Abstract: A fuel injector has a spray nozzle with a plurality of spray discharge orifices, each of which has an elongated cross-section having a major axis orientable to a center electrode of a spark plug in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture are provided to operate a spray-guided, spark-ignition, direct fuel injection engine, including injecting a first fuel pulse during a combustion cycle, and initiating spark ignition by energizing a spark igniter. A second fuel pulse is injected during the combustion cycle effective to form an ignitable fuel-air mixture proximal to the spark igniter during a period in time whereat the spark igniter is energized. A preferred elapsed time between an end of the first fuel pulse and start of the spark ignition is determined based upon engine load.

Abstract: A spark-ignition, direct injection internal combustion engine includes a fuel injector effective to produce a fuel spray pattern which is relatively compact at low loads and relatively large at high loads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to operate a spray-guided spark-ignition direct fuel injection internal combustion engine are provided. The invention comprises injecting a first quantity of fuel during a combustion cycle. Spark ignition is initiated, and, injection of a second quantity of fuel is controlled effective to propagate a flame kernel generated by the spark ignition, after the initiation of the spark ignition during the combustion cycle.

Abstract: A fuel injector has a spray nozzle with a plurality of spray discharge orifices, each of which has an elongated cross-section having a major axis orientable to a center electrode of a spark plug in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A cylinder head assembly for a direct-injection engine is provided. The cylinder head assembly includes a cylinder head at least partially defining a combustion chamber. The cylinder head is sufficiently configured to receive a fuel injector operable to inject fuel directly into the combustion chamber in a spray pattern. An ignition source, such as a spark plug, is spaced from the fuel injector and operable to initiate ignition of the fuel. A fuel mixture diffuser tab is mounted with respect to the cylinder head and extends into the combustion chamber. The fuel mixture diffuser tab is positioned between the fuel injector and the ignition source and is operable to direct a portion of the fuel toward the ignition source. An internal combustion incorporating the disclosed cylinder head assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A spark-ignition, direct injection internal combustion engine includes a fuel injector effective to produce a fuel spray pattern which is relatively compact at low loads and relatively large at high loads.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a spark ignition direct injection engine includes an injection having plurality of spray holes formed in a generally semicircular pattern wherein the spray holes have a L/D (length over diameter) ratio of not more than 2.0. In a preferred embodiment, the injector nozzle has an internal sac and an end wall with part spherical inner and outer surfaces formed with a common center, the pattern of the spray holes includes a semicircle formed by an arc having ends connected by a straight line wherein the spray holes have outlet openings that are spaced along the arc and slightly below the straight line, and the spray holes lying on the semicircle extend from the common center while the spray holes lying below the straight line have axes extending from above the common center. In an engine, the flat side of the spray is aimed toward the near side of a piston bowl recess.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for a swirl flow two valve spark ignition direct injection engine includes a cylinder with a closed end having a wedge shaped combustion chamber recess. A fuel injector extends through the closed end near a shallow side of the wedge recess. A spark plug extends through the closed end at a deeper part of the wedge recess opposite from the injector. A single pair of laterally spaced intake and exhaust valves control intake and exhaust ports opening into the wedge recess. A piston in the cylinder has an outer diameter and includes a head end having a raised pedestal with a shallow upwardly angled face ending at a raised ridge and enclosing a shallow bowl in the head end. The bowl is generally oval with a major dimension generally aligned with a cylinder centerline through the valves.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a spark ignition direct injection engine includes an injection having plurality of spray holes formed in a generally semicircular pattern wherein the spray holes have a L/D (length over diameter) ratio of not more than 2.0. In a preferred embodiment, the injector nozzle has an internal sac and an end wall with part spherical inner and outer surfaces formed with a common center, the pattern of the spray holes includes a semicircle formed by an arc having ends connected by a straight line wherein the spray holes have outlet openings that are spaced along the arc and slightly below the straight line, and the spray holes lying on the semicircle extend from the common center while the spray holes lying below the straight line have axes extending from above the common center. In an engine, the flat side of the spray is aimed toward the near side of a piston bowl recess.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for a swirl flow two valve spark ignition direct injection engine includes a cylinder with a closed end having a wedge shaped combustion chamber recess. A fuel injector extends through the closed end near a shallow side of the wedge recess. A spark plug extends through the closed end at a deeper part of the wedge recess opposite from the injector. A single pair of laterally spaced intake and exhaust valves control intake and exhaust ports opening into the wedge recess. A piston in the cylinder has an outer diameter and includes a head end having a raised pedestal with a shallow upwardly angled face ending at a raised ridge and enclosing a shallow bowl in the head end. The bowl is generally oval with a major dimension generally aligned with a cylinder centerline through the valves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel injector mounted on a side of a combustion chamber and delivers an ovalized fuel spray toward an oblong piston bowl of the chamber. The ovality of the spray is selected in relation to the oblong piston bowl and the motion of the combustion chamber air charge during the piston compression stroke to maintain the fuel charge within the piston bowl volume (including the space above the bowl) during compression and combustion of the fuel charge in the chamber. The shape of the oval spray may be adjusted as desired. In a specific embodiment, the ovality of the fuel spray indicated by the ratio of the major dimension to the minor dimension is in the range of about 2/1 to 4/1 for delivery into an oblong piston bowl with an ovality of about 1.2/1 to 1.5/1.