Integrated Igniter Fuel Injector Combustion Chamber Aperture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing internal combustion engine designs require multiple apertures in the combustion chamber for spark plugs and fuel injectors, leading to spatial and cost inefficiencies, especially with direct fuel injection, as they cannot be efficiently positioned at the chamber's center.

Innovation Solution

A spark plug or glow plug design that integrates a fuel injector within its body, allowing access through a single aperture, with an elongated tubular housing and an embedded electrode for spark generation, enabling both the igniter and fuel injector to be centered in the combustion chamber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple apertures are created in the combustion chamber for spark plug and fuel injector access, then both components can be positioned, but spatial compromise and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidnumber of apertures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spark plug and fuel injector into a single integrated assembly that accesses the combustion chamber through one aperture. The spark plug housing serves as the fuel injector body, with the fuel injector nozzle positioned at the spark plug tip, eliminating the need for separate apertures and reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated assembly performs multiple functions through a single component structure. The spark plug housing simultaneously serves as the fuel injector body, and the assembly provides both ignition and fuel injection capabilities through the same aperture, making the system more versatile and simplifying installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If fuel injector is positioned away from combustion chamber center, then installation is simpler, but fuel burn completeness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel burn completenessVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the spark plug and fuel injector into one assembly, the invention enables both components to be positioned at the optimal central location of the combustion chamber. The integrated structure allows the fuel injector nozzle to be precisely positioned at the spark plug tip, which can be centrally located for complete fuel burn while maintaining installation simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If direct fuel injection is implemented with separate fuel injector and spark plug, then fuel injection efficiency improves, but spatial compromise in combustion chamber increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel injection efficiencyVSAvoidcombustion chamber space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel injector is nested within the spark plug structure. The fuel injector body is formed within the spark plug housing, and the fuel injector nozzle is positioned at the spark plug tip. This nesting arrangement allows direct fuel injection to be implemented while occupying minimal space in the combustion chamber, preserving chamber volume for combustion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration enhances fuel efficiency, horsepower, and torque while reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional apertures and simplifying electrical circuits, applicable to both gasoline and diesel engines.

Implementation Method 1

In typical use this electrode, carries a positive electrical charge when energized. In spark plugs, this charge jumps an air gap, towards the housing wall, creating a spark in the combustion chamber.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical discharge (spark): Electric Spark

Data Source

PatentUS10941746B2I.C.E., igniter adapted for optional placement of an integral fuel injector in direct fuel injection mode

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 BLACK ALFRED ANTHONY

AI summary

An igniter (09) includes an elongated tubular housing (10) with a polygonal top (14) having a central aperture (16) defined therein, communicating into a central chamber (20) along a longitudinal axis to an end at a base (18). A terminal (13a) projects from the polygonal top (14). A channel (11a) along a longitudinal axis is formed within the housing (10) in which is mounted an insulator (15). At least a portion of the insulator (15) may extend from the base (18). An electrode (13) connected to the terminal (13a) or (13b) is embedded within the insulator (15), to an end in the base (18). Prongs (19) extend from the electrode (13) towards the outer periphery of the housing (10) or towards the central chamber (20). The prongs (19) end in proximity to the outer housing wall (11), or the inner housing wall (12). The prongs (19) may be one or more projections and have sharp edges for multiple and increased spark presentations. A ring (30) may be connected to the electrode (13), defining a heating element in the base (18). Electrical resistance of the igniter (09) is selected.