Abstract:
The present invention provides a charge motion plate kit for internal combustion engines. More specifically, the charge motion plate kit permits replacement of the OEM charge motion valves of the prior art for high performance applications. In one embodiment, the charge motion plate kit comprises a single charge motion plate for each bank of cylinders, each charge motion plate includes at least one aperture for each cylinder within the bank. The plates are constructed to mount juxtaposed to the intake manifold mounting flange and the cylinder head intake manifold mounting surface in a sandwiched configuration.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a device for quickly and easily replacing the pre-existing charge motion control valves within a vehicular air intake system with a charge motion control plate having a higher air flow rate for racing and/or high performance street applications. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The versatility and performance of newer muscle cars such as the FORD MUSTANG permit owners to use one vehicle for multiple purposes. Often the same vehicle used to carry groceries home from the supermarket is used for racing applications on the weekend. Owners will often modify their vehicle to make it more competitive in their chosen form of racing. One of the most modified areas of a vehicle for racing applications is the engines air induction system. 
   Tuning the air induction system can be one of the most critical aspects of getting a vehicle to produce horsepower and torque for either street or racing applications. The basic function of an air induction system is to provide an optimized and evenly distributed flow of fresh air from the air filter to the combustion chamber. The intake manifold is the primary component of the air induction system. In a fuel injected engine the intake manifold includes at least one air intake conduit for each cylinder. The air intake conduit generally extends between the throttle body and the intake port(s) leading to the combustion chamber. In addition to the mere routing of air, today&#39;s intake manifolds may also include dynamic supercharging, swirl and tumble control, positive crankcase ventilation and exhaust gas re-circulation. 
   Charge motion control valves (“CMCVs”) are often used within air induction systems in order to modify the flow of air and fuel into the engine&#39;s cylinders. A CMCV is typically and operatively disposed within an air intake conduit of the air induction system “upstream” from a fuel injector. The CMCV is effective to alter the flow of air into the cylinder during certain vehicle operating modes (e.g., during relatively low engine speed and load conditions), and is effective to create turbulence within the cylinder. 
   One type of CMCV is designed for use in combination with a “Siamese” type intake port which includes an air intake port that splits or “branches” into a pair of separate ports that communicate with one of the engine&#39;s cylinders. This type of CMCV is typically and operatively disposed in close proximity to the location where the air intake port splits and is designed to alter the flow of air into each of the port branches. These CMCVs are commonly referred to as “swirl” type CMCVs and are typically designed to substantially “cover” one side of the air intake port, thereby preventing air from entering one of the branches. In this manner, the CMCV provides a “fuel rich” mixture within the covered branch that is subsequently discharged into the cylinder and combusted. Additionally, this type of CMCV covers only a portion of the other side of the main air intake port, effective to allow a substantial amount of air to flow into the other branch and to create a “fuel lean” mixture in that branch that is subsequently discharged into the cylinder and combusted along with the fuel rich mixture. This flow of air into the cylinder creates a swirling effect or turbulence which causes the fuel rich mixture and fuel lean mixture to combine for combustion. 
   While these prior CMCVs provide emissions benefits, low RPM, and low load engine operation, they suffer some drawbacks which adversely effect the efficiency of the engine during certain operating conditions. For example and without limitation, during cold start operating conditions (i.e., when the vehicle is being started after being exposed to relatively cold temperatures), fuel often condenses on the intake valves due to a lack of heat. Because this type of prior CMCV substantially blocks air from flowing into one of the port branches, condensed fuel often remains on the intake valve within that branch and/or enters the cylinder as a liquid stream and is thus not properly combusted within the cylinder. This undesirably leads to oil degradation, waste fuel, and increased hydrocarbon emissions. 
   Another prior type of CMCV, commonly referred to as a “tumble” type CMCV, is used to create a “tumbling” flow of air into the cylinders. This type of CMCV provides substantially symmetrical passages for air to flow to each intake valve. Hence, this type of CMCV provides a substantially similar air/fuel mixture and airflow within each branch port. While this type of CMCV prevents condensation from remaining on the intake valves, it substantially restricts air flowing into the combustion chamber. The restriction of air limits the device to use at low engine RPMs and low engine torque requirements. 
   Another type of CMCV is used to create both tumble and swirl air flow into the cylinders. This type of CMCV provides more air to one intake branch than to the other. This construction prevents some fuel from condensing on the valve receiving the least amount of air and provides a swirl to the combustion chamber via the predominant air flow to the second branch. While this type of CMCV provides some advantages over the other types of CMCVs, because only 10% of the air being supplied to the cylinder is allowed to flow through one branch of the intake, condensed fuel often remains on the intake valve within that branch and/or enters the cylinder as a liquid stream and is thus not properly combusted within the cylinder. This undesirably leads to oil degradation, waste fuel, and increased hydrocarbon emissions. 
