DE102021103946A1 - ENGINE MIXING STRUCTURES - Google Patents

Abstract

A fuel-and-gas mixing structure for an engine is provided. This mixing structure has a body which is adapted to be positioned between a fuel injector and a cylinder of an engine. The body defines an interior volume which is adapted to receive gas (e.g., air) from outside the body and to receive one or more fuel streams from the fuel injector in the interior volume. The body also has one or more upper channels and one or more lower channels, which are configured to provide the internal volume with a substantially similar flow rate relative to one another. The body also defines one or more mixture lines which are configured to direct and simultaneously mix clouds of fuel and gas from the interior volume to one or more output ports and through to the cylinder.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/059730, which takes priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 616,702 , filed January 12, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 623,194 , filed January 29, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL AREA

The content described here relates to structures and arrangements that reduce the formation of soot in engines.

BACKGROUND

In a compression ignition engine, fuel can be injected directly into hot pressurized gases such as air or a mixture of air and recirculated exhaust gas. The fuel mixes with these in-cylinder gases near the location of the injection of the fuel into the cylinders of the engine. Since the relatively cool fuel mixes with the higher temperature gases, the resulting mixture reaches a temperature sufficient for ignition. This can be a dynamic event and fuel can be ignited and burned at the head of a fuel spray while fuel continues to be injected into the other end of the spray.

Since the temperature of the gases entrained in the injected fuel remains high, the delay between an injection of the fuel and an ignition of the fuel-air mixture in a cylinder can be reduced. This can cause the fuel spray to have a sub-optimal fuel-to-air mix ratio prior to ignition, which can produce soot. The production and consequent accumulation of soot can degrade engine performance and ultimately require cleaning or other repair of the engine. In addition, certain regulations or laws can limit how much particulate matter or other emissions can be generated by engines.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a mixing structure has a body which defines an axis and extends along the axis from one injector side in the direction of an opposite piston side. The body has an inwardly facing surface near the axis which defines a central volume and an outwardly facing surface which is distal from the axis. The injector side of the body is configured to face a fuel injector of a cylinder of an engine, whereas the piston side of the body is configured to face a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body has one or more conduit surfaces that define one or more fuel and air mixture conduits that extend from the central volume through the body. The body also has one or more upper air channels extending from the central volume through the body. The one or more upper air ducts are arranged near the central volume closer to the injector side than the one or more fuel-and-air mixture lines. The body also has one or more lower air channels extending from the central volume through the body. The one or more lower air passages are located near the center volume closer to the piston side than the one or more fuel-and-air mixture lines. The central volume is configured to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and to receive one or more air flows from the one or more upper air ducts and one or more air flows from the one or more lower air ducts. The one or more upper air ducts and the one or more lower air ducts are configured to provide a substantially similar flow rate to the central volume relative to one another. In operation, at least one of the streams of fuel mixes with the one or more air streams from the one or more upper air passages and the one or more air streams from the one or more lower air passages to form a fuel-and-air mixture with a set ratio of fuel to air. The fuel-and-air mixture lines are configured to direct the fuel-and-air mixture out of the body and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

In one embodiment, a mixing structure has a body which defines an axis and extends along the axis from one injector side in the direction of an opposite piston side. The body has an inwardly facing surface near the axis which defines a central volume and an outwardly facing surface which is distal from the axis. The injector side of the body is configured to face a fuel injector of a cylinder of an engine, whereas the piston side of the body is configured to face a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body has ducting surfaces that provide a number of fuel-and-air mixture Define conduits disposed around a perimeter of the body and extending from the central volume through the body. Each conduit extends from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume. The body has a series of top channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each top channel having a corresponding top opening, and the top openings being arranged in an alternating manner with the conduits along the perimeter of the body are. The upper air ducts are arranged near the central volume closer to the injector side than the fuel-and-air mixture lines. The body also has a series of lower channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each lower channel having a corresponding lower opening and the lower openings in an alternating manner with conduits along the perimeter of the body are arranged. The lower air passages are located near the center volume, closer to the piston side than the fuel-and-air mixture lines. The central volume is configured to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and to receive one or more air flows from the upper air ducts and one or more air flows from the lower air ducts. In operation, at least one of the streams of fuel mixes with the one or more air streams from the upper air passages and the one or more air streams from the lower air passages to form a fuel-and-air mixture with a fixed ratio of fuel to air to build. The fuel-and-air mixture lines are configured to direct the fuel-and-air mixture out of the body and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

In one embodiment, a mixing structure has a body which defines an axis and extends along the axis from one injector side in the direction of an opposite piston side. The body has an inwardly facing surface near the axis which defines a central volume and an outwardly facing surface which is distal from the axis. The injector side of the body is configured to face a fuel injector of a cylinder of an engine, whereas the piston side of the body is configured to face a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body has one or more conduit surfaces defining a series of fuel-and-air mixture conduits disposed around a perimeter of the body and extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume. The body also has a series of top channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each top channel having a corresponding top opening, and the top openings alternating with conduits along the perimeter of the body are arranged. The one or more upper air ducts are arranged near the central volume closer to the injector side than the one or more fuel-and-air mixture lines. In addition, the body has a single lower air duct having an opening that extends through the piston side to the central volume. The central volume is configured to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and also to receive one or more air flows from the upper air ducts and one or more air flows from the lower air duct, the combined upper air ducts and the lower air duct being adapted to the Medium volumes provide a substantially similar amount of flow relative to one another. In operation, at least one of the streams of fuel mixes with the one or more air streams from the upper air ducts and the one or more air streams from the lower air duct to form a fuel-and-air mixture with a fixed ratio of fuel to air to build. The fuel-and-air mixture lines are configured to direct the fuel-and-air mixture out of the body and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

Figure list

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur für einen Zylinder eines Motors ist;
• 2 eine Teilquerschnittsansicht der in 1 dargestellten Mischstruktur ist;
• 3 eine Querschnittsansicht der in den 1 und 2 dargestellten Mischstruktur, welche in einem Motor mit einem Zylinderkopf eines Motorzylinders gekoppelt ist, gemäß einer Ausführungsform veranschaulicht;
• 4 eine weitere Querschnittsansicht der in den 1 und 2 dargestellten Mischstruktur, welche mit dem Zylinderkopf des in 3 dargestellten Zylinders gekoppelt ist, gemäß einer Ausführungsform veranschaulicht;
• 5 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur für einen Zylinder eines Motors ist;
• 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur für einen Zylinder eines Motors ist;
• 7 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur für einen Zylinder eines Motors ist;
• 8 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur für einen Zylinder eines Motors ist;
• 9 eine Seitenansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 10 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Injektorseite der in 9 dargestellten Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 11 eine Querschnittsansicht der Mischstruktur entlang der in 9 dargestellten Linie 11-11 veranschaulicht;
• 12 eine weitere Querschnittsansicht der Mischstruktur entlang der in 9 dargestellten Linie 12-12 veranschaulicht;
• 13 eine Seitenansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 14 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Inj ektorseite der in 13 dargestellten Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 15 eine Seitenansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 16 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Inj ektorseite der in 15 dargestellten Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 17 eine Seitenansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 18 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Inj ektorseite der in 17 dargestellten Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 19 eine Seitenansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 20 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Injektorseite der in 19 dargestellten Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 21 eine Seitenansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 22 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Injektorseite der in 21 dargestellten Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 23 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform der Kolbenseite der in den 9 bis 12 dargestellten Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 24 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 25 eine schematische Blockansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur für einen Zylinder eines Motors bereitstellt;
• 26 eine perspektivische Oberansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur veranschaulicht;
• 27 eine perspektivische Unteransicht der Mischstruktur aus 26 bereitstellt;
• 28 eine Schnittansicht der Mischstruktur aus 26 bereitstellt;
• 29 eine Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Mischstruktur bereitstellt;
• 30 eine Schnittansicht der Mischstruktur aus 29 bereitstellt; und
• 31 eine Schnittansicht durch einen Körper einer Mischstruktur in einer Ausführungsform bereitstellt.

