Inclined Piston Crown Surface for Exhaust-Directed Gas Flow

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pistons for internal combustion engines fail to optimize the displacement of aerodynamic gas movement towards the exhaust during the upward stroke, leading to potential aerodynamic recirculation zones and localized areas of low turbulent kinetic energy, which can cause hot spots and inefficient combustion.

Innovation Solution

The piston design includes recesses for intake and exhaust valves with a connecting surface featuring an inclined portion directed towards the exhaust valve recess, offset from the median axis, to optimize gas movement and prevent recirculation zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional piston designs with recesses for intake and exhaust valves are used, then the piston can accommodate valve operations, but aerodynamic recirculation zones form in the combustion chamber causing localized low turbulent kinetic energy and hot spots

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve operation accommodationVSAvoidaerodynamic recirculation zones
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting surface between intake and exhaust valve recesses is given a specific inclination (5-15 degrees relative to the perpendicular of the piston axis) to create localized aerodynamic guidance. This local geometric modification directs the macroscopic gas movement toward the exhaust side, preventing recirculation zones in critical areas while maintaining valve operation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting surface is designed with asymmetric inclination toward the exhaust valve recess rather than being symmetric or perpendicular to the piston axis. This asymmetric geometry creates a preferential flow path that guides the aerodynamic movement of gases, eliminating recirculation zones and hot spots while preserving the necessary valve access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If the piston design is simplified to reduce complexity, then manufacturing becomes easier, but the ability to optimize aerodynamic gas movement and prevent recirculation zones is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiston manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidaerodynamic recirculation zones
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than redesigning the entire piston geometry, the solution applies a localized inclination modification only to the connecting surface between valve recesses. This minimal geometric change can be integrated into existing piston manufacturing processes while specifically targeting the aerodynamic problem area without increasing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design enhances the direction of aerodynamic gas movement towards the exhaust, reducing high-temperature zones and improving combustion efficiency by minimizing recirculation areas.

Implementation Method 1

the macroscopic movement of the fuel mixture is a combination of swirl (rotational movement of gases in the cylinder around a vertical axis) and tumble (rotational movement of gases in the cylinder along a longitudinal axis)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic movement: Convection

Implementation Method 2

In order to ensure good efficiency and a good combustion speed, it is desirable to have a high level of turbulence, and more specifically a high level of turbulent kinetic energy, at the moment of ignition of the fuel mixture and during its combustion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP4251869B1Piston for an internal combustion engine, suitable for aerodynamic movement of gas
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
  • EP4251869B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4251869B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4251869B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a piston (1) for an internal combustion engine, comprising recesses for intake valves (2) and exhaust valves (3), and a surface (4) for connection between the recesses for the intake valves (2) and exhaust valves (3), said connecting surface (4) comprising a portion (5) inclined in the direction of the at least one recess for the exhaust valve (3).