   In addition to the air restriction present in all of the CMCV constructions of the prior art, the devices add substantial complexity to an already complex air induction system. The CMCVs require a pivotally mounted butterfly type valve for each intake branch. The butterfly valves must be coordinated for uniform opening and closing in response to engine speed and torque demands. The coordination requires a combination of solenoids, stepper motors and/or vacuum motors. The motors must be in electrical communication with the on-board computer and a vast array of sensors to cause the CMCVs to open above a predetermined RPM or engine torque requirement to prevent fuel and air starvation. Starving of the engine from fuel and/or air could create dangerous driving situations, as the engine would not respond properly to operator throttle demands. 
   Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a charge motion plate for high-performance applications. The charge motion plate should achieve objectives such as: even distribution of the fuel and air mixture to both branches of a siamese intake port arrangement, reduced airflow restriction for crisper throttle response and increased horsepower, compatibility with original equipment manufacturer “OEM” or aftermarket turbo chargers and superchargers, and compatibility with nitrous oxide injection systems. 
   In addition, the charge motion plate should be easily manufactured without moving parts to malfunction or adjust. The charge motion plates should include packaging flexibility for installation on various vehicle configurations including retrofitting existing vehicles with minimal modification to the existing air induction system. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a charge motion plate kit for internal combustion engines. More specifically, the charge motion plate kit permits replacement of the OEM charge motion valves of the prior art for high performance applications. In one embodiment, the charge motion plate kit comprises a single charge motion plate for each bank of cylinders, each charge motion plate includes at least one aperture for each cylinder within the bank. For example, a charge motion plate kit for a four cylinder engine would include one charge motion plate with at least four air flow apertures, and a charge motion plate kit for an eight cylinder engine would include two charge motion plates each including at least four air intake apertures. The plates are constructed to mount juxtaposed to the intake manifold mounting flange and the cylinder head intake manifold mounting surface in a sandwiched configuration. 
   The pre-existing OEM CMCVs include cast or injection molded plates. Each plate includes an aperture aligned with each cylinder of the engine. An elongated rod extends longitudinally through the center portion of each plate. A stamped sheet metal plate is mounted to the rod within each aperture. A pneumatic or electric motor attaches to the rod to provide rotational movement for opening and closing the sheet metal valves in response to commands from the vehicle&#39;s on-board computer. 
   The instant invention provides a charge motion plate kit which replaces the charge motion control valves of the prior art. The charge motion control plates of the instant invention are preferably constructed of billet aluminum and provide increased air flow when compared to the prior art CMCVs. Each plate includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is positionable juxtaposed to the intake surface of the cylinder head while the second surface is positionable juxtaposed to the intake manifold mounting flange. The charge motion control plates include an outer contoured perimeter which allows the plates to be mounted to a broad range of engine configurations without interference from sensors or other engine components. In the preferred embodiment, each charge motion control plate includes an air/fuel flow aperture extending through the plate for each cylinder of one engine cylinder bank. The air/fuel flow apertures are sized and shaped to approximate the size and shape of the engines intake ports. In the case of siamese intake ports, the air/fuel flow apertures are preferably sized and shaped to approximate the size and shape of both siamese ports without a divider rib. However, in some application, the divider rib may be included to further modify the flow characteristics of air entering the cylinder. The charge motion control plates also preferably include a plurality of through holes constructed and arranged to align with existing fastener apertures in the intake manifold and cylinder head for secure attachment of the charge motion control plates. Alternatively, the plates may be constructed and arranged for adhesive attachment to either or both the intake manifold and/or cylinder head. 
   In one embodiment each air flow aperture within the charge motion control plate(s) includes a threaded aperture extending from an outer surface through to the air flow aperture(s) for attachment of a nitrous oxide manifold. The threaded aperture(s) facilitate easy attachment of a nitrous oxide injection system for additional horsepower production. 
   Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a charge motion control plate kit for vehicles with OEM installed charge motion control valves. 
   An additional objective of the present invention is to provide a charge motion control plate kit which provides even distribution of the fuel and air mixture to both branches of a siamese intake port arrangement. 
   It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a charge motion control plate kit that reduces airflow restriction, when compared to the prior art CMCVs, for crisper throttle response and increased horsepower production. 
   A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a charge motion control plate kit which provides compatibility with OEM or aftermarket turbo chargers, superchargers and nitrous oxide injection systems. 
   Another objective of the present invention is to provide a charge motion control plate kit for vehicles which is simple to install and which is ideally suited for original equipment and aftermarket installations. 
   Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a charge motion control plate kit that can be inexpensively manufactured and which is simple and reliable in operation. 
   Still another objective of this invention is to provide a charge motion control plate kit that does not require moving parts to malfunction or adjust. 
   Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine illustrating a prior art charge motion control valve; 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the cylinder including the prior art charge motion control valve illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the charge motion control plate of the instant invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the charge motion control plate of the instant invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the charge motion control plate of the instant invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the charge motion control plate of the instant invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a section view of the charge motion control plate taken along lines  1 — 1  of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a section view of the charge motion control plate taken along lines  2 — 2  of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a section view of the charge motion control plate taken along lines  3 — 3  of  FIG. 4 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Although the invention is described in terms of a preferred specific embodiment, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art that various modifications, rearrangements and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown a prior art charge motion control valve  10 . The device is adapted for use in combination with an internal combustion engine of the type having at least one cylinder  12 . Cylinder  12  includes a pair of intake valves  14 ,  16 , which selectively and respectively allow intake ports  18 ,  20  to be fluidly connected to cylinder  12  and to deliver an air and fuel mixture to cylinder  12 . Cylinder  12  further includes at least one exhaust valve  22  which selectively discharges exhaust gasses from the cylinder  12  through discharge port  24 . Cylinder  12  further includes a conventional piston  26  which is slidably disposed within cylinder  12 . 