The present invention may become apparent from a reading of the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

• 1 Figure 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mixing structure for a cylinder of an engine;
• 2 a partial cross-sectional view of the in 1 shown mixed structure;
• 3 a cross-sectional view of the FIGS 1 and 2 illustrated mixing structure which is coupled to a cylinder head of an engine cylinder in an engine, according to an embodiment;
• 4th a further cross-sectional view of the FIGS 1 and 2 mixed structure shown, which is connected to the cylinder head of the in 3 cylinder illustrated is coupled, illustrated according to an embodiment;
• 5 Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure for a cylinder of an engine;
• 6th Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure for a cylinder of an engine;
• 7th Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure for a cylinder of an engine;
• 8th Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure for a cylinder of an engine;
• 9 Figure 3 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixing structure;
• 10 a perspective view of an injector side of the FIG 9 illustrated mixing structure illustrated;
• 11 a cross-sectional view of the mixing structure along the line in FIG 9 illustrated line 11-11;
• 12th a further cross-sectional view of the mixed structure along the line in FIG 9 illustrated line 12-12;
• 13th Figure 3 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixing structure;
• 14th a perspective view of an injector side of the FIG 13th illustrated mixing structure illustrated;
• 15th Figure 3 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixing structure;
• 16 a perspective view of an injector side of the FIG 15th illustrated mixing structure illustrated;
• 17th Figure 3 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixing structure;
• 18th a perspective view of an injector side of the FIG 17th illustrated mixing structure illustrated;
• 19th Figure 3 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixing structure;
• 20th a perspective view of an injector side of the FIG 19th illustrated mixing structure illustrated;
• 21 Figure 3 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixing structure;
• 22nd a perspective view of an injector side of the FIG 21 illustrated mixing structure illustrated;
• 23 a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the piston side of the FIGS 9 until 12th illustrated mixing structure illustrated;
• 24 Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure;
• 25th a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a mixing structure for a cylinder of an engine provides;
• 26th Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of a mixing structure;
• 27 a perspective view from below of the mixing structure 26th provides;
• 28 a sectional view of the mixed structure 26th provides;
• 29 provides a side view of one embodiment of a mixing structure;
• 30th a sectional view of the mixed structure 29 provides; and
• 31 provides a sectional view through a body of a mixing structure in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments of the inventive content described herein provide mixed structures or arrangements. The mixing structures or arrangements can be mechanical structures which are arranged on or near fuel injectors of cylinders in an engine. The mixing structures can influence and / or control an ignition delay of the fuel (e.g. by delaying the ignition relative to the injection time). Ignition control may enable a different (e.g., leaner) fuel-air mixture to be achieved before the mixture arrives at a combustion area to ignite or burn. Several concepts are described here that facilitate this modification of the fuel burn event. Although tubes and tubes may be used in some arrangements, other mixing structures and arrangements define channels, flow paths, conduits, and the like and do not have a tubular structure or have a tubular structure within the combustion chamber of a cylinder. It has been found that some tube or tube assemblies have disastrous defects such as explosions occurring within the tubes.

With reference to some such concepts, the mixing structures or arrangements in cylinder heads may be placed between the fuel injectors and the pistons, or may be on top be arranged on the piston. Such arrangements can control (e.g., reduce) an amount of hot gas that is entrained in an injected fuel stream. A fuel injector may inject the fuel and may have a nozzle that forms a plurality of fuel streams.

By adding these mixing structures, the fuel and air can have more time to mix before ignition. The ratio of fuel to gas / air can be controlled. The mixing process of the fuel and the gas / air can be controlled. It may be the case that controlling the mixing of fuel and gas / air can reduce or eliminate the production of certain exhaust products (e.g. soot, NOx) in the combustion process.

By adding these mixed structures, the structure can contact the hot gas and air to act as a heat sink. In this way, it can locally cool the previously hot gas / air, since this (s) can be taken up into a fuel flow cloud, carried along and / or taken along with it. The mixed structure can cool the gases that can be entrained in fuel streams that are injected into the cylinder. A cooler mixture can retard ignition and thereby reduce an amount of soot generated or prevent soot generation altogether. Various embodiments of the mixing structure can be referred to as a soot reduction arrangement or an engine arrangement. The terms gas or gases used herein include air, a combination of air and recirculated exhaust gas (EGR), a combination of air and other diluents (e.g., water vapor, CO2 and / or N2, etc.), air that is modified to increase the oxygen concentration and a combination of any of the foregoing with drawn natural gas.

1 Figure 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mixing structure 100 which is adapted for use in a cylinder of an engine. 2 FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the FIG 1 shown mixed structure. The mixed structure can consist of one body 102 with one or more volumes arranged inside or in the middle 124 be formed, which surround a central axis ZC. The body extends along the central axis ZC from a fuel injector side 104 to an opposite side of the piston 106 . The fuel injector side can face a fuel injector when it is in an installed and operational state, so that it injects fuel into the cylinder in cooperation with the insert assembly. The piston side can face the crown or the piston head of this same cylinder.

The mixing structures can attach or couple to the piston crown or the cylinder head. The body can attach or couple to a cylinder head and remain stationary, whereas a piston in the cylinder moves relative to the mixing structure, the fuel injector and the cylinder head. In one embodiment, the body can be attached to the crown of the piston (e.g., the end of the piston which may be closest to the fuel injector) and can move toward and away from the fuel injector or cylinder head during operation of the piston.

In one embodiment, the body can have a step portion 108 and a second section 110 which extend in directions along the central axis ZC. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper step has an outer perimeter that is smaller than the outer perimeter of the lower portion. The step can extend from an interior surface 112 to an opposite distal outer surface 114 (relative to the central axis ZC) extend radially and the second portion may define a ring and extend from an inner surface 116 to an opposite distal outer surface 118 (relative to the central axis ZC) extend radially. The outer surface of the second section can be further away from the central axis ZC than the outer surface of the upper step. In other embodiments, the upper step and / or the second section has an outer surface which can be located at a different distance from the central axis ZC; or the inner surface of the second section may be further from the central axis ZC than the inner surface of the upper step. The transition between the step section and the second section can be smooth or can have a texture or a surface profile; and it may be at approximately a 90 degree angle relative to the step portion and / or the second portion, or it may be linear in profile and angled at approximately 45 degrees toward or away from the outer periphery; and the transition may have a non-linear profile or arc, or undulate in a convex or concave manner. In one embodiment, at least a segment of the surface of the step portion may be configured to direct exhaust gas from within the cylinder to a nearby exhaust valve. In one embodiment, at least one other segment of the surface of the step portion may be configured to influence or control a flow of intake gas (or intake gas and natural gas for a multi-fuel engine) into the cylinder. How these and other aspects of the topology are designed will affect many performance factors to varying degrees. Thus, the selection and combination of design factors with regard to the Engine type, fuel type, cylinder / piston size, engine duty cycle, control for emissions, fuel consumption rates, EGR levels, the use of multi-fuel systems, and the like. Although some specific combinations of features are set forth by way of example, other combinations may be used in conjunction with features outside of the inventive device to achieve desired results in specific applications.

The step section and the second section can pass through one or more gas channels 101 be connected. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas channels can consist of surfaces of one or more cooling fins 120 be integrally formed or defined thereby. The ribs can be spaced apart from one another in circumferential directions which surround the central axis ZC. The ribs extend radially from the inner surface of the upper step to the outer surface of the upper step. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs each have a wave shape or a corrugated shape or configuration. This shape, as described herein, can increase the surface area of the fins (eg, relative to flat or non-undulating fins) and provide greater interaction between hot gases and the surfaces of the fins for greater heat transfer of the gases.

In another embodiment, other ribs can have a different shape, size, or thickness. For example, some other ribs may have a generally flat shape with a smooth surface. A smooth surface can help reduce pressure drop across the length of the rib. In other embodiments, the rib surface can define a plurality of protrusions that extend from the surfaces of the ribs into the gas channels and / or can define depressions or grooves that extend inwardly into the surfaces of the ribs away from the gas channels. The shape of the ribs; the number, the spacing, the arrangement size and the profile of the projections and / or depressions and / or grooves; and the angle, surface texture and surface properties of each rib can influence the behavior and flow paths of gas which is taken up from outside the mixed structure through the gas channels into the central volume of the mixed structure.

The second portion of the body may have multiple fuel-and-gas mixture lines 122 exhibit. These mixture lines extend from the inner surface of the second section to the outer surface of the second section. The mixture lines can be aligned at transverse angles with respect to the central axis ZC. For example, the central axes of the mixture lines can be oriented at an acute angle, which can be greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees relative to the central axis ZC, with the mixture lines angled away from the upper stage. In one embodiment, the central axes of other mixture conduits may be oriented at a different angle, such as a ninety degree or obtuse angle, relative to the central axis ZC. There are several in the 1 and 2 The mixture lines shown are present (although only two are marked). The mixture lines can be distributed or arranged symmetrically about the central axis ZC. In other embodiments, a different number of mixture lines are provided, for example a single mixture line can be used. The illustrated mixture lines are cylindrical in shape, but alternative suitable shapes may include a fan shape, a cone shape, a polygonal shape, a square cross-sectional shape, a rectangular cross-sectional shape, another polygonal cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, and the like.

