the homogeneity of the mixture flowing through them. For example, corrugated surfaces can induce swirl, vortex, and / or turbulence in the gas flow, which can in turn cause swirl, vortex, and / or turbulence in the mixture flow within the central volume. The gases and / or mixtures can rotate rapidly if they move predominantly around a central axis or direction, such as when the majority of the mass and / or flow of the gases and / or mixtures rotates rapidly around the same axis or direction.The gases and / or mixtures can swirl if they move predominantly (for example, a large portion of the mass and / or flow) in a spiral pattern around the axis or direction. The moving gases and / or mixtures can exhibit turbulence if they do not move predominantly in the same direction, regardless of whether that direction is a swirling, rotating, or linear motion. The gases flow into the central volume and mix with the fuel in the central volume to form the fuel-gas mixture with a defined ratio (of fuel to gas). The non-uniform flow of the gases can aid in the mixing of the fuel compared to providing smooth surfaces around the gas channels.

[0105] Optionally, the corrugated shape of the surfaces increases the surface area of ​​the body with which the incoming gases come into contact as they flow into the central volume. An increased surface area in contact with the gases can increase the amount of thermal energy that can be drawn from or transferred to the body by the gases, compared to flat or smooth surfaces. As a result, the gases can be cooled to a greater extent. The inward-facing surface of the body can define corrugated surfaces, protrusions, and / or depressions to create a swirl in the flow of gases, fuel, and / or mixture within the central volume.

[0106] For a given engine cylinder under a given operating condition, the dimensions (for example, diameters or surface areas) of the channels and / or the central volume, the shapes of the channels and / or the central volume, the lengths of the channels, the presence or absence of corrugations on the surfaces, the number of channels and / or the angles at which the channels can be aligned with respect to the axis can be modified to change the ratio of fuel to gas in the mixture or the degree of homogeneity and dispersion of fuel to gas that can be output from the mixture structure.Changing one or more of these parameters can alter how much fuel can be present in the mixture, how much gas can be present in the mixture, how quickly the mixture leaves the mixing structure, how far the mixture penetrates into the combustion chamber of the cylinder, the direction or angle of the tuning flow, and the like.

[0107] The injector body surface may include one or more alignment holes or distribution features 902 to align the mixing lines with directions in which the fuel flows can be directed into the central volume of the body. These distribution features may be holes or other receptacles that accommodate complementary distribution features (for example, pins) connected to the cylinder head. Placing the pins in the holes can ensure that the fuel flows coming from the fuel injector can be directed into the mixing lines. In particular, the alignment of the injector nozzles with the center of the associated mixing line can be ensured.

[0108] Optionally, the inward-facing surface of the body may include one or more textured or corrugated surfaces, protrusions, and / or depressions. These corrugated or textured surfaces, protrusions, and / or depressions can assist in the flow of fuel and / or gases as they change direction, mixing them to a defined degree and / or ratio of blending. The inward-facing surface may have a conical or ribbed shape to further aid in the mixing of the fuel with the gases in the central volume. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the volume, in planes that may be perpendicular to the axis, may be larger near the injector side and smaller near the piston side.This reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the volume can mix and concentrate the fuel in the mixture before the mixture flows out of the volume through the pipes.

[0109] In one embodiment, one or more of the structures forming the body may include cooling lines or channels extending through the inner sections of the structures. These cooling lines may be fluidically connected to a source of cooling or working fluid, such as cooled air, a liquid coolant, or the like. Suitable coolants may include air, water, oil, and the like. These cooling lines may not be fluidically connected to the gas channels or mixing lines to prevent contamination of the fuel, gases, and / or mixture. The mixing structure may be a liquid cooled by means of a coolant from the cylinder head or piston, depending on where the mixing structure is mounted. Optionally, the mixing structure may be cooled by means of a duct leading to the component to which the mixing structure is mounted.The cooling or working fluid can flow through the cooling lines to help cool the body and increase heat transfer between the gases and the body.

[0110] Fig. Figure 13 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a hybrid structure 1300. The hybrid structure can include a body 1304 defining an axis 1306 and extending along the axis from an injector side 1308 toward an opposite piston side 1310. The body can include a cylinder head connection structure or cylinder head connection section 1326 and a heat management structure 1314. The cylinder head connection structure is coupled to a cylinder head, while the heat management structure faces a piston crown. The connection structure of the body is press-fitted into a receiving cavity of the cylinder head. Other suitable joining methods may provide that the insert is welded, bolted, or screwed to a cylinder head of an engine cylinder, or formed as part of it. Fig. Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of an injector side of the in Fig. 13 illustrated mixed structures.

[0111] In one embodiment, the body extends symmetrically around or surrounds the central axis. In another embodiment, the axis may not extend along the center of the body and / or the body may not be symmetrical around or about the axis. The injector side of the body faces a fuel injector of an engine cylinder, while the piston side of the body faces a piston head of the engine cylinder.

[0112] The body has an inwardly directed surface 1400 near the central axis. This inwardly directed surface defines one or more central volumes 1402 inside the body. While there is only a single central volume in the Fig. 13 and Fig. As can be illustrated in Figure 14, in one embodiment the body may contain one or more internal walls or other structures that divide the single central volume into two or more smaller volumes. This volume may be referred to as an injection chamber. The injection chamber volume may have a shape whose cross-sectional area decreases at points that may be farther from the injector side of the body. Optionally, the injection chamber volume may be cylindrical, so that the cross-sectional area remains the same at different points along the central axis, or it may be conical or ribbed.

[0113] The body may further include an outwardly facing surface 1316, which may be centrally located with respect to the central axis. The body has channel surfaces 1318 that define gas channels 1320, which are arranged between the injector side and the piston side of the body. The gas channels extend through the body from the outwardly facing surface through the inwardly facing surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas channel surfaces form linear slots through the body as the gas channels. The slots may be elongated in directions extending from one side or toward the opposite side. In other embodiments, the slots may be elongated in other directions and / or have a different shape.The slots can be curved, arc-shaped, formed from two or more differently oriented linear sections, or the like. The surfaces can be wavy, flat, other curved, or the like.

