Fuel injector assemblies having acoustical force modifiers and associated methods of use and manufacture
First Claim
1. A method of operating a fuel injector to inject fuel into a combustion chamber and ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber, the method comprising:
- introducing fuel into a body portion of the fuel injector, the body portion including a valve adjacent to the combustion chamber, the valve being movable between an open position and a closed position;
actuating the valve to move from the closed position to the open position to introduce at least a portion of fuel into the combustion chamber;
imparting acoustical energy to at least one of the fuel, the valve, or air in the combustion chamber;
introducing a pattern of fuel through the valve from the body portion into the combustion chamber; and
generating an ignition event to at least partially ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to fuel injectors that provide efficient injection, ignition, and combustion of various types of fuels. One example of such an injector can include a sensor that detects one or more conditions in the combustion chamber. The injector can also include an acoustical force generator or modifier that is responsive to the sensor and can be configured to (a) induce vibrations in the fuel in the injector body and/or in the combustion chamber, (b) induce vibrations in air in the combustion chamber, (c) induce vibrations in a valve driver or other injector component to actuate a flow valve, and/or (d) control patterning of fuel injected into the combustion chamber.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of operating a fuel injector to inject fuel into a combustion chamber and ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber, the method comprising:
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introducing fuel into a body portion of the fuel injector, the body portion including a valve adjacent to the combustion chamber, the valve being movable between an open position and a closed position; actuating the valve to move from the closed position to the open position to introduce at least a portion of fuel into the combustion chamber; imparting acoustical energy to at least one of the fuel, the valve, or air in the combustion chamber; introducing a pattern of fuel through the valve from the body portion into the combustion chamber; and generating an ignition event to at least partially ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of operating a fuel injector to inject fuel into a combustion chamber, the method comprising:
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introducing fuel into a body portion of the fuel injector, the body portion including a valve and a valve driver; sensing one or more conditions in the combustion chamber; and generating acoustical energy to control movement of at least one of the fuel, the valve driver, the valve, or air in the combustion chamber. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification