Outward-Opening Gaseous Fuel Injector With Multi-Angle Nozzle Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outward opening fuel injectors face challenges in achieving efficient air-fuel mixing and homogeneous combustion, particularly at high engine loads and speeds, due to the susceptibility of fuel jets to collapse and inadequate targeting of fuel delivery within the combustion chamber.
Innovation Solution
A fuel injector design with a nozzle cap featuring multiple sets of openings that direct gaseous fuel flow into distinct zones of the combustion chamber, optimizing fuel distribution through varying angles and diameters to enhance air-fuel mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single outward opening fuel injector is used, then the structure is simple, but the fuel jet collapses and cannot achieve efficient air-fuel mixing at high engine loads and speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The single fuel injection opening is divided into multiple openings arranged in different planes and at different angles. The nozzle cap includes a first set of openings and a second set of openings, where the second set is offset from the first set, creating multiple fuel jets that collectively improve air-fuel mixing efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional fuel injection approach to a multi-dimensional arrangement by positioning openings in different planes (first plane and second plane offset from the first) and at different angles relative to the injector axis. This spatial arrangement prevents jet collapse and enhances fuel distribution throughout the combustion chamber.
2Productivity
If the fuel jet is directed into the combustion chamber, then fuel delivery is achieved, but the jet is susceptible to inward or outward collapse and cannot target optimal regions
Solution Approach 1:
Different openings are configured with different properties to target different regions of the combustion chamber. The first set of openings directs fuel to a first zone while the second set directs fuel to a second zone, with each opening's angle and position optimized for its specific targeting zone, preventing collapse and ensuring reliable fuel delivery to optimal regions.
3Power
If engine loads and speeds are increased, then power output is improved, but air-fuel mixing becomes inefficient and homogeneous combustion cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple openings arranged in different planes and at different angles create multiple fuel jets that collectively cover greater combustion chamber volume. This segmented approach maintains effective air-fuel mixing even at high engine loads and speeds by distributing fuel across multiple trajectories, enabling homogeneous combustion while preserving power output.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel injector for injecting gaseous fuels into a combustion chamber, comprising an injection nozzle including a nozzle cap, and an outward opening injection needle. The injection nozzle has a longitudinal injector axis and a tip region that is shaped to define a valve seat that extends about a central outlet opening for gaseous fuel. The outward opening injection needle is slidably received in the injection nozzle and is engageable with the valve seat to control a flow of gaseous fuel into a sac volume of the fuel injector. The nozzle cap is received over the tip region to define the sac volume, and is provided with a plurality of openings to enable the flow of gaseous fuel to pass from the sac volume into the combustion chamber when the injection needle is moved away from the valve seat.