   Intake ports  18  and  20  comprise “Siamese” type intake ports which are integrally and fluidly joined to an air intake conduit  28  which splits or “branches” at point  30 , thereby supplying intake ports  18  and  20 . A conventional fuel injector  32  is operatively disposed within port  28  and includes a conventional “split” spray nozzle  34  which is operatively disposed in relative close proximity to point  30  and which is effective to selectively spray a stream of atomized fuel  33  into ports  18  and  20 . 
   The prior art charge motion control valve (“CMCV”)  10  is made from a relatively thin heat resistant metal material. CMCV  10  is mounted along a rod (not shown) in a typical manner for pivotal movement within port  28 . An electric or vacuum motor (not shown) is secured to the rod for opening and closing the CMCV in response to commands from the on-board computer. In the closed position the nozzle portion  34  of fuel injector  32  extends past valve  10  and discharges fuel slightly “downstream” from valve  10 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3–6 , one embodiment of the instant invention charge motion control plate  100  is illustrated. The instant invention provides a charge motion control plate kit which replaces the charge motion control valves  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the prior art. Each plate is generally rectangular in shape and includes a first surface  102 , a second surface  104 , a top surface  114 , a bottom surface  116  and a pair of end surfaces  118 . The first surface is positionable juxtaposed to the intake surface of the cylinder head while the second surface is positionable juxtaposed to the intake manifold mounting flange. Each charge motion control plate  100  includes an outer contoured perimeter  106  which allows the plates to be mounted to a broad range of engine configurations without interference from sensors or other engine components. In the preferred embodiment, each charge motion control plate includes at least one air/fuel flow aperture  108  extending through the plate for each cylinder of each engine cylinder bank. The air/fuel flow apertures  108  are sized and shaped to approximate the size and shape of the engines intake ports  18  and  20  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In the case of siamese intake ports, the air flow apertures are preferably sized and shaped to approximate the size and shape of both siamese ports without a divider rib. However, in some applications a divider rib (not shown) may be included to further modify or control the flow characteristics of air entering the cylinder. In a most preferred embodiment, the air flow aperture  108  includes angled perimeter surfaces  110  which provide a directed air flow into the intake ports. One embodiment of the charge motion control plates  100  also preferably include a plurality of through holes  111  constructed and arranged to align with existing fastener apertures in the intake manifold and cylinder head for secure attachment of the charge motion control plates. The first and/or second surface  102 ,  104  may also include a seal constructed and arranged to prevent air from leaking between the mounting surfaces and into the combustion chamber. In a non-limiting embodiment, the preferred seal includes an O-ring groove  112  and a cooperating O-ring (not shown). Alternative seals, which may include, but should not be limited to gaskets, overlapping seals, copper seals, compression seals and suitable combinations thereof may be utilized in place of the O-ring and O-ring groove. Alternatively, the plates may be constructed and arranged for adhesive attachment to either or both the intake manifold and/or cylinder head. Adhesives suitable for attachment of the charge motion control plates are described in, but should not be limited to, U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,302 incorporated herein by reference. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  5 ,  7 – 8 , one embodiment of the charge motion control plates is illustrated. In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the outer contoured perimeter includes at least one nitrous oxide injection port  120  for transfer of a nitrous oxide gas into the air flow aperture  108 . The nitrous oxide injection port(s) extends between the outer contoured perimeter and the air flow aperture(s). The nitrous oxide injection ports may be drilled at a suitable angle for ease of attaching the nitrous oxide injection system and preferably include internal threads  122  for attachment of fittings and the like. Alternative means of attaching nitrous oxide injection systems such as snap rings, epoxy, integrally formed fittings and the like may alternatively be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. 
   In a most preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the charge motion control plate(s) are constructed of aluminum and are about 1 3/16 inches thick. It should be appreciated that the charge motion control plate(s) may be made thinner or thicker as the space requirements, materials and engine configurations require. The charge motion control plate may alternatively be made from other materials which may include, but should not be limited to steel, titanium, plastic or suitable combinations thereof. 
   The charge motion plates of the instant invention may be installed on vehicles which include OEM installed CMCVs by simply removing the CMCV from its position between the air conduit and the first and second intake ports and securing the instant invention charge motion control plate(s) between the air conduit and the first and second intake ports. Once the charge motion plates are secured in place, air may be drawn or directed through the air conduit by the engine, wherein the air is divided into substantially equal amounts entering into the first intake port and the second intake port to carry a fuel into the cylinder. 
   All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
   It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification. 
   One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.