Integrated Fuel Injector Igniter for Small Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel injection systems in large engines face challenges due to small injector port sizes and crowded valve train mechanisms, limiting the size and complexity of fuel injectors and igniters that can be used, which results in inefficient fuel delivery and potential fuel dribble into the combustion chamber.
Innovation Solution
The development of integrated fuel injectors and igniters with adaptive capabilities, including a core assembly with an ignition conductor and valve system that can fit within small ports and operate with high fuel delivery pressure, eliminating dribble by using a valve operator assembly and sensors to control fuel flow and ignition, allowing precise metering and ignition of fuel within the combustion chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fuel injection systems are used in large engines, then fuel delivery can be achieved, but the small injector port size and crowded valve train mechanisms limit the size and complexity of components, resulting in inefficient fuel delivery and potential fuel dribble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel injector and igniter into a single integrated assembly that fits within the small injector port. The injector body, valve operator assembly, ignition conductor, and electrode are merged into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate injector and igniter components while maintaining both fuel delivery and ignition functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the ignition conductor and electrode are positioned within the injector body, and the valve operator assembly is integrated within the same housing. The electrode extends through the injector body to position the spark gap within the combustion chamber, effectively nesting multiple functional elements within the constrained port space.
2Manufacturing precision
If larger injector components are used to improve fuel delivery efficiency, then fuel metering precision can be improved, but the crowded valve train mechanisms in large engines restrict the available space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel delivery and ignition functions into distinct but integrated components within the injector assembly. The valve operator assembly controls fuel flow through a valve, while the ignition conductor and electrode handle ignition, allowing each function to be optimized independently while maintaining a compact overall structure that fits within the limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the injector port by extending the ignition conductor and electrode through the injector body in the axial direction. This allows the spark gap to be positioned within the combustion chamber while keeping the lateral dimensions compact, effectively using the available length of the port to accommodate multiple functions.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact injector design is used to fit small ports, then space constraints are satisfied, but fuel dribble into the combustion chamber may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a valve operator assembly that controls the fuel valve to open and close at precise moments. The valve remains closed during compression to prevent dribble, and only opens when fuel injection is required. This preliminary control of fuel flow prevents unwanted fuel entry into the combustion chamber while maintaining the compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows for coordinated control of fuel delivery and ignition timing. The system can sense combustion chamber conditions and adjust valve operation and ignition timing accordingly, preventing fuel dribble by ensuring the valve remains closed when not needed and fuel is injected only when proper combustion conditions exist.
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
The solution enables efficient fuel injection and ignition in large engines with small ports, preventing fuel dribble and optimizing combustion, while accommodating crowded valve train mechanisms, thereby improving engine performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an ignition conductor extending from the base portion at least partially into the nozzle portion and configured to generate an electrical discharge
Implementation Method 2
injecting and igniting a fuel spray into a combustion chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of injectors suitable for injection ports having relatively small diameters are disclosed herein. An injector according to one embodiment includes a body having a first end portion opposite a second end portion. The second end portion is configured to be positioned adjacent to a combustion chamber and the first end portion is configured to be spaced apart from the combustion chamber. The injector also includes an ignition conductor extending through the body from the first end portion to the second end portion, and an insulator extending longitudinally along the ignition conductor and surrounding at least a portion of the ignition conductor. The injector further includes a valve extending longitudinally along the insulator from the first end portion to the second end portion. The valve includes a sealing end portion, and the valve is movable along the insulator between an open position and a closed position. The injector also includes a valve seat at or proximate to the second end portion of the body. When the valve is in the open position the sealing end portion is spaced apart from the valve seat, and when the valve is in the closed position the sealing end portion contacts at least a portion of the valve seat.