Patent ID: 6662760
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: F02B,F02D,F02M,Y02T

Abstract:
A method for controlling combustion timing in an homogenous-charge compression-ignition engine, comprising:providing an intake manifold extending between a source of air and an intake port of said engine and having a flow-through portion and a by-pass portion, said by-pass portion having a catalyst incorporated therein adapted to oxidize a mixture of air and fuel passing through the by-pass portion of the intake manifold; providing a source of fuel in fluid communication with said intake manifold at a position between said source of air and said flow-through and by-pass portions of the intake manifold; introducing a continuous flow of air into said intake manifold; injecting fuel into said continuous flow of air and forming a mixture of air and fuel in said intake manifold; providing a means for controlling the relative amounts of the mixture of air and fuel passing through the flow-through and the by-pass portions of the intake manifold; sensing at least one engine operating parameter; and controlling the relative amounts of the mixture of air and fuel passing through the flow-through portion and the by-pass portion of the intake manifold in response to a sensed value of said at least one engine operating parameter.