[0114] In the illustrated embodiment, the mixing lines can be arranged between the gas channels. For example, the gas channels in the mixing lines can be distributed in such a way that a single gas channel can be present between adjacent pairs of mixing lines.

[0115] The body has conduit surfaces that define fuel-gas mixture lines or channels extending through the body. These conduit surfaces can be elongated in directions that form acute angles with a central axis. The conduit surfaces can be smooth surfaces without corrugations, protrusions, or depressions. In another embodiment, the conduit surfaces can have corrugations, protrusions, and / or depressions.

[0116] Each of the conduits or channels extends from an inlet port or opening to an opposite outlet port or opening, as described above in conjunction with the mixed structure. The inlet and / or outlet ports of the channels may have distinct shapes along the channel edges. In one embodiment, these edges may have a non-rounded shape. The rounded edges may allow more gases to flow into the channels and / or may provide enhanced surface interaction (and consequently greater heat transfer) between the body and the gases. Optionally, the inlet and / or outlet ports of the channels may have conical or ribbed shapes.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the lines or channels can be elongated in a direction that cannot be angled orthogonally with respect to a central axis. For example, the inlet or outlet connections of the gas channels can be located closer to the piston side of the body than to the injector side, and the outlet connections of the gas channels can be located closer to the injector side of the body than to the piston side. The inlet connections of the mixing lines can be located closer to the injector side of the body than to the piston side, and the outlet connections of the mixing lines can be located closer to the piston side of the body than to the injector side.

[0118] During operation, one or more fuel flows into the central volume can be indicated by one or more fuel injectors via an upper passage or opening 1404. The fuel flow into the central volume draws gases into the central volume via the gas channels. The gases flow into the central volume and mix with the fuel in the central volume to form the fuel-gas mixture at a defined ratio. In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the gases that mix with the fuel to form the fuel-gas mixture flow into the central volume via the channels and not through the upper passage opening of the central volume. The fuel-gas mixture flows out of the central volume through the channels and into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

[0119] The angles at which the lines can be aligned with respect to the central axis can be varied in different bodies to control how far the mixture penetrates the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder, as described above. In one embodiment, the lines can be elongated along directions that coincide with the directions in which the fuel flows through the fuel injector can be directed into the central volume. Optionally, the inlet ports of the lines can include a restriction structure that reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet port on a line compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the same line at other locations, as described above.

[0120] In one embodiment, the lines can be elongated in directions that may be angled (for example, non-parallel) with respect to the directions in which the fuel flows can be injected into the central volume. This can reduce the momentum of the fuel into the lines as the mixture and / or reduce the momentum of the mixture out of the lines.

[0121] Various aspects of the lines and / or their outlet connections can be modified from the illustrated embodiments. For example, the cross-sectional shape or size of the lines can differ at various points along their length. For instance, the lines can have conical shapes (instead of the illustrated cylindrical shapes) whose cross-sectional area decreases at points farther from the inward-facing surface of the body. This can help direct the mixture to desired locations within the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. The outlet connections of the lines can incorporate a restrictive structure (for example, a lip) that compresses or blends the mixture flows more closely.Optionally, other line outlet connections may have depressions, grooves or structures that can alter the flow of the mixture out of the lines and / or reduce the likelihood of the lines becoming clogged at the outlet connections.

[0122] In one embodiment, the surfaces of the mixing lines can be smooth and have no protrusions or depressions. In another embodiment, the surface can have protrusions and / or depressions. The inwardly facing surface of the body can include corrugated surfaces, protrusions, and / or depressions to create turbulence in the flow of the gases, fuel, and / or mixture in the central volume.The sizes (for example, diameters or surface areas) of the pipes and / or the central volume, the shapes of the pipes and / or the central volume, the lengths of the pipes, the presence or absence of corrugations in the surfaces, the number of pipes and / or the angles at which the pipes can be aligned with respect to the axis, can be modified to change the ratio of fuel to gas in the mixture that can be output from the mixing structure, as described above.

[0123] Optionally, the inward-facing surface of the body may include one or more corrugated surfaces, protrusions, and / or depressions, as described above. The inward-facing surface may have a conical or ribbed shape to aid in the mixing of the fuel with the gases in the central volume, as described. In one embodiment, one or more of the structures forming the body may include cooling lines or channels extending through the inner sections of the structures, as described.

[0124] Fig. Figure 15 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a hybrid structure 1500. The central axis, defined by a body 1504, is concentric with respect to the body that extends symmetrically around or surrounds the axis 1506. In another embodiment, the axis does not extend along the center of the body but is instead asymmetrical with respect to the axis. The injector side of the body faces a fuel injector of an engine cylinder, while the piston side of the body faces a piston head of the engine cylinder. Fig. Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of an injector side 1508 of the in Fig. 15 illustrated mixed structures.

[0125] The hybrid structure can include the body, which defines a central axis and extends along the axis from an injector side toward an opposite piston side 1510. The body can include a cylinder head connection structure or a cylinder head connection section 1526. The cylinder head connection structure is coupled to a cylinder head, while the heat management structure faces a piston crown. The body's connection structure can be welded or otherwise attached to a cylinder head of an engine cylinder in various embodiments. The body has an outwardly facing surface 1516, which can be located distal to the axis. The body has channel surfaces 1518 that define gas channels 1520, arranged between the injector side and the piston side of the body.The gas channels extend through the body from the outward-facing surface through the inward-facing surface. The body further comprises a thermal management structure 1514. In various other embodiments, the inward-facing surface of the body may include undulating surfaces, projections and / or depressions, as described above, or it may be flat.

[0126] The body has an inwardly directed surface 1400 near the axis. This inwardly directed surface defines one or more central volumes 1602 inside the body into which an injector injects liquid fuel. In this embodiment, the body may include one or more internal walls or other structures that divide the single central volume into two or more smaller volumes. The injection volume may optionally be referred to as an injection chamber. The injection volume may have a shape whose cross-sectional area decreases at points that may be farther from the injector side of the body. In other embodiments, the injection volume may be cylindrical, so that the cross-sectional area remains the same at different points along the axis, or it may be conical or ribbed.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the junctions between the channel surfaces 1518 and the outward-facing surface 1516 form arcuate edges 1501, with the ends of each arcuate edge being connected to each other by a straight edge 1503. The channel surfaces forming gas channels decrease in size from the outward-facing surface to the inward-facing surface of the body. In various embodiments, the inlet connections of the gas channels on the outward-facing surface 1516 of the body can be significantly larger than the outlet connections of the gas channels on the inward-facing surface of the body. The gas channels can be fan-shaped, as in the illustrated example, with the gas channels rapidly decreasing in size from larger inlet connections to triangular outlet connections.The channel surfaces can be selected based on application-specific requirements and can therefore be wavy surfaces, smooth surfaces, differently curved surfaces, or the like.

[0128] In the illustrated embodiment, the mixing channels can be inserted between the gas channels. For example, the gas channels within the mixing channels can be distributed such that a single gas channel exists between adjacent pairs of mixing channels. These channel surfaces can be elongated in directions that form acute angles with the central axis. One or more of the surfaces can have a catalytic coating or a coating resistant to carbon buildup. In various embodiments, the channels can optionally include one or more structures that modify the flow of gases within the channels.

[0129] During engine operation, one or more flows of fuel can be injected into the central injection volume through one or more fuel injectors via an upper passage or opening 1604. The flow of fuel into the central injection volume draws gases into the central injection volume via the gas channels. The gases flow into the central injection volume and mix with the fuel in the central injection volume to form the fuel-gas mixture. In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the gases that mix with the fuel to form the fuel-gas mixture flow into the central injection volume via the channels and not through the upper passage opening of the central injection volume.The fuel-gas mixture then flows through the mixing lines out of the central injection volume and into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

[0130] Various aspects of the conduits and / or the conduits' outlet connections can be modified from the embodiments illustrated herein. For example, the cross-sectional shape or size of the conduits can differ at various points along their length. Suitable conduits can have conical shapes (instead of the illustrated cylindrical shapes), with a reduced cross-sectional area at points further away from the inward-facing surface of the mixture structure body. This can help control the distribution of the mixture flow into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

[0131] The sizes (diameters or surface areas) of the pipes and / or the central injection volume, the shapes of the pipes and / or the central injection volume, the lengths of the pipes, the presence or absence of corrugations in the surfaces, the number of pipes and / or the angles at which the pipes can be aligned with respect to the axis, can be selected based on a desired ratio of fuel to gases in the mixture that can be output from the mixing structure, as described above.

[0132] Fig. Figure 17 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a hybrid structure 1700. The hybrid structure can include a body 1704 defining an axis 1706 and extending along the axis from an injector side 1708 toward an opposite piston side 1710. The body can include a cylinder head connector structure or cylinder head connection section 1726 and a heat management structure 1714. The cylinder head connector structure is connected to a cylinder head, while the heat management structure faces a piston crown.

[0133] In one embodiment, the axis can be a central axis around which the body extends symmetrically or which the body symmetrically surrounds. In another embodiment, the axis can not extend along the center of the body, and / or the body can be asymmetrical around or above the axis. The injector side of the body faces a fuel injector of an engine cylinder, while the piston side of the body faces a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body can further include an outwardly facing surface 1716, which may be located distal to the axis. The body has channel surfaces 1718 that define gas channels 1720, which are arranged between the injector side and the piston side of the body.

[0134] Channel surfaces 1722 form mixing conduits 1724, the size of which increases from the inward-facing surface of the body to the outward-facing surface of the body. In the illustrated embodiment, the mixing conduits can be arranged between the gas channels. A single mixing conduit can be arranged between one pair of gas channels and another pair of gas channels. In another embodiment, a single gas channel or more than two gas channels can be provided on each side of each mixing conduit. Each mixing conduit can be significantly larger than any gas channel and / or a combination of two gas channels.

[0135] Fig. Figure 18 illustrates a perspective view of the injector side of the in Fig. 17 illustrated mixed structures. While only a single central volume is present in the Fig. 17 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 18, in other embodiments a body may include one or more internal walls or other structures that divide the single central volume into two or more smaller volumes. The body has an inwardly directed surface 1800 near the axis. This inwardly directed surface defines one or more central volumes 1802 inside the body. The single central volume may be referred to as an injection chamber. The single central volume may have a shape whose cross-sectional size decreases at points that may be farther from the injector side of the body. Furthermore, in other embodiments the single central volume may be cylindrical, so that the cross-sectional size remains the same at different points along the axis, or it may be conical or ribbed.

[0136] The junctions between the channel surfaces and the outward-facing surfaces form elongated slots, resembling gas channels. The channel surfaces can be corrugated, forming undulating gas channels, similar to those in Fig. 9 illustrated gas channels.

[0137] During operation, one or more fuel flows into the central volume 1802 can be indicated by one or more fuel injectors via an upper passage or opening 1704. The flow of fuel into the central volume draws a gas into the central volume via the gas channels. The gas flows into the central volume and mixes with the fuel in the central volume to form the fuel-gas mixture at a defined ratio. In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the gases that mix with the fuel to form the fuel-gas mixture flow into the central volume via the channels and not through the upper passage of the central volume. The fuel-gas mixture then flows out of the central volume through the channels and into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

[0138] Fig. Figure 19 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixed structure 1900. The mixed structure has a body 1904 that defines the gas channels and the mixing lines. The mixed structure differs from other mixed structures in that it does not include the additional gas channels, such as those found in [reference to figure]. Fig. 9 are illustrated. Fig. Figure 20 illustrates a perspective view of an injector side from 1908 of the in Fig. 19 illustrated mixed structures.

