| abstract |
An apparatus and method for improving the combustion process of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A prechamber containing a combustible mixture is designed to generate a torch eminating thereform upon ignition; the torch is controlled to extend and penetrate deeply into the main combustion at a predetermined orientation without contact with the chamber walls. The swirling flame front of the sustained torch produces superior mixing with the unburned combustible mixture in the main combustion, particularly of a rotary engine. The prechamber is located outside the epitrochoid chamber of the rotary engine; in a nonstratified charge mode of this invention, the prechamber serves to receive a portion of the main chamber inducted charge during the compression cycle, which may lean and difficult to ignite in the main chamber. In the prechamber, concentrated hot walls and a localized spark facilitate ready ignition, which in turn permits generation of a torch therefrom. n A scavenging system and method is disclosed which serves to drive residual gas elements from the prechamber after the completion of each combustion cycle; the scavenging apparatus may be operated with an independent gas supply, a supply derived from the carburetor or intake of the engine, or from the inducted mixture within the main chamber. The scavenging system may have fuel enrichment to create a pedetermined charge stratification. n A fuel injection system and method is disclosed which serves to augment or act as the sole prechamber charge. n Prechamber design, chamber shape, compression ratios and engine controls are arranged to reduce combustion heat losses and selected emission constituents. |