In any of the embodiments mentioned here, the gas channels and / or the fuel-and-gas mixture lines can be distributed radially symmetrically about and relative to the central axis ZC, so that an equal amount of radial spacing between each adjacent pair of channels or lines is present (i.e. the radial distance between a channel or conduit and its next two adjacent channels or conduits on either side is the same as the radial distance between all other channels or conduits and their respective next two adjacent channels or conduits each side). Further, in any of the embodiments, a total number of channels may be the same as or different from a total number of lines. In addition, the radial distance between adjacent channels can be the same as or different from the radial distance between adjacent lines. In one embodiment, there is a higher total number of gas channels than there are fuel-and-gas mixture lines and the gas channels are spaced apart radially closer to one another than the fuel-and-gas mixture lines.

In one embodiment, the body can have the step portion in order to thereby increase the distance between the mixture lines and the fuel injector and at the same time avoid contact between the body and one or more valves of the fuel injector. Without the step portion, there would be the girth size of the body which the fuel injector would be attached to next is much higher. This can potentially cause the insert to contact the valves of the cylinder head or interfere with operation thereof.

In one embodiment, the mixed structure can be created using additive manufacturing. For example, at least the fins of the cooling assembly can be formed using a three-dimensional printing system. In one embodiment, the mixed structure can be cut out from a larger body or manufactured in some other way. Suitable materials for the mixed structure can be a thermally conductive material. In one embodiment, the mixed structure can be formed from a metal or a metal alloy. In different embodiments, the mixed structure can be a ceramic or a cermet (e.g. a mixture of one or more ceramics and one or more metals) or a ceramic matrix composite. The mixed structure may not be a homogeneous material. In one embodiment, the surface material is different from the interior material. This can be done during the manufacturing process or can be done by coating or treating the surface of the mixed structure. Coatings can include wear-resistant materials (such as diamond-like coatings, DLC) or can be active (such as catalysts) to affect the combustion event itself.

3 FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the FIGS 1 and 2 shown mixed structure, which in an engine with a cylinder head 300 of an engine cylinder 302 is coupled, according to an embodiment of the content of the invention. 4th FIG. 11 illustrates another cross-sectional view of the FIGS 1 and 2 mixed structure shown, which is connected to the cylinder head of the in 3 cylinder shown is coupled, according to an embodiment of the content of the invention.

The mixing structure can be at a location between a fuel injector 304 and a crown 306 of a piston 308 be attached to the cylinder head in the cylinder. The piston moves towards and away from the fuel injector as the engine operates, or in the perspective of the 3 and 4th back and forth. In the illustrated embodiment, the mixing structure can be stationary since the mixing structure can be mounted or otherwise attached to the cylinder head. The piston moves toward and away from both the fuel injector and the stationary mixing structure. In one embodiment, the mixing structure or cooling arrangement may be attached to or otherwise coupled to or integrated with the crown of the piston such that the mixing structure moves with the piston toward and away from the fuel injector.

In operation, the fuel injector injects one or more fuel streams 400 into the central volume of the mixed structure body. During operation, the fuel flows from the fuel injector through the (in 1 shown) mean volume of the mixed structure. The pressure supplied to the fuel injector can cause all or substantially all of the fuel (for example at least 90%) to pass through the mixture lines (after mixing with gases as described here).

As the fuel flows into the internal volume of the body, the moving fuel draws gases through the mixed structure 402 a. The gases, which can be relatively hot, can be drawn in through the gas channels between the ribs in such a way that the hot gases move from outside the mixing structure through the (eg between the) ribs inward and into the central volume of the mixing structure. The ribs enable the hot gases to pass from outside the body of the mixed structure (for example along radial directions leading to the central axis ZC) into the interior of the step section and the second section. In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the gases drawn into the internal volume of the body pass through the gas channels between the ribs, with no or few or no gases (e.g. not more than 10%) being drawn into the central volume through the piston side or injector side of the mixing structure .

Each fin can act as a heat sink to transfer thermal energy. In one embodiment, the thermal energy can be transferred from the hot gases. The at least partially cooled gases are then entrained in the flow of fuel in the central volume to form a fuel-and-gas mixture 401 to form within the median volume of the body. This fuel-and-gas mixture can be formed before the fuel or the gas enters the combustion chamber of the cylinder. The fuel and the gas mix to form the fuel-and-gas mixture, which flows out of the mixing structure by means of one or more of the mixture lines. The fuel and gas mixture then flows into the combustion chamber of the cylinder. This fuel-and-gas mixture can be cooler than fuel-and-gas mixtures which do not flow through the mixing structure or mix within it, which, as described herein, can delay ignition within the chamber of the cylinder and prevent or reduce soot formation .

Optionally, the mixture lines can be aligned to the fuel-and-gas mixture continue to pass into the combustion chamber of the cylinder in such a way that the fuel-and-gas mixture (e.g. compared to passing the fuel and gas into the combustion chamber without mixing the fuel and gas using the mixing structure) continues into the Penetrates combustion chamber. For example, mixing the fuel and gas in the body and then directing the fuel and gas mixture into the combustion chamber using the conduits can change the combination of mass and velocity of the mixture jet relative to the mass and velocity which the Would have fuel-and-gas jet separately without premixing the fuel and gas in the mixing structure. For example, the beam with the mixed structure can be more compact (eg narrower) than the beam would be without the mixed structure. In addition, the jet may have less initial mass entrainment relative to the jet without the mixing structure, but higher velocity. Without a mixing structure, the jet could entrain more gases earlier in the flow path, which would have a high mass within the burst area and spread the burst resulting in lower velocity and less penetration into the cylinder. The more concentrated, higher velocity of the mixture caused by the structures causes the mixture to further enter the combustion chamber at locations which may be further away from the structure (relative to a non-use of the structure). As the penetration of the mixture into the combustion chamber increases, soot oxidation within the combustion chamber can be increased, which can eliminate or reduce the amount of soot in the engine cylinder.

The conduits may be shown as continuous-walled passageways which may only be open at the opposite ends of the conduits. In one embodiment, one or more (or all) of the lines may have perforations, holes or slots distributed along the length of the lines. These perforations or holes can be distributed radially along the lengths of the lines in such a way that the perforations or holes are at different radial distances from the axis ZC. The holes or perforations may allow additional gas to be drawn into the conduits, mixed with the fuel, and cooled before being directed into the cylinder. The arrangement, placement, size and angle of the holes or perforations can, by means of the added gas volume, the ratio of fuel to gas of the mixture and by means of the mixing effect, which is caused by the action of the inflowing gas streams, the degree of homogeneity of the mixture and by creating a buffer layer along the wall can influence the orientation of the mixture relative to the inner walls of the conduit (ie the mixture flow can be moved concentrically through the conduit without contacting the sides). A laminar flow of gases can flow together with the mixture flow and push the mixture flow towards the center of the conduit.

In one embodiment, the mixture conduits can be defined by one or more exposed interior surfaces that extend through the body. These inner surfaces can be used in the 1 and 2 Be cylindrical surfaces, but may have a different shape in other embodiments. The shape can be selected based at least in part on application-specific parameters. For example, these surfaces can have a conical shape so that the sizes of the openings of the conduits on the outer surface can be larger than the sizes of the openings of the conduits on the inner surface. As another suitable embodiment, the surfaces can have a conical shape, the sizes of the openings of the lines on the outer surface being smaller than the sizes of the openings of the lines on the inner surface. In various embodiments, the surfaces can be smooth surfaces or can have protrusions or depressions. The protrusions or depressions may alter the flow paths of the fuel-and-gas mixtures through the conduits to reflect characteristics of the flow such as how far the fuel-and-gas mixtures enter the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder, or the degree of turbulence and / or mixing to control. This can change the degree to which there is turbulent flow rather than laminar or plug flow of the mixture. Optionally, the indentations or protrusions can facilitate mixing of the gases and fuel by causing the gases and / or fuel to flow more turbulently, which increases the degree to which the gases and fuel are more evenly mixed in the mixtures.

Suitable lines can also have linear cylindrical shapes. For example, each conduit can be centered about or centered along a linear axis. In one embodiment, one or more of the conduits can have a curved shape. For example, the conduits can have curved shapes such that the conduits can be centered about curved axes with the same or different radii of curvature.

The shape of the lines, the size of the lines, linear or curved paths of the lines, the presence of protrusions and / or depressions in the lines and / or holes or holes extending to the lines can affect the impulse and / or the direction and /or affect the angular momentum in which the fuel-and-gas mixture emerges from the mixed structure. One or more of these parameters can be used to mix structures, which are used for different types of fuels, for different temperatures of gas, for different engines, for different cylinders or the like, varied or changed in order to control how far the fuel and gas mixture enters the combustion chambers of the engine cylinders.