[0139] The mixing structure 1900 further differs from the mixing structure 900 in that the mixing structure 1900 may include a step section feature 1901 that projects upwards from the body 1904 (for example, towards the fuel injector, if the mixing structure 1900 is installed). The step section feature 1901 may include a section of the body 1904 in a cylinder head connector structure 1914 of the body 1904, extending towards the fuel injector. The step section feature 1901 may be connected to the cylinder head to extend the mixing lines further away from the fuel injector without interfering with the operation of the cylinder head valves (for example, without coming into contact with the valves).

[0140] Fig. Figure 21 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixed structure 2100. Fig. Figure 22 illustrates a perspective view of an injector side 2108 of the in Fig. 21 illustrated mixed structure 2100. Mixed structure 2100 may be similar to mixed structure 1900 in that mixed structure 2100 may contain a body 2104 which has the gas channels and the mixing lines.

[0141] The mixing structure 2100 differs from the mixing structure 1900 in that the mixing structure 1200 may include a step section feature 2101 that projects upwards from the body 2104. The step section feature 2101 has a larger circumference or cross-sectional area than step section feature 1901. The step section feature 2101 may be connected to the cylinder head to further separate the mixing lines 2124 from the fuel injector without interfering with the operation of the cylinder head valves (for example, without coming into contact with the valves).

[0142] The mixing structure 2100 further differs from the mixing structure 900 in that the mixing lines 2124 in structure 2100 have a larger diameter or cross-sectional area and / or may have a greater length. The mixing lines 2124 can direct the fuel-gas mixture into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder, but may be larger to control how the mixture is delivered into the combustion chamber.

[0143] The mixing structures described above can have a sealed piston side that contains no openings through which fuel can escape from the internal volume, gases can enter the internal volume, or the mixture can escape from the internal volume. The only openings, in one or more embodiments of the mixing structures described above, can be located on the outward-facing sides and the injector sides of the mixing structures.

[0144] In one embodiment, one or more of the above-described mixed structures may have an opening or passage in the piston side. Fig. Figure 23 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the piston side of the [unclear] Fig. Figures 9 to 12 illustrate the mixing structure 900. As illustrated, the piston side can have a passage 2300 through the piston side. This passage 2300 allows gases to enter the central volume of the mixing structure 1002 through the piston side of the mixing structure 900. By allowing the gases to enter in this way, the gases entering the central volume through the gas channels can be balanced with the inward flow of gases into the central volume through the passage 2300. This balancing helps to center the flows of the fuel-gas mixtures in the centers of the mixing lines. For example, if the gases enter the central volume only through the gas channels, turbulence can be created in the central volume, which can prevent or disrupt the flow of the mixture through the central paths of the mixing lines.The provision of the 2300 passage can balance the flow of gases and center the mixture flow in the mixing lines.

[0145] Various aspects of the gas channels, mixing lines, inlet connections, and / or outlet connections can be modified from the embodiments illustrated herein. For example, the cross-sectional shape or size of the channels, lines, and / or connections may differ from the illustrated embodiments to produce a desired or predetermined fuel-gas mixture ratio. As an example, the mixing lines may have conical shapes (instead of the illustrated cylindrical shapes), with a reduced cross-sectional area at points farther from the inward-facing surface of the mixing structure body. This may help direct the mixture further into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

[0146] Various designs of mixing structures can receive a post-injection of fuel and deliver this post-injection fuel to the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder via the mixing lines. The post-injection fuel can be supplied by the fuel injector after the initial fuel injection, which is then used for combustion in the engine cylinder. The post-injection fuel can mix with gases in the central volume of the mixing structure to form the mixture, which can then be fed into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder via the mixing lines of the mixing structure. This additional mixture can further oxidize soot within the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

[0147] In one embodiment, a control system of an engine having one or more mixing structures installed between a fuel injector and a piston crown can automatically detect whether gas channels and / or mixing lines of a mixing structure may be blocked and / or whether the mixing structure may be misaligned (for example, the mixing lines may not be aligned with the fuel flows from the fuel injector). The control system can include one or more processors (for example, one or more microprocessors, field-programmable gate arrays, integrated circuits, or the like) that monitor the power or emissions produced by the engine and / or by each cylinder of the engine.In response to a detection that an engine cylinder is misfiring, knocking, or producing less power than other cylinders in the same engine, the control system may determine that a gas passage and / or mixing line of a mixing structure associated with that cylinder may be blocked, or that the mixing structure may be misaligned. The control system may provide an output to an operator of a driven system containing the engine (such as a vehicle), for example, a visual, audible, or other notification that the mixing structure may require repair, replacement, or further inspection.

[0148] The presence of one or more embodiments of the mixing structures can reduce the need to skip a firing operation in engines. Skipping a firing operation can involve the fuel injector delivering fuel to some, but not all, combustion cycles of an engine cylinder. For example, the fuel injector can introduce fuel into the central volume of a mixing structure during every other engine revolution (rather than for every engine revolution). The use of mixing structures in engines can reduce the need to skip a firing operation in some engines. For example, adding mixing structures to an engine can eliminate a previous need to use skip ignition to operate the engine.The presence of one or more embodiments of the mixed structures can reduce the need for operation at higher fuel injection pressures, the need for the use of aftertreatment systems and / or the need for the use of multiple fuel injections to control emissions.

