Intake Runner Vane for Spark-Knock Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods to mitigate spark-knock in internal combustion engines either reduce engine performance or efficiency, as they either rely on retarding spark timing or lowering compression ratio, which are not optimal solutions.
Innovation Solution
A vane is mounted inside the intake runner of a spark-ignition internal combustion engine to direct the fuel-air charge to a predetermined region within the combustion chamber where spark-knock occurs, detected by a knock-sensor and controlled by an Engine Control Unit, minimizing spark-knock while maintaining engine performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If spark timing is retarded to minimize spark-knock, then spark-knock is reduced, but engine power and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vane that redirects the fuel-air charge to a specific localized region within the combustion chamber where spark-knock is most likely to occur. This creates a local quality change by concentrating the charge in a predetermined area, allowing knock suppression without globally retarding spark timing, thus preserving engine power and efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If compression ratio is reduced to eliminate spark-knock, then spark-knock is eliminated, but engine power and efficiency deteriorate under all operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of globally reducing compression ratio, the patent uses a vane to create a localized charge concentration in a specific combustion chamber region. This local quality approach suppresses spark-knock in the critical area while maintaining the overall compression ratio, preserving engine power and efficiency across all operating conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fuel-air charge is continuously directed to a localized region, then spark-knock is minimized, but operating efficiency deteriorates after steady combustion is initiated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using the ECU to control the vane based on knock-sensor detection. The vane is activated only when spark-knock is detected and deactivated when knock is eliminated, rather than operating continuously. This periodic operation maintains knock suppression while preserving operating efficiency during normal combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where the knock-sensor detects spark-knock and sends signals to the ECU, which then activates or deactivates the vane accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures the vane operates only when necessary to suppress knock, eliminating the need for continuous operation and preserving operating efficiency.
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 approach effectively reduces spark-knock by directing the fuel-air charge to the high-temperature, high-pressure region, thereby minimizing premature detonation, leading to improved engine operation and efficiency without compromising power output.
Implementation Method 1
a knock-sensor mounted on the engine block and arranged to detect a predetermined minimum magnitude of engine block vibration which is indicative of spark-knock
Implementation Method 2
A vane is mounted inside the intake runner, and is arranged to direct the fuel-air charge to a predetermined region inside the combustion chamber in response to the signal generated by the ECU
Implementation Method 3
the ignition by a spark plug of the inlet fuel-air charge
Implementation Method 4
Spark-knock occurs when fuel inside the cylinder combustion chamber is prematurely detonated as a result of rapid temperature and pressure rise due to combined compression by the piston and the ignition by a spark plug
Implementation Method 5
rapid temperature and pressure rise due to combined compression by the piston
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for minimizing spark-knock within a combustion chamber of a spark-ignition internal combustion engine, whereby a control vane mounted inside the intake runner is arranged to direct a fuel-air charge to a region inside the combustion chamber where spark-knock has been empirically determined to occur.