5 Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 500 for one cylinder of an engine. The mixing structure may optionally be referred to as a soot reduction assembly because the mixing structure cools the gases which may be entrained in fuel injected into the cylinder, thereby retarding ignition and reducing the amount of soot generated or preventing soot generation. In addition, the mixing structure can direct the fuel-and-gas mixture further into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder. This can oxidize more soot.

In the 5 The mixed structure shown has some features which are similar or identical to that in the 1 and 2 are shown mixed structure. The mixed structure can consist of one body 502 be formed with a shape extending around a central axis ZC in the center or a central volume. Although different mixing structures can be shown as having a single central volume, in one embodiment the mixing structures can have one or more interior walls that divide the central volumes into two or more smaller central volumes.

The body extends along the central axis ZC from the fuel injector side 104 to the opposite side of the piston described above. The body of the mixing structure can be attached to a cylinder head or can be attached to the crown of the piston and can move toward and away from the fuel injector and cylinder head as the piston operates.

The body may have the upper step and the second section. In contrast to the mixed structure, the body of the mixed structure does not have any ribs between the step section and the section or any air passages extending radially through the step section. Instead, the upper step section and the second section can go through a solid wall 526 be connected. As described above, the second section can have one or more mixture lines.

In operation, the fuel injector injects the fuel into the central volume of the mixing structure. The moving fuel pulls in the hot gases through the mixing structure. The hot gases can be drawn into the central volume and mix with the fuel within the central volume to form the fuel and gas mixture. This mixture can be passed through the mixture lines from the mixing structure and into the combustion chamber of the cylinder. The body of the mixing structure can act as a heat sink to extract thermal energy from the hot gases and to cool the gases before, during and / or after the gases mix with the fuel within the central volume. The at least partially cooled gases are then entrained in the flow of fuel in the central volume and flow out of the mixing structure as the fuel-and-gas mixture by means of one or more of the lines. The fuel and gas mixture then flows into the combustion chamber of the cylinder. This fuel-and-gas mixture can be cooler than fuel-and-gas mixtures which do not flow through the mixing structure or mix within it, which can delay ignition within the chamber of the cylinder. Delayed ignition can prevent or reduce soot formation as described here.

6th Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 600 for one cylinder of an engine. As noted herein, embodiments of the mixing structure can optionally be referred to as soot reduction arrangements. In such embodiments, the mixing structure can cool the gases that may be entrained in fuel injected into the cylinder, thereby retarding ignition and reducing the amount of soot generated or preventing soot generation. In addition, the mixing structure can further direct the fuel and gas mixture into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder to oxidize more soot.

The mixed structure can consist of one body 602 be formed with a shape which extends around a central axis ZC in one or more central volumes (which in 6th not visible, but shaped identically or similarly to the central volume). The body extends along the central axis ZC from a fuel injector side 604 to an opposite side of the piston 606 . The fuel injector side faces a fuel injector which injects fuel into the cylinder to which the mixing structure can be assigned. The piston side faces the crown of the piston in that same cylinder.

The body can be an integral body such as a body that is single solid body is printed. For example, the body may be a monolithic body that is formed from a single body of material and is not formed from two or more pieces that are put together. The one-piece body may not have any seams or intersections that would be present if the body were formed by two or more pieces assembled together, the seams or intersections being where the pieces are assembled. Alternatively, the body can be formed from two or more separate pieces.

The body of the mixing structure can be attached to a cylinder head (with the fuel injector also attached to the cylinder head) and remain stationary, whereas a piston in the cylinder moves relative to the mixing structure, the fuel injector and the cylinder head. In one embodiment, the body can be attached to the crown of the piston (e.g., the end of the piston which may be closest to the fuel injector) and can move toward and away from the fuel injector and cylinder head as the piston operates. In an alternative embodiment, the body may be formed from two or more separate (e.g., uncoupled) parts, one part being coupled to the top of the piston and another part being coupled to the cylinder head.

The body can have an upper section 608 (with the level) and a second section 610 which are spaced apart from one another along the central axis ZC. The upper section can have a cylindrical shoulder or section (e.g. the step) and a conical shoulder or section 630 exhibit. The cylindrical shoulder has an outer surface 614 which may be at or approximately (for example, within manufacturing or printing tolerances) the same radial distance from the central axis ZC. The conical shoulder has a conical shape which extends further away from the central axis ZC at locations which can be further away from the cylindrical shoulder. The conical shoulder expands from the central axis ZC or away from it. For example, the outer surface of the body at the end of the conical shoulder which intersects the cylindrical shoulder can be closer to the central axis ZC than the opposite end of the conical shoulder.

The second section also has a conical shape which widens from the central axis ZC. The conical shoulder of the upper section and the conical section form concentric cones or sections of cones which can be centered on or along the central axis ZC. The sections can be replaced by one or more spacers 620 be connected. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacers may be pillars extending from a lower surface 638 the conical shoulder of the upper section to an opposite upper surface 640 of the conical portion extend.

The cylindrical shoulder of the upper section can have a plurality of the ribs, which can be spaced from one another in circumferential directions surrounding the central axis ZC in order to form the gas passages or channels. The ribs extend radially from the inner surface of the cylindrical shoulder of the upper section to the opposite outer surface of the cylindrical shoulder of the upper section.

In operation, the fuel injector injects the fuel into the interior volume of the mixing structure. The moving fuel draws the hot gases through gas channels and into the mixing structure. All or substantially all of the gases drawn into the central volume can, in one embodiment, be drawn through the gas channels. The hot gases can be drawn into the central volume by the flow of fuel through the gas channels between the ribs.

The ribs function similarly to that described above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS 1 until 4th Mixed structure shown Described as a heat sink to extract thermal energy from the hot gases and to cool the gases. The at least partially cooled gases are then entrained in the flow of fuel in the central opening to form the fuel and gas mixture within the central volume of the mixing structure. This mixture then flows through a space 601 between the lower surface of the conical shoulder of the upper section and the upper surface of the conical section from the mixed structure. In one embodiment, part of the mixture can consist of a (in 8th shown) middle passage opening 603 flow, which can be fluidly coupled to the central volume and which surround the conical sections. Alternatively, some of the gas flowing into the central passage opening, which is entrained with the fuel in order to form the fuel-and-gas mixture, can enter the central passage opening from outside the mixing structure through the central passage opening.

The fuel and gas mixture then flows into the combustion chamber of the cylinder. This fuel-and-gas mixture can be cooler than fuel-and-gas mixtures which do not flow through the mixing structure or mix within it, which, as described herein, is an ignition can delay inside the chamber of the cylinder and prevent or reduce soot formation.

In one embodiment, the mixing structure can have an outlet through which the fuel-and-gas mixture leaves the body of the mixing structure, which can be a continuous or almost continuous circle. In contrast, in some other embodiments, the fuel-and-gas mixture may exit the mixing structure through separate and spaced-apart conduits and, consequently, multiple clouds of the fuel-and-gas mixture come at separate locations along the outer contour or perimeter of the second section of the structures from the mixed structure. The concentric cones in the body of the mixing structure direct the fuel and gas mixture to exit the body along all or substantially all of the outer contour or circumference (eg, at least 90%) of the conical section. The spacers 620 can impair or partially block the flow of the fuel-and-gas mixture out of the body at corresponding points. However, the fuel-and-gas mixture can flow over the remainder of the outer contour or circumference of the conical section. This can distribute the fuel and gas mixture over a larger volume prior to entering the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder, which can further cool the fuel and gas mixture to reduce or eliminate soot production.

In one embodiment, the upper section and the lower (eg, conical) section can be separate bodies. For example, the spacers, pillars, or connectors may be fixed to either the top section or the tapered section, but not both. Instead, the spacers may be fixed to the upper portion or the conical portion, but not to the other of the conical portion or the upper portion. The upper section can be coupled to the cylinder head, whereas the conical section can be coupled to the crown of the piston. The sections 608 , 610 may be brought into contact or close to each other as the piston moves towards the fuel injector (and the fuel injector injects fuel into the mixing structure). The sections 608 , 606 can be separated from each other as the piston moves away from the fuel injector.

7th Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 700 for one cylinder of an engine. This mixing structure can be referred to as a soot reduction arrangement because the mixing structure cools the gases which may be entrained in fuel injected into the cylinder, thereby retarding ignition and reducing the amount of soot generated or preventing soot generation. In addition, the mixing structure can further direct the fuel and gas mixture into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder to oxidize more soot.

The mixed structure can consist of one body 702 be formed with a shape extending around a central axis ZC in the central volume. The body extends along the central axis ZC from the fuel injector side to the opposite piston side described above in connection with the mixing structure. The fuel injector side faces a fuel injector which injects fuel into the cylinder to which the mixing structure can be assigned. The piston side faces the crown of the piston in that same cylinder.

The body of the mixing structure can be attached to a cylinder head (with the fuel injector also attached to the cylinder head) and remain stationary, whereas a piston in the cylinder moves relative to the mixing structure, the fuel injector and the cylinder head. In one embodiment, the body can be attached to the crown of the piston (e.g., the end of the piston which may be closest to the fuel injector) and can move toward and away from the fuel injector and cylinder head as the piston operates.

The body can have an upper section 708 have, which is based on a combination of the upper level of in 5 mixed structure shown and the upper section of the in 6th shown mixed structure can be based. The top section may be a solid ring section or shoulder 728 (e.g., similar to the top of the upper tier of the mixed structure that comprises the solid wall 526 may have) and have a conical shoulder.

The body can include several of the components described herein in connection with other embodiments. For example, the body (instead of the air ducts and ribs) can have a solid wall that is connected to the in 5 mixing structure shown is described, the conical shoulder, which can be coupled to the wall (and which forms part of the upper portion with the wall) and the lower conical portion.

A difference between the body of the mixed structure and the body of the in 6th The mixed structure shown can consist in the number and arrangement of spacers in the body. The body can have several thin pillars that form the spacers. The spacers can differ from embodiment to embodiment in terms of number, size, thickness, length, profile and material. An increased number and thinner shape of the spacers can promote mixing of the fuel-and-gas mixture, since this mixture flows in the space between the conical shoulder and the conical section, and can also increase the surface area which the fuel-and-gas mixture Gas mixture contacted. That is, the spacers can function as heat sinks and can dissipate thermal energy from the fuel-and-gas mixture in a manner similar to the ribs described here.

In operation, the fuel injector injects the fuel into the central volume of the mixing structure. The moving fuel pulls in the hot gases through the mixing structure. The hot gases may be drawn into the central volume between the fuel injector side of the body and the fuel injector, similar to how the hot gases may be drawn into the body of the mixing structure.

The gases are then entrained in the flow of fuel in the central volume and flow as the fuel-and-gas mixture through the space between the tapered shoulder 630 the upper portion and the conical portion from the mixed structure. The fuel-and-gas mixture can flow between the spacers and the spacers can act as heat sinks to cool the fuel-and-gas mixture. The fuel and gas mixture then flows into the combustion chamber of the cylinder. This fuel-and-gas mixture can be cooler than fuel-and-gas mixtures which do not flow through the mixing structure or mix within it, which, as described herein, can delay ignition within the chamber of the cylinder and prevent or reduce soot formation .

Similar to the mixing structure, the outlet through which the fuel-and-gas mixture leaves the body of the mixing structure can be a continuous or substantially continuous circle. The concentric cones in the body of the mixing structure direct the fuel and gas mixture around the body along all or substantially all of the outer contour or circumference (eg, at least 90%) of the conical shoulder 630 to leave. The spacers can impair or partially block the flow of the fuel-and-gas mixture out of the body at corresponding points. However, the fuel-and-gas mixture can flow over the remainder of the outer contour or circumference of the conical section. This can distribute the fuel-and-gas mixture over a larger volume, which can further cool the fuel-and-gas mixture for reducing or eliminating soot production.

8th Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 800 for one cylinder of an engine. The mixing structure may optionally be referred to as a soot reduction assembly because the mixing structure cools the gases which may be entrained in fuel injected into the cylinder, thereby retarding ignition and reducing the amount of soot generated or preventing soot generation. In addition, the mixing structure can further direct the fuel-and-air mixture into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder to oxidize more soot.

The mixed structure can consist of one body 802 be formed with a shape extending around a central axis ZC in the central volume. This body extends along the central axis ZC from the fuel injector side to the opposite piston side described above in connection with other cooling arrangements. The fuel injector side faces a fuel injector which injects fuel into the cylinder to which the mixing structure can be assigned. The cylinder side faces the crown of the piston in that same cylinder.

The body of the mixing structure can be attached to a cylinder head (with the fuel injector also attached to the cylinder head) and remain stationary, whereas a piston in the cylinder moves relative to the mixing structure, the fuel injector and the cylinder head. In one embodiment, the body can be attached to the crown of the piston (e.g., the end of the piston which may be closest to the fuel injector) and can move toward and away from the fuel injector and cylinder head as the piston operates.

The body can include several of the components described herein in connection with other embodiments. The body may have the upper portion which is based on a combination of the upper stage of the in 5 mixed structure shown and the upper portion of the in 6th mixed structure shown and which above in connection with the in 7th shown mixed structure can be described. The upper section can have the solid ring section or shoulder and the conical shoulder. The body can have a solid wall as described above, the conical shoulder, which can be coupled to a wall, and the lower conical section. The body can also have one or more spacers, which connect the conical shoulder and the conical section.

In operation, the fuel injector injects the fuel into the central volume of the body. The moving fuel pulls in the hot gases through the mixing structure. The hot gases can be drawn into the central opening between the fuel injector side and the fuel injector.

The gases are entrained in the flow of fuel in the central volume and flow out of the mixing structure as the fuel-and-gas mixture by way of the space between the conical shoulder of the upper section and the conical section. Part of the mixture can exit from the structure by means of the through opening. The fuel and gas mixture can contact the body within this space and transfer thermal energy to the body to cool the fuel and gas mixture. The fuel and gas mixture then flows into the combustion chamber of the cylinder. This fuel-and-gas mixture can be cooler than fuel-and-gas mixtures which do not flow through the mixing structure or mix within it, which, as described herein, can delay ignition within the chamber of the cylinder and prevent or reduce soot formation .

In addition, the outlet through which the fuel-and-gas mixture leaves the body of the mixing structure can be a continuous or substantially continuous circle, as described above. The fuel-and-gas mixture can be distributed over a larger volume, which can further cool the fuel-and-gas mixture to reduce or eliminate soot production.

The cooling assemblies described herein can be a one-piece body with all parts and components secured to one another and to a common other component (e.g., the entire body of the mixing structure can be affixed to the cylinder head or the piston, but not both). In one embodiment, one or more of the cooling assemblies may be formed from a multi-piece body, with one part of the body (e.g., the upper section or step) coupled to the cylinder head and another part of the body (e.g., the lower section) coupled to the Crown of the piston is coupled. These parts can be brought into contact or close together as the piston moves towards the fuel injector (and fuel can be injected into the body through the fuel injector) and can move apart as the piston moves moved away from the fuel injector.

In one embodiment, a mixing structure may be provided for a cylinder in an engine. The mixing structure can have an annular body which surrounds a central opening and a central axis. The annular body may be shaped to be placed between a fuel injector of the cylinder and a piston in a combustion chamber of the cylinder. The annular body may be shaped to receive fuel from the fuel injector into the central opening of the annular body along the central axis. The annular body may also be shaped to draw hot gas into the central opening to be entrained with the fuel flowing from the fuel injector in the central opening. The annular body may be shaped to conduct a mixture of the hot gas and the fuel, which can be injected via the annular body, to maintain a temperature of the mixture of the hot gas and the fuel before passing the mixture of the hot gas and fuel to reduce the fuel in the combustion chamber of the cylinder.

Optionally, the annular body can have an upper ring and a lower ring which are coupled to one another; the upper ring has an outer circumference which may be closer to the central axis than an outer circumference of the lower ring; the lower ring flares outward away from the upper ring and the central axis; the upper ring may be closer to the fuel injector than the lower ring, while the annular body may be placed between the fuel injector of the cylinder and the piston in the combustion chamber of the cylinder; the upper ring may have a plurality of ribs which are aligned along radial directions leading to the central axis and spaced from one another in directions which may be parallel to an outer circumference of the upper ring; the ribs may be positioned in the top ring such that the hot gas can be drawn into the central opening between the ribs by the flow of fuel in the central opening. The fins can cool the hot gas because the hot gas flows between the fins; the upper ring of the annular body may have a conical shoulder which widens away from the central axis; the lower ring of the annular body has a conical shape which widens away from the central axis; the upper ring of the annular body can have a conical shoulder which widens away from the central axis. The lower ring of the annular body may have a conical shape which widens away from the central axis; the conical shoulder of the upper ring and the lower ring may be spaced from one another in directions which may be parallel to the central axis; the ring-shaped The body may be shaped such that the mixture of the hot gas and the fuel flows out of the annular body through a volume between the conical shoulder of the upper ring and the lower ring; the arrangement can also have spacer columns which can be coupled to the conical shoulder of the upper ring and the lower ring and can connect them; the annular body may have a plurality of conduits fluidly coupling the central opening to locations outside the annular body; the conduits can be elongated in directions which can be transverse to the central axis; the conduits may be elongated in directions directing the hot gas and fuel mixture away from the central axis; the annular body extends in directions parallel to the central axis from a fuel injector side which can be positioned to face the fuel injector to an opposite cylinder side which can be positioned to face the piston in the combustion chamber of the cylinder; the annular body may be shaped to draw the hot gas into the central opening between the fuel injector side of the body and the fuel injector; the annular body may be configured to be coupled to a cylinder head of the cylinder; the annular body may be configured to be coupled to a top of the piston; the annular body has an opening which faces the fuel injector and into which the fuel from the fuel injector can be injected into the annular body; the annular body can be formed from a first ring and a second ring. The first ring can be configured to be coupled to a cylinder head of the cylinder, which can also be coupled to or have the fuel injector. The second ring can be coupled to the piston.