[0149] A vehicle's control system can base the timing of engine operation on the presence of mixing structures located between the fuel injectors and piston crowns of the engine cylinders, as well as on the applied engine load. For example, if the engine load increases (e.g., in response to a wider throttle opening), larger quantities of fuel can be injected into the central volumes of the mixing structures. Conversely, larger quantities of gases may need to be drawn into the central volumes of the mixing structures to mix with the fuel and maintain the fuel-gas mixture. The control system can adjust the engine cylinder timing to allow for a longer duration, enabling more gases to enter the central volumes in response to the increased engine load.For example, the control system can instruct the fuel injectors to begin injecting fuel into the central volumes earlier in the engine cycle. Conversely, the control system can modify the engine cylinder timing in response to a reduction in engine load to reduce the duration that gases can enter the central volumes.

[0150] Fig. Figure 24 illustrates a perspective view of part of another embodiment of a hybrid structure 2400. The hybrid structure has a body that can be positioned between a fuel injector and a piston head, as described above. This body can contain the central passage or chamber in which gas and fuel are mixed together before being directed into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder, as described above. A difference between the in Fig. The difference between the mixed structure illustrated in 24 and the other mixed structures is that the mixed structure in Fig. 24 mixing lines 2402 are included, which overlap the gas channels 2404. Similar to the gas channels described above, the gas channels in Fig. There are 24 passes through which a gas is drawn into the interior of the body of the mixing structure so that it mixes with the fuel injected into the interior of the body through one or more fuel injectors. This gas is carried along in the fuel spray jet from the fuel injector(s) to form a fuel-gas mixture. The in Fig. The 24 illustrated mixing lines direct spray jets of the fuel-gas mixture out of the mixing structure and into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. The mixing line overlaps the gas channels insofar as at least part 2406 of one or more of the gas channels extends through the mixing lines, as shown in Fig. 24 illustrated.

[0151] In one embodiment, a mixing structure (for example, for mixing fuel and gas in an engine) includes a body that defines an axis and extends along the axis from an injector side toward an opposite piston side. The body has an inward-facing surface near the axis, defining a central volume, and an outward-facing surface distal to the axis. The injector side of the body is configured to face a fuel injector of a cylinder of an engine, while the piston side of the body is configured to face a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body has one or more channel surfaces that define one or more gas channels extending through the body to and from the central volume. The body has one or more conduit surfaces that define one or more fuel-gas mixture channels.The system defines channels that extend through the body to and from the central volume. There can be multiple channels and multiple lines, both of which can be radially symmetrical around the axis. The central volume is configured to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and one or more gas flows from one or more gas channels. The central volume, the channel(s), and / or the line(s) are configured such that, during engine operation, at least one of the fuel flows is mixed with the one or more gas flows to form a fuel-gas mixture with a specific fuel-to-gas ratio. The fuel-gas mixture lines are configured to direct the fuel-gas mixture out of the body and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

[0152] In one embodiment, an engine comprises an engine block defining a cylinder with a combustion chamber, a piston operationally arranged within the cylinder, a fuel injector, and a composite structure. The fuel injector is located on one cylinder head side of the cylinder. The piston has a piston head with a crown facing the combustion chamber and the fuel injector. The composite structure is located between the piston and the fuel injector. The composite structure includes a body defining an axis and extending from one injector side toward the opposite piston side along the axis. The body has an inwardly facing surface near the axis, defining a central volume, and an outwardly facing surface distal to the axis. The injector side of the body faces the fuel injector, while the piston side of the body faces the piston head.The body has one or more channel surfaces that define one or more gas channels extending through the body to and from the central volume. The body also has one or more conduit surfaces that define one or more fuel-gas mixing channels extending through the body to and from the central volume. Multiple conduits and multiple channels may be present, both of which may be radially symmetrical around the axis. The central volume is configured to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and one or more gas flows from one or more gas channels (for example, the gas received from the combustion chamber).The central volume, the channel(s), and / or the line(s) are configured such that, during engine operation, at least one of the fuel streams is mixed with one or more gas streams to form a fuel-gas mixture with a specific fuel-to-gas ratio. The fuel-gas mixing lines are designed to direct the fuel-gas mixture out of the engine body and into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. During operation, gas is thus drawn from the combustion chamber through the gas channels into the central volume of the engine body by the injected fuel stream(s); through interaction between the gas and the channel surfaces (which define the gas channels), thermal energy is transferred from the gas to the engine body (i.e., the temperature of the gas is reduced).The gas and fuel flow from the central volume through the fuel-gas mixing line(s) into the combustion chamber; the fuel-gas mixing line(s) serve to facilitate mixing between the gas and fuel before introduction into the combustion chamber. A technical benefit is to improve the mixing of fuel and gas and to reduce the temperature of the mixed fuel and gas before introduction into a combustion chamber (for example, of a compression-ignition engine), thereby reducing soot and other emissions. In embodiments, the fuel comprises diesel, and the gas comprises ambient air. The gas may also contain ambient air mixed with EGR. In one embodiment, the engine operates in a first mode in which the gas is only ambient air, and in a second mode in which the gas is a mixture of ambient air and EGR.The amount of EGR can be static, or it can be controlled to vary based on different engine and / or vehicle operating parameters.

[0153] In any embodiments described herein, the body of the composite structure can be substantially disc-shaped. That is, a substantially round or circular structure with respect to the central axis. In embodiments, the injector side of the body has a first diameter (defined by an outer circumference of the injector side with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis), and the piston side of the body has a second diameter larger than that of the injector side (defined by an outer circumference of the piston side with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis), the two being oriented concentrically such that a step is defined between the injector side and the piston side.

[0154] In any of the embodiments described herein, an engine may be arranged on board a vehicle with one or more hybrid structures, the vehicle comprising, for example, a chassis, hull, or other support platform, and a propulsion system (including the engine) for moving the vehicle. For example, the engine may drive a mechanical transmission, or the engine may drive an alternator or generator to produce electrical power, which is used, for example, to drive one or more traction motors to propel the vehicle. Alternatively, the engine may be used as part of a stationary or semi-stationary machine, such as a permanently installed or portable generator. In any case, the engine may be relatively large, for example, having 10 to 18 cylinders or more.In one embodiment, an engine with one or more hybrid structures is located on board a commercial vehicle or other mining equipment, a locomotive or other railway vehicle, or any other all-terrain vehicle; such a vehicle may be subject to certain government regulations concerning the production of soot and other engine emissions, and it may be desirable for the engine to have one or more hybrid structures, as explained herein, to help comply with the government regulations.

[0155] In one embodiment, a set of parts comprises a hybrid structure as described herein in any embodiments provided herein, and one or more components (for example, adhesives, fasteners, adapters, etc.) designed for use in the application of the hybrid structure inside an engine cylinder. The set of parts may include a set of instructions (for example, printed on paper or provided in electronic form, such as on a website) containing images, diagrams, and / or text or other written information to explain to a technician how to equip an engine cylinder with the hybrid structure so that the hybrid structure functions as described herein.In a further embodiment, a method for retrofitting an engine includes removing a cylinder head, a fuel injector and / or other parts of an engine cylinder, or those associated with an engine cylinder, to expose the cylinder interior, operationally attaching a hybrid structure, as described in any embodiments provided herein, as required to the fuel injector, cylinder or piston (for example, by welding), and reattaching any removed parts (for example, of the fuel injector or cylinder head) of the engine so that the engine is operational for combustion of fuel.The method can further include updating the engine's operating software, directly (for example, by an operator accessing an on-board computer), by remote wireless download, or otherwise, to modify the engine's operation to accommodate the presence of the mixing structure. For example, the engine can be operated with a leaner or richer fuel-gas mixture compared to a previous operation of the engine without the mixing structure. Each cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine can be equipped with its own individual mixing structure. However, in one embodiment, only a subset of several engine cylinders (that is, fewer than all of the cylinders in an engine) is equipped with individual mixing structures.For example, it may be desirable to use mixed structures only in master cylinders or only in non-master cylinders, depending on the operation of the engine in question and depending on where they are most needed or desired, for example to reduce soot production (a master cylinder is a cylinder whose exhaust gas is recirculated to the engine intake).

[0156] In a further embodiment, a method comprising an engine control unit having one or more processors includes controlling an engine to selectively activate and deactivate one or more first cylinders of the engine, wherein the one or more first cylinders are equipped with respective mixing structures as described herein, and wherein at least one or more second cylinders of the engine (which differ from the first cylinders) are not equipped with mixing structures. For example, if some cylinders have mixing structures and some do not, the former can be deactivated and the latter activated during operating times when it is not necessary to meet certain engine emission limits, while the former can be activated and the latter deactivated during operating times when it is necessary to meet certain engine emission limits.Or the optional operation can be based on ambient air temperatures, for example (for example, the use of cylinders with mixed structures may not be necessary or desirable if the air temperature is below a certain threshold).

[0157] In one embodiment, a hybrid structure is created that includes a body defining an axis and extending from an injector side along the axis to an opposite piston side. The body has an inwardly facing surface near the axis, defining a central volume, and an outwardly facing surface distal to the axis. The injector side of the body is configured to face a fuel injector of a cylinder of an engine, while the piston side is configured to face a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body has one or more channel surfaces defining one or more gas channels extending through the body to and from the central volume.The body further comprises one or more conduit surfaces that define one or more fuel-gas mixing lines extending through the body to and from the central volume. The central volume is configured to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and one or more gas flows from the one or more gas channels. During operation, at least one of the fuel flows mixes with the one or more gas flows to form a fuel-gas mixture with a specific fuel-to-gas ratio. The fuel-gas mixing lines are configured to direct the fuel-gas mixture out of the body and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

[0158] Optionally, the body can be a single, monolithic, seamless structure. One or more gas channels can extend through the body such that gas is drawn from the outside of the body into the central volume. The specific ratio of the fuel-gas mixture can be controlled based on at least one factor: the number, shape, location, and size of one or more of the gas channels or mixing lines. For example, to change the specific ratio between different mixing structures, the manufacturer or modifier of a mixing structure can change the number, shape, location, and / or size of one or more gas channels and / or one or more mixing structures relative to another mixing line, thereby providing a fuel-gas mixture with a different specific fuel-to-gas ratio.

[0159] Optionally, the gas channels may have corrugated shapes within the body between the outward-facing surface and the inward-facing surface. Each of the mixing channels may be configured to generate a swirl, vortex, and / or turbulence in the fuel-gas mixture flowing through it. The mixing channels may extend radially outward from the axis and are configured such that each flow of the fuel-gas mixture is centered within its corresponding mixing channel.

[0160] The injector side of the body can define a stepped section to prevent contact between the body and one or more intake or exhaust valves of the engine cylinder during engine operation. At least part of the body can be surface-treated or coated.

[0161] In one embodiment, a different mixing structure is provided. This mixing structure includes a body configured to be positioned between a fuel injector and a cylinder of an engine. The body defines an internal volume configured to receive gas from an external surface of the body and to receive one or more fuel streams from the fuel injector into the internal volume. The body further defines one or more mixing lines configured to direct vapors of the fuel and gas, as they mix, from the internal volume to one or more outlet ports and through these to the cylinder.

[0162] Optionally, the body can be configured to cool the gas before or during mixing with the fuel in the internal volume and the one or more mixing lines. The body can include a connection structure that defines at least one alignment hole or pin. This connection structure can assist in aligning the mixing lines with the fuel injector nozzle. The connection structure can be joined to the cylinder head of the engine cylinder by a shrink fit, press fit, weld, bolt, screw, or as an integral part thereof.

