Patent ID: 7104250
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: F02B,F02M,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A direct-injection internal combustion engine operable in both stratified charge and homogeneous charge modes and having a plurality of combustion chambers within an engine block and cylinder head, the combustion chambers including at least one intake port and at least one exhaust port, the engine comprising: a fuel injector centrally located in each combustion chamber, the fuel injector injecting fuel directly into the associated combustion chamber through a first plurality of jet holes oriented at a first radial angle and first axial angle to form a vortex that draws fuel vapor out of the spray toward an ignition location to create a first fuel/air cloud and through a second plurality of jet holes oriented at a second radial angle and a second axial angle to create a second fuel-air cloud discernible from, but coupled to the first fuel/air cloud; and an ignition source close coupled to the fuel injector and centrally located within each combustion chamber and having an ignition location positioned between two of the first plurality of jet holes outside of the fuel spray and within a recirculation zone of the vortex in the first fuel/air cloud formed substantially by the first plurality of jet holes.