9 Figure 3 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 900 . 10 Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of an injector side 908 the in 9 shown mixed structure. 11 FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mixing structure along the line of FIG 10 shown line 11-11 . 12th Figure 11 illustrates another cross-sectional view of the mixing structure along the line 12-12 in 9 . The mixed structures described here can optionally be referred to as motor arrangements.

The mixed structure can have a body 904 have which one axis 906 and which extends along the axis from one injector side 908 towards an opposite side of the piston 910 extends. The body may be a cylinder head interface structure or section 926 and a thermal control structure 914 exhibit. The cylinder head interface structure couples to a cylinder head, whereas the thermal control structure faces a crown of a piston. The interface structure of the body is shrink-fitted. For example, the body can be formed from one or more materials that will shrink upon installation and / or use. The body may be configured to have dimensions such that, after the body shrinks, the dimensions will match or match the component (s) with which the body is to be assembled. In other embodiments, structures on / with a cylinder head of an engine cylinder may be press fit, welded, bolted, threaded (eg screwed), or formed as part thereof in various other embodiments.

In one embodiment, the axis can be a central axis about which the body extends symmetrically or which it surrounds. In one embodiment, the axis may not extend along the center of the body and / or the body may not be symmetrical about the axis. The injector side of the body faces a fuel injector of an engine cylinder, whereas the piston side of the body faces a piston head of the engine cylinder.

The body has an opposite inwardly facing surface 1000 close to the axis. This inwardly facing surface defines one or more central volumes 1002 within the body. Although in the 10 and 11 only a single volume of funds 1002 In one embodiment, the body can have one or more inner walls or other structures which divide the individual central volume into two or more smaller volumes. The volume can be referred to as the injection chamber. The injection chamber may have a shape whose cross-sectional size decreases at locations which may be further from the injector side of the body. For example, the injection chamber can be graduated in diameter such that different locations of the injection chamber, which can be closer to the piston side along the axis, can have smaller diameters than locations which can be closer to the injection side along the axis. Optionally, the injection chamber can be cylindrical in such a way that the cross-sectional size remains the same at different points along the axis. In other embodiments, the injection chamber can be conical or grooved in such a way that different locations of the injection chamber, which can be closer to the piston side along the axis, can have smaller diameters than locations which can be closer to the injection side along the axis.

The body can also have an outward-facing surface 916 have which may be distal from the axis. For example, the inwardly facing surface can be close to the axis and the outwardly facing surface can be distal to the axis in that the inwardly facing surface can be closer to the axis than the outwardly facing surface.

The body has several channel surfaces 918 on which two or more gas ducts 912 , 920 can define which are between the injector side and the piston side of the body. The gas channels can extend from the outwardly facing surface through the inwardly facing surface through the body. In various embodiments, some channel surfaces form linear slots through the body as gas channels, while some other channel surfaces form circular channels through the body as the gas channels. The slots may be elongated in directions extending from one side or toward an opposite side. In other embodiments, the slots can be elongated in other directions and / or can have a different shape. For example, the slots can be curved, can be bent, can be formed from two or more differently oriented linear sections, or the like. In one embodiment, the channel surfaces and / or gas channels can have a different size and / or shape. As in 12th surfaces can, for example, be wave-shaped surfaces. The channels seem to be in 12th not to extend to the outward-facing surface of the body as the channels extend into 11 extend along directions which may be angled downward. The choice of direction and shape can be based on the end use sought, the type of engine and fuel (s), and other application specifics.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mixture lines 922 defined by the gas channels or arranged therebetween. The mixture lines 922 have inner channel surfaces 924 within the body of the assembly 900 on. The gas ducts 920 can between the mixture lines 922 and the injector area 908 be arranged and the gas channels 912 can between the mixture lines 922 and the piston area 910 be arranged.

In some embodiments, the one or more of the surfaces can have a catalytic coating, wear resistant coating, or carbon build-up resistant coating. In addition or as an alternative, the area can be treated. Suitable treatments can include plasma treatment, heat treatment, laser deposition welding, nitriding, carbonizing, and the like.

Each of the conduits or channels extend from one input port or opening to an opposite output port or opening. The inlet connections for the gas lines or channels can be located along the outward-facing surface of the body, since the gases can be received into the lines or channels through the connections in the outward-facing surface. The outlet connections for the gas lines or channels can be located along the inwardly facing surface of the body, since the gases exit the lines or channels through the connections in the inwardly facing surface. The inlet connections for the mixture lines can be located along the inwardly facing surface of the body, since the mixture can be received into the lines through the connections in the inwardly facing surface. The outlet connections for the lines can be located along the outward-facing surface of the body, since the mixture exits the lines through the connections in the outward-facing surface.

The input and / or output connections of the inlets and / or outlets of the channels and / or lines can, for example, in the 9 and 11 shown have rounded shapes along edges of the channels or lines, which are defined by the interfaces between the definition surfaces and the outward-facing surface. In one embodiment, these edges may have a non-rounded shape, such as a ninety degree intersection between the defining surfaces and the outwardly facing surface. The rounded edges can allow more gases to flow into the channels and / or can provide increased surface interaction (and therefore greater heat transfer) between the body and the gases. Optionally, the inlet and / or outlet connections of the channels can have cone shapes, the cross-sectional area of which is reduced at points in the channels which can be further away from the surface facing outwards. Optionally, the inlet and / or outlet connections of the channels can have grooved shapes, the cross-sectional area of which increases at points in the channels which can be further away from the surface facing outwards. In one embodiment, the output connection is set up to stabilize a flame front at a specific point. For example, a flame holder can be arranged on the outlet connection. The flame holder can stabilize the flame front at a certain point in the event of a combustion.

The channels can optionally have one or more structures or features that alter the flow of gases in the channels. For example, the channel surfaces may be undulating surfaces that define one or more protrusions and / or depressions that extend out of or into the body within the air channels. In one embodiment, the channel surfaces can be smooth or flat surfaces that have no protrusions or depressions. The undulating shape of the surfaces creates non-linear (e.g., undulating) passages as the channels for the gases to flow into the body's injection chamber. Nonlinear passageways can be curved, sawtooth, zigzag, or the like. The non-linear passages in which the gases flow into the interior chamber can increase the surface area of the body that the gases contact and / or can increase the residence time for which the gases within the channels can be in contact with the body. This can increase the transfer of heat from the gases to the body (relative to linear passageways). The body has conduit surfaces which define fuel-and-gas mixture conduits extending through the body. As in 11 shown to be elongated in directions which form acute angles with the central axis. For example, one or more of the channels may have a turbulator, a turbulator vane, or a guide vane at one or more of the inlet ports to alter the flow of gases into the channels. These structures can be used to achieve a desired flow distribution into the channels. Features such as protrusions and depressions can also be incorporated within the flow channels to increase mixing and / or increase heat transfer.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the conduits or channels may be elongated in a direction which may be angled non-orthogonally with respect to the axis. For example, the inlets or inlet ports of the gas channels can be closer to the piston side of the body than the injector side of the body, and the outlet ports of the gas channels can be closer to the injector side of the body than the piston side of the body. The inlet ports of the mixture lines can be closer to the injector side of the body than the piston side of the body and the outlet ports of the mixture lines can be closer to the piston side of the body than the injector side of the body. The channels may be aligned with the central axis of the fuel that is being injected.

In operation, one or more fuel flows can flow through fuel injector (s) by means of an upper passage opening or opening 1004 be injected into the medium volume. The flow of fuel into the central volume draws gases into the central volume by means of the gas channels. The gases flow into the central volume and mix with the fuel in the central volume in order to form the fuel-and-gas mixture with a defined ratio (of fuel to air). In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the gases that mix with the fuel to form the fuel-and-gas mixture flow into the central volume via the channels and not through the upper passage opening of the central volume. The fuel-and-gas mixture then flows from the central volume through the lines and into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

The angles at which the conduits can be oriented relative to the central axis can be changed in different bodies to control how far the mixture penetrates into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. For example, when the mixture spray flowing through a conduit is directed to impinge on one or more surfaces of the channels, there may be an exchange of momentum between the mixing structure and the mixture spray. This can decrease the momentum of the mixture spray and reduce how far the mixture enters the engine cylinder's combustion chamber. In one embodiment, the conduits may be elongated along directions that coincide with (e.g., may be linearly aligned with) the directions in which the fuel flows through the fuel injector may be directed into the central volume. For example, the outlet or outlet connections of the lines can be aligned with through openings of a fuel injector through which fuel flows can be directed. This can provide a maintenance of more momentum of the fuel flows (e.g. fuel) in and through the conduits (than the mixture) and into the combustion chamber. Additionally, this can provide for flows of the mixture to flow through the conduits at locations that may be more centered along central axes of the conduits (as compared to the conduits that are not aligned with the fuel injector ports). Optionally, the inlet ports of the conduits may have a restriction structure such as a lip, ring, or the like that reduces the cross-sectional area of the inlet port of a conduit relative to the cross-sectional area of the same conduit at other locations. This restriction structure can help center the flow of the mixture in the line.

Centering the flows of the mixture in the lines (as compared to the lines which are not aligned with the fuel injector ports) may provide for maintaining a greater portion of the momentum of the mixture exiting the lines. In one embodiment, the conduits can be elongated in directions that can be angled (eg, not parallel to) the directions in which the fuel streams can be injected into the central volume. This can decrease the momentum of the fuel into the lines and / or decrease the momentum of the mixture out of the lines. Since the momentum of the mixture on its way out of the lines can control or affect how much soot can be oxidized in the combustor, changing the angles of the lines in different bodies can control how much soot can be oxidized.

Various aspects of the lines and / or the output ports of the lines may be relative to that in FIGS 9 until 11 illustrated embodiment can be modified. For example, the cross-sectional shape or size of the conduits may be different at different locations along the length of the conduits. For example, the conduits (rather than the cylinder shapes illustrated) may have taper shapes with reduced cross-sectional area at locations that may be further from the inwardly facing surface of the body. The outlet connections of the lines can have turbulator blades or other structures in order to change the flow of the mixture exiting the lines. This can help concentrate or direct the mixture further into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. The outlet ports of the conduits may have a restriction structure (eg, a lip) that more closely compresses or concentrates the flows of fuel-and-gas mixtures. Optionally, the outlet connections of the conduits can have depressions in order to change the flow of the mixture out of the conduits and / or to reduce the likelihood that the conduits will become clogged at the outlet connections. For example, the wells can provide volumes which can be filled with soot or the like prior to clogging of the outlet ports. This can extend the service life of the lines.

In one embodiment, the surfaces of the mixture lines can be smooth and have no protrusions or depressions. This can enable the fuel-and-gas mixture, which exits the body by means of the mixture lines, to flow faster when exiting the body (compared to mixture lines which may not be smooth or have undulations) and / or have a higher impulse. The mixing structure directs the fuel and gas mixtures to targeted locations within the combustion chamber to facilitate the oxidation of soot.

Non-smooth surfaces of the gas channels can cause the flow of gases to change and become more turbulent. A turbulent flow can increase the homogeneity of the mixture flowing through it. For example, the undulating surfaces can cause swirl, swirl and / or turbulence in the flow of gases, which can also cause swirl, swirl and / or turbulence in the flow of the mixture in the central volume. The gases and / or mixtures can rotate when the gases and / or mixtures move predominantly about a central axis or direction, such as when the majority of the mass and / or flow of the gases and / or mixtures are about the same axis or direction turns. The gases and / or mixtures can swirl when the gases and / or mixtures move predominantly (e.g. a large part of the mass and / or flow) in a spiral pattern around the axis or direction. The moving gases and / or mixtures can have turbulence if the gases and / or mixtures are not moving predominantly in the same direction, regardless of whether this direction is a swirling, swirling or linear movement. The gases flow into the central volume and mix with the fuel in the central volume in order to form the fuel-and-gas mixture with a defined ratio (of fuel to gas). The non-uniform flow of the gases, relative to having smooth surfaces around the gas passages, can aid in the mixing of the fuel.

Optionally, the undulating shape of the surfaces increases the surface area of the body with which the incoming gases come into contact while the gases flow into the central volume. An increase in the surface area that contacts the gases, relative to flat or smooth surfaces, can increase how much thermal energy can be extracted from the gases or transferred from them to the body. As a result, the gases can be cooled to a greater extent. The inwardly facing surface of the body can define undulating surfaces, projections and / or depressions in order to induce swirl in the flow of gases, fuel and / or the mixture in the central volume.

For a given engine cylinder in a given operating condition, the sizes (e.g. diameter or area) of the lines and / or the central volume, the shapes of the lines and / or the central volume, the lengths of the lines, the presence or absence of corrugations in areas that number of Lines and / or the angles at which the lines may be oriented relative to the axis can be modified to change the ratio of fuel to gas in the mixture or the degree of homogeneity and dispersion of fuel to gas which is made up the mixed structure can be output. Changing one or more of these parameters can change how much fuel can be in the mixture, how much gas can be in the mixture, how quickly the mixture leaves the mixing structure, how far the mixture penetrates into the combustion chamber of the cylinder, the direction or the the angle of the outgoing flow and the like.

The injector surface of the body can have one or more alignment holes or wedge features 902 to align the mixture lines in directions in which the fuel streams can be directed into the central volume of the body. These wedge features can be holes or other receptacles that receive complementary wedge features (e.g., pins) connected to the cylinder head. Placing the pins in the holes can ensure that the fuel flows coming from the fuel injector can be directed into the mixture lines. In particular, the alignment of the injector nozzles at the center of the corresponding mixture line can be ensured.

Optionally, the inwardly facing surface of the body can have one or more structured or wave-shaped surfaces, projections and / or depressions. These undulating or structured surfaces, projections and / or depressions can support a change in the direction in which fuel and / or gases flow and mix the fuel and the gas to a defined mixing extent and / or ratio. The inwardly facing surface may have a conical or fluted shape to help mix the fuel with the gases in the central volume. For example, the cross-sectional area of the volume on planes which can be perpendicular to the axis can be larger near the injector side and smaller near the piston side. This decreasing cross-sectional area of the volume can mix and concentrate the fuel in the mixture before the mixture flows out of the volume via the lines.

In one embodiment, one or more of the structures forming the body may have cooling conduits that extend through the interior portions of the structures. These cooling lines can be fluidly coupled to a source of cooling or working fluid such as chilled air, liquid coolant, or the like. Suitable coolants can include air, water, oil, and the like. These cooling lines may not be fluidly coupled to the gas channels or mixture lines in order to prevent contamination of the fuel, the gases and / or the mixture. The mixing structure can be liquid cooled using coolant from the cylinder head or piston depending on where the mixing structure is mounted. Optionally, the mixed structure can be cooled by conducting it to the component on which the mixed structure is mounted. The cooling or working fluid can flow through the cooling lines to help cool the body and increase heat transfer between the gases and the body.

13th Figure 3 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 1300 . The mixed structure can have a body 1304 have which one axis 1306 and which extends along the axis from one injector side 1308 towards an opposite side of the piston 1310 extends. The body may be a cylinder head interface structure or section 1326 and a thermal control structure 1314 exhibit. The cylinder head interface structure couples to a cylinder head, whereas the thermal control structure faces a crown of a piston. The interface structure of the body is press fit into a receiving cavity of the cylinder head. Other suitable coupling methods may include welding, bolting, or forming the insert as part of a cylinder head of an engine cylinder. 14th FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an injector side of FIG 13th shown mixed structure.

In one embodiment, the body extends symmetrically about or surrounds the central axis. In another embodiment, the axis may not extend along the center of the body and / or the body may not be symmetrical about the axis. The injector side of the body faces a fuel injector of an engine cylinder, whereas the piston side of the body faces a piston head of the engine cylinder.

The body has an inward-facing surface 1400 near the central axis. This inwardly facing surface defines one or more central volumes 1402 within the body. Although in the 13th and 14th only a single central volume can be shown, the body can in one embodiment have one or more inner walls or other structures which divide the single central volume into two or more smaller volumes. The volume can be referred to as the injection chamber. The injection chamber volume may have a shape whose cross-sectional size is reduced at locations which may be further from the injector side of the body. Optionally, the injection chamber volume can be cylindrical in such a way that the cross-sectional size remains the same at different points along the central axis, or it can be conical or grooved.

The body can also have an outward-facing surface 1316 have, which may be distal from the central axis. The body has channel surfaces 1318 on which gas ducts 1320 define which are between the injector side and the piston side of the body. The gas channels extend from the outwardly facing surface through the inwardly facing surface through the body. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas channel surfaces form linear slots through the body than the gas channels. The slots may be elongated in directions extending from one side or toward the opposite side. In other embodiments, the slot can be elongated in other directions and / or have a different shape. For example, the slots can be curved, can be bent, can be formed from two or more differently oriented linear sections, or the like. The surfaces can be undulating surfaces, flat surfaces, other curved surfaces, or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mixture lines can be arranged between the gas channels. For example, the gas channels can be interspersed within the mixture lines in such a way that a gas channel can be present between adjacent pairs of the mixture lines.

The body has conduit surfaces which define fuel-and-gas mixture conduits extending through the body. These conduction surfaces can be elongated in directions which form acute angles with a central axis. The conduction surfaces can be smooth surfaces which do not have any corrugations, projections or depressions. In other embodiments, the conduction surfaces can have corrugations, projections and / or depressions.

Each of the conduits or channels extends, as described above in connection with the mixing structure, from an input port or opening to an opposite output port or opening. The input and / or output connections of the channels can have rounded shapes along edges of the channels. In one embodiment, these edges can have a non-rounded shape. The rounded edges can allow more gases to flow into the channels and / or provide increased surface interaction (and therefore higher levels of heat transfer) between the body and the gases. Optionally, the inlet and / or outlet connections of the channels can have cone shapes or grooved shapes.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the conduits or channels may be elongated in a direction that may be angled non-orthogonally with respect to a central axis. For example, the inlets or inlet ports of the gas channels can be closer to the piston side of the body than the injector side of the body, and the outlet ports of the gas channels can be closer to the injector side of the body than the piston side of the body. The inlet ports of the mixture lines can be closer to the injector side of the body than the piston side of the body and the outlet ports of the mixture lines can be closer to the piston side of the body than the injector side of the body.

In operation, one or more fuel flows can flow through fuel injector (s) by means of an upper passage opening or opening 1404 be injected into the medium volume. The flow of fuel into the central volume draws gases into the central volume by means of the gas channels. The gases flow into the central volume and mix with the fuel in the central volume in order to form the fuel-and-gas mixture with a defined ratio. In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the gases that mix with the fuel to form the fuel-and-gas mixture flow into the central volume via the channels and not through the upper passage opening of the central volume. The fuel-and-gas mixture flows from the central volume through the lines and into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

The angles at which the conduits can be oriented relative to the central axis can be changed in different bodies, as described above, to control how far the mixture penetrates into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. In one embodiment, the conduits may be elongated along directions that coincide with the directions in which the fuel flows through the fuel injector may be directed into the central volume. Optionally, as described above, the input terminals of the lines may have a restriction structure which reduces the cross-sectional area of the input terminal of a line relative to the cross-sectional area of the same line at other locations.

In one embodiment, the conduits can be elongated in directions which can be angled (e.g., not parallel to) the directions in which the fuel streams can be injected into the central volume. This can decrease the momentum of fuel into the lines as the mixture and / or decrease the momentum of the mixture out of the lines.

Various aspects of the lines and / or the output connections of the lines can be modified based on the illustrated embodiments. For example, the cross-sectional shape or size of the conduits may be different at different locations along the length of the conduits. For example, the conduits (rather than the cylinder shapes illustrated) may have taper shapes with reduced cross-sectional area at locations that may be further from the inwardly facing surface of the body. This can help direct the mixture to a desired location within the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. The output terminals of the conduits may have a restriction structure (e.g., a lip) that pushes or mixes the flows of mixtures closer together. Optionally, other conduit exit ports may have depressions, grooves, or textures that can alter the flow of the mixture out of the conduits and / or to reduce the likelihood of the conduits becoming clogged at the exit ports.

In one embodiment, the surfaces of the mixture lines can be smooth and have no protrusions or depressions. In other embodiments, the surfaces can have projections and / or depressions. The inwardly facing surface of the body may have undulating surfaces, protrusions and / or depressions in order to induce turbulence in the flow of gases, fuel and / or the mixture in the central volume. The sizes (e.g. diameter and / or surface areas) of the lines and / or the central volume, the shapes of the lines and / or the central volume, the lengths of the lines, the presence or absence of corrugations in surfaces, the number of lines and / or the Angles at which the conduits can be oriented relative to the axis can be modified as described above to change the ratio of fuel to gas in the mixture that can be dispensed from the mixing structure.

Optionally, the inwardly facing surface of the body can have one or more wave-shaped surfaces, projections and / or depressions, as described above. The inwardly facing surface may have a conical or grooved shape, as described, to assist in mixing the fuel with the gases in the central volume. In one embodiment, one or more of the structures forming the body can have cooling lines as described, which extend through the inner sections of the structures.

15th Figure 3 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 1500 . The one through one body 1504 defined central axis is concentric with the body, which is symmetrical about the axis 1506 extends or surrounds them. In another embodiment, the axis does not extend along the center of the body, but rather is asymmetrical relative to the axis. The injector side of the body faces a fuel injector of an engine cylinder, whereas the piston side of the body faces a piston head of the engine cylinder. 16 Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of an injector side 1508 the in 15th shown mixed structure.

The mixing structure can have the body which defines a central axis and which extends along the axis from one injector side in the direction of an opposite piston side 1510 extends. The body may be a cylinder head interface structure or section 1526 exhibit. The cylinder head interface structure couples to a cylinder head, whereas the thermal control structure faces a crown of a piston. In various embodiments, the interface structure of the body may be welded or otherwise attached to a cylinder head of an engine cylinder. The body has an outward-facing surface 1516 which may be distal from the axis. The body has channel surfaces 1518 on which gas ducts 1520 define which are between the injector side and the piston side of the body. The gas channels extend from the outwardly facing surface through the inwardly facing surface through the body. The body also has a thermoregulatory structure 1514 on. In various other embodiments, the inwardly facing surface of the body can have undulating surfaces, protrusions and / or depressions, as described above, or can be smooth.

The body has an inward-facing surface 1400 close to the axis. This inwardly facing surface defines one or more central volumes 1602 inside the body, into which an injector injects liquid fuel. In this embodiment, the body can have one or more inner walls or other structures which divide the single central volume into two or more smaller volumes. The injection volume can optionally be referred to as an injection chamber will. The injection volume can have a shape whose cross-sectional size decreases at locations which can be further away from the injector side of the body. In other embodiments, the injection volume can be cylindrical such that the cross-sectional size remains the same at different points along the axis, or it can be conical or grooved.

In the illustrated embodiment, the interfaces form between the channel surfaces 1518 and the outward-facing surface 1516 curved edges 1501 , with ends of each curved edge by a straight edge 1503 are connected. The channel surfaces forming the gas channels decrease in size from the surface facing outward to the surface facing inward of the body. In various embodiments, the inlet connections of the gas channels can be on the surface facing outwards 1516 of the body must be considerably larger than the outlet ports of the gas channels on the inward-facing surface of the body. The gas channels can be funnel-shaped as in the illustrated example, the gas channels being greatly reduced in size from large inlet connections to triangular outlet connections. The channel surfaces can be selected based on application-specific requirements and thus can be undulating surfaces, flat surfaces, other curved surfaces, or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mixture lines can be arranged between the gas channels. For example, the gas channels can be interspersed within the mixture lines in such a way that a gas channel can be present between adjacent pairs of the mixture lines. These conduction surfaces can be elongated in directions which form acute angles with the central axis. One or more of the surfaces may have a catalytic coating or a coating that is resistant to carbon build-up. In various embodiments, the channels can optionally have one or more structures that change the flow of gases in the channels.

During engine operation, one or more fuel flows can flow through fuel injector (s) by means of an upper passage opening or opening 1604 be injected into the central injection volume. The flow of fuel into the central injection volume draws gases into the central injection volume by means of the air ducts. The gases flow into the central injection volume and mix with the fuel in the central injection volume to form the fuel-and-gas mixture. In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the gases that mix with the fuel to form the fuel-and-gas mixture flow into the central injection volume via the channels and not through the upper passage opening of the central injection volume. The fuel-and-gas mixture then flows from the central injection volume through the mixture lines and into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

Various aspects of the lines and / or the output connections of the lines can be modified on the basis of the embodiments shown here. For example, the cross-sectional shape or size of the conduits may be different at different locations along the length of the conduits. Suitable conduits can (instead of the illustrated cylindrical shapes) have cone shapes, the cross-sectional area of which is reduced at locations which can be further removed from the inwardly facing surface of the mixed structure body. This can help control the distribution of the mixture flow into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

The sizes (e.g. diameter and / or surface areas) of the lines and / or the central injection volume, the shapes of the lines and / or the central injection volume, the lengths of the lines, the presence or absence of corrugations in surfaces, the number of lines and / or the Angles at which the conduits can be oriented relative to the axis can be selected, as described above, based on a desired ratio of fuel to gases in the mixture which can be dispensed from the mixing structure.

17th Figure