[0163] The mixing lines can define one or more orifices connected to one or more gas channels and may be configured to direct gas flows from the one or more gas channels into the mixing line during cylinder operation. Each mixing line may contain one or more depressions, textured surfaces, grooves, or protrusions to aid the mixing of the fuel and gas vapors flowing through the mixing lines. The mixing lines may be configured to blend the fuel and gas to a homogeneous state prior to combustion of the vapors in the cylinder.The mixing lines can be arranged to direct the fumes into the cylinder in such a way that, compared to combustion in the cylinder without mixing the fuel with the gas to a homogeneous state, a relatively reduced amount or no amount of soot, nitrogen oxides, or both soot and nitrogen oxides are produced in the cylinder.

[0164] The body can have a stepped section extending over a path length of one or more mixing lines while avoiding contact of the body with one or more valves of the engine cylinder.

[0165] In one embodiment, a further mixing structure includes a device for separately receiving fuel from a fuel injector and for receiving gas, a device for mixing the fuel with the gas to form a fuel-gas mixture with a specific ratio, and means for directing the fuel-gas mixture into a combustion chamber of an engine cylinder.

[0166] Optionally, the gas and fuel receiving device cools the gas before or during mixing with the fuel. The device for mixing the fuel with the gas to form the fuel-gas mixture may include a mixing line with internal walls and means for generating turbulence in the fuel and gas flows to increase the homogeneity of the fuel-gas mixture, as well as means for centering and separating the fuel-gas mixture flow from the internal walls of the mixing line.

[0167] The device for directing the fuel-gas mixture into the combustion chamber optionally directs the fuel-gas mixture in such a way that it enters the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder before combustion, delays the combustion of the fuel-gas mixture, or directs the fuel-gas mixture into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder before combustion and delays the combustion of the fuel-gas mixture.

[0168] In the sense used herein, an element or step element specified in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding several such elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "an embodiment" of the subject matter described herein should not, where appropriate, be interpreted as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also include the specified features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments that "have" or "feature" an element or elements with a particular property may include additional such elements that do not have that property.

[0169] It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the embodiments described above (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with one another. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject matter disclosed herein without altering its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein may be intended to define the parameters of the subject matter disclosed, they are in no way limiting and may represent exemplary embodiments. The scope of protection of the subject matter described herein should therefore be determined by reference to the attached claims together with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.In the accompanying claims, the expressions "contain" and "in the" and "in which" may be used as the linguistic equivalents of the respective expressions. Furthermore, in the following claims, the expressions "first," "second," and "third," etc., may be used merely as designations and may not be intended to impose numerical requirements on objects. Additionally, any limitation features of the following claims not expressly written in the means-plus-function format should not be interpreted on the basis of 35 USC §112(f), with claim limitation features expressly using the phrase "means to" followed by a statement of function invoking 35 USC §112.

[0170] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the subject matter described herein, including the best embodiment, and also to enable a person skilled in the art to put the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter into practice, including creating and using the devices or systems and carrying out the methods. The patentable scope of protection of the subject matter described herein may be defined by the claims and may include further examples that a person skilled in the art would think of. Such further examples shall be included in the scope of protection of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal meaning of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements with insignificant differences from the literal meaning of the claims.

[0171] It is a fuel and gas mixture structure 100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400 created for an engine. This mixed structure 100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400 contains a body 102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104 which is designed to be positioned between a fuel injector 304 and a cylinder of an engine. The body 102 , 502 , 602 , 702 , 802 , 904 , 1304 , 1504 , 1704 , 1904 , 2104 defines an internal volume that is configured to receive a gas from an outside of the body 102 , 502 , 602 , 702 , 802 , 904 , 1304 , 1504 , 1704 , 1904 , 2104 and to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector 304 in the internal volume.The body 102 , 502 , 602 , 702 , 802 , 904 , 1304 , 1504 , 1704 , 1904 , 2104 further defines one or more mixing lines 922 , 2124 , 2402 which is or are arranged to direct vapors of the fuel and gas, as they mix, from the internal volume to one or more outlet ports and through these to the cylinder. Parts list: 100 mixed structure 101 gas channels 102 bodies 104 Fuel injector side 106 opposite piston side 108 Step section 110 second section 112 inner surface 114 opposite distal outer surface 116 inner surface 118 opposite distal outer surface 120 ribs 122 air mixing lines 124 centrally arranged volumes 300 cylinder head 302 engine cylinders 304 Fuel injector 306 crowns 308 pistons 400 fuel 401 Air mixture 402 Gases 500 mixed structure 502 bodies 526 solid wall 600 mixed structure 601 space 602 bodies 603 central passage opening 604 Fuel injector side 606 opposite piston side 608 upper section 610 second section 614 outer surface 620 spacers Section 628 630 conical step or conical section 638 lower surface 640 upper surface 700 mixed structure 702 bodies 708 upper section 728th level 800 mixed structure 802 bodies 900 mixed structure 902 features, facilities 904 bodies 906 axle 908 Injector side 910 opposite piston side 912 gas channels Section 914 916 outward-facing surface 918 channel surfaces 920 gas channels 922 mixing lines 924 channel surfaces 926 Thermal management structure 1000 inward-facing surfaces 1002 central volumes 1004 Opening 1100 protrusions 1102 depressions 1300 Mixed structure 1304 bodies 1306 axle 1308 Injector side 1310 opposite piston side Section 1314 1316 outward-facing surface 1318 channel surfaces 1320 gas channels 1326 Thermal management structure 1400 inward-facing surface 1402 central volumes 1404 Opening 1500 mixed structure 1501 arcuate edges 1503 straight edge 1504 bodies 1506 axle 1508 Injector side 1510 opposite piston side Section 1514 1516 facing surface 1518 channel surfaces 1520 gas ducts 1526 Thermal management structure 1600 inward-facing surface 1602 central volumes 1604 Opening 1700 Mixed structure 1704 bodies 1706 axle 1708 Injector side 1710 opposite piston side 1714 Section 1716 facing surface 1718 channel surfaces 1720 gas channels 1722 channel surfaces 1724 mixing lines 1726 Thermal management structure 1800 inward-facing surface 1802 central volumes 1900 Mixed structure 1901 Stage section characteristic 1904 bodies 1908 Injector side 1914 Cylinder head connection structure 2100 Mixed structure 2101 Stage section characteristic 2104 bodies 2108 Injector side 2124 mixing lines 2300 Passage opening 2400 Mixed structure 2402 mixing lines 2404 gas channels 2406 Part

Claims

[1] Mixing structure (100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400) comprising: a body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) defining an axis (906, 1306, 1506, 1706) and extending from an injector side (908, 1308, 1508, 1708, 1908, 2108) towards an opposite piston side (106, 606, 910, 1310, 1510, 1710) extends along the axis (906, 1306, 1506, 1706), wherein the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) has an inwardly directed surface (1000, 1400, 1800) near the axis (906, 1306, 1506, 1706) defining a central volume (1802) and an outwardly directed surface (916, 1316, 1516, 1716) distal from the axis (906, 1306, 1506, 1706), wherein the injector side (908, 1308, 1508, 1708, 1908, 2108) of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104),to face a fuel injector (304) of a cylinder of an engine, while the piston side of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) is arranged to face a piston head of the engine cylinder (302), , characterized bythat the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) has one or more ribs (120) spaced apart from one another around the axis (906, 1306, 1506, 1706) of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) and around the central gas volume (1802) to define one or more gas channels (101, 912, 920, 1320, 1520, 1720, 2104) extending through the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) extend radially to and from the central volume (1802), and the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) has one or more conduit surfaces defining one or more fuel-gas mixing conduits extending through the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) to and from the central volume (1802), and the central volume (1802) is set up,to receive one or more fuel streams (400) from the fuel injector (304) and one or more gas streams from the one or more gas channels (101, 912, 920, 1320, 1520, 1720, 2404), and during operation, at least one of the fuel streams (400) mixes with the one or more gas streams to form a fuel-gas mixture having a specific ratio of fuel (400) to gas, and wherein the fuel-gas mixing lines are configured to direct the fuel-gas mixture out of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder (302). [2] The mixed structure (100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400) of claim 1, wherein the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) is a single, monolithic, seamless structure (2100); and / or wherein at least a portion of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) is surface treated or coated. [3] Mixing structure (100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more gas channels (101, 912, 920, 1320, 1520, 1720, 2404) extend through the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) such that the gas is supplied from the outside of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) into the central volume (1802) of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104). [4] A mixing structure (100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determined ratio of the fuel-gas mixture is controlled based on at least one of a number, shape, location and size of one or more of the gas channels (101, 912, 920, 1320, 1520, 1720, 2404) or one or more mixing lines (922, 2124, 2402); and / or wherein the gas channels (101, 912, 920, 1320, 1520, 1720, 2404) have corrugated shapes in the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) between the outwardly facing surface (916, 1316, 1516, 1716) and the inwardly facing surface (1000, 1400, 1800) of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104). [5] Mixing structure (100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the mixing conduits (922, 2124, 2402) is arranged to create a swirl, vortex and / or turbulence in the fuel-gas mixture flowing therethrough, and / or wherein the mixing conduits (922, 2124, 2402) extend radially outwardly from the axis (906, 1306, 1506, 1706) and are arranged such that each stream of the fuel-gas mixture is centered in its corresponding mixing conduit. [6] A mixing structure (100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the injector side (908, 1308, 1508, 1708, 1908, 2108) of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) defines a step portion (108) (628, 630, 926, 1326, 1526, 1726) to provide contact between the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) and one or more intake or exhaust valves of the engine cylinder (302) during operation of the engine. [7] A mixing structure (100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400) comprising: a body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) configured to be positioned between a fuel injector (304) and a cylinder of an engine, the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) defining an internal volume configured to contain a to receive gas from an exterior of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) and to receive one or more fuel streams from the fuel injector (304) in the interior volume, characterized bythat the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) has one or more channel surfaces (918, 924, 1318, 1518, 1718, 1722) spaced from each other around the axis (906, 1306, 1506, 1706) of the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) and around the internal volume (1802) to form one or more gas channels (101, 912, 920, 1320, 1520, 1720, 2404) extending radially through the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) to and from the interior volume (1802), and wherein the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) defines one or more mixing conduits (922, 2124, 2402) configured to direct vapors of the fuel and gas, as they mix with each other, from the interior volume to one or more exit ports and therethrough to the cylinder. [8] Mixing structure (100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400) according to claim 7, wherein the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) is arranged to cool the gas before or during the mixing of the gas with the fuel in the internal volume and the one or more mixing lines (922, 2124, 2402). [9] Mixing structure (100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the body (102, 502, 602, 702, 802, 904, 1304, 1504, 1704, 1904, 2104) has a connecting structure defining at least one alignment hole or an alignment pin, and wherein the mixing lines (922, 2124, 2402) are each aligned with a nozzle of the fuel injector (304); wherein the connecting structure is preferably connected to a cylinder head of the engine cylinder by shrink fitting, press fitting, welded, bolted, screwed or formed as a part thereof. [10] Mixing structure (100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1002, 1300, 1500, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2400) according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the mixing lines (922, 2124, 2402) define one or more passage openings connected to one or more gas channels (101, 912, 920, 1320, 1520, 1720, 2404), and the mixing lines (922, 2124, 2402) are arranged to direct flows of the gas during operation of the cylinder from the one or more gas channels (101, 912, 920, 1320, 1520, 1720, 2404) into the mixing line; and / or wherein each of the mixing lines (922, 2124, 2402) includes one or more depressions, textured surfaces, grooves, or protrusions to assist in mixing the fuel and gas vapors flowing through the mixing lines (922, 2124, 2402).

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