Laser Igniter Pre-Combustion Chamber Lean Mixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spark plugs struggle to ignite very lean air and fuel mixtures efficiently, leading to limited emission reduction and component damage due to high temperature arcing, and existing laser ignition systems require complex and costly optics for multi-point ignition in larger combustion chambers.
Innovation Solution
An igniter with an integral pre-combustion chamber and a focusing device that directs a high-energy light beam into the pre-combustion chamber to ignite the air and fuel mixture, using a compact and efficient design that includes a body with orifices for flame jet propagation into the main combustion chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional spark plug is used to ignite lean air and fuel mixtures, then the ignition system is simple and inexpensive, but the ignition reliability is insufficient and component life is reduced due to high temperature arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical spark plug system with a laser-based optical ignition system. The laser beam delivers concentrated energy to ignite the lean air-fuel mixture without physical contact, eliminating electrode wear and high-temperature arcing damage while maintaining ignition reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the ignition mechanism from electrical discharge to optical energy concentration. By using a laser beam with specific wavelength and energy density parameters, the system achieves reliable ignition of lean mixtures while operating at lower overall temperatures that extend component life.
2Reliability
If laser ignition is used to ignite lean air and fuel mixtures, then ignition reliability improves and component life extends, but the energy requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pre-combustion chamber that segments the combustion process into two stages: first igniting a small portion of fuel in the pre-chamber, then using that ignition to trigger combustion in the main chamber. This segmentation reduces the laser energy required compared to igniting the entire chamber at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary combustion in the pre-combustion chamber before main chamber ignition. The pre-chamber ignition creates high-temperature gases that facilitate easier ignition of the remaining fuel, reducing the overall energy input needed from the laser system.
3Reliability
If laser optics are used for multi-point ignition in larger combustion chambers, then ignition effectiveness improves, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the combustion chamber into a pre-combustion chamber and a main combustion chamber. A single laser focal point in the pre-chamber achieves effective ignition through the flame propagation mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple laser focal points or complex multi-element optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-combustion chamber acts as an intermediary between the laser ignition source and the main combustion chamber. It translates the concentrated laser energy into a flame kernel that then propagates to the main chamber, serving as a mediator that simplifies the optical requirements.
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 provides reliable ignition of lean air and fuel mixtures with reduced component temperature stress and lower energy requirements, improving emission reduction and extending component life while simplifying the energy needed for ignition processes.
Implementation Method 1
a focusing device configured to direct at least one beam of light energy into the pre-combustion chamber
Implementation Method 2
laser light is passed from a focusing lens through the window into the center of the pre-chamber to initiate combustion therein
Implementation Method 3
The heat and expanding gases resulting from this combustion process may be directed to displace a piston or move a turbine blade
Data Source
AI summary
An igniter for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The igniter may have a body, and a pre-combustion chamber integral with the body and having at least one orifice. The igniter may further have a focusing device configured to direct at least one beam of light energy into the pre-combustion chamber.