Piston Crown Turbulence Protuberance for Combustion Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face inefficiencies and increased unburnt hydrocarbon emissions due to incomplete fuel combustion, which necessitates additional exhaust treatment systems and reduces engine power and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of turbulence induction protuberances on piston crowns within the engine's cylinder bores, which cause turbulence in the propagating flame, enhancing its ability to reach and combust fuel along the circumferential portions of the cylinder, thereby improving combustion efficiency and reducing hydrocarbon emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fuel is provided to the cylinders for power production, then engine power is generated, but unburnt hydrocarbon emissions increase due to incomplete combustion
Solution Approach 1:
The piston crown includes a turbulence induction protuberance that mechanically disturbs the propagating flame, creating turbulence that enhances combustion completeness. This mechanical disturbance of the flame front ensures more complete fuel consumption while maintaining engine power output
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the combustion process by inducing turbulence in the flame propagation. This turbulence increases the surface area of the flame front and enhances mixing, leading to more complete combustion and reduced unburnt hydrocarbon emissions
2Object-generated harmful factors
If exhaust aftertreatment systems are added to treat unburnt hydrocarbons, then emissions compliance is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the emissions treatment function from the exhaust aftertreatment system and relocates it to the combustion chamber. By implementing turbulence induction protuberances on the piston crown, the combustion process itself is enhanced to achieve complete combustion, eliminating the need for external exhaust treatment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The combustion chamber becomes self-sufficient in treating emissions by incorporating turbulence induction features directly into the piston crown. The system uses its own internal geometry to ensure complete combustion, rather than relying on separate exhaust treatment components
3Productivity
If turbulence induction protuberances are added to the piston crown, then combustion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbulence induction feature is segmented as a distinct protuberance on the piston crown, allowing it to be designed and manufactured as a separate element that can be integrated into the piston manufacturing process. This modular approach facilitates production while achieving the desired combustion enhancement
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 accelerates fuel combustion, reduces unburnt hydrocarbon emissions, and allows for operation within regulated limits without the need for diesel oxidation catalysts, enhancing engine efficiency and compliance with emissions regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The turbulence induction protuberance is configured to cause turbulence in a propagating flame propagating from a central region of the cylinder bore to enhance the ability of the propagating flame to extend to a circumferential portion of the cylinder bore
Implementation Method 2
Power production in an internal combustion engine is achieved through the combustion of fuel inside the cylinder of the engine
Data Source
AI summary
Internal combustion engine apparatuses, systems and methods. The internal combustion engine system includes a cylinder block including a cylinder bore and a piston movably positioned in the cylinder bore. The piston is configured to slide in an axial direction within the cylinder bore. The piston includes a piston crown and a turbulence induction protuberance extending in an axial direction from the piston crown. The turbulence induction protuberance is positioned radially intermediate an axial center of the piston and a circumferential portion of the piston. The turbulence induction protuberance is configured to cause turbulence in a propagating flame propagating from a central region of the cylinder bore to cause the propagating flame to extend to a circumferential portion of the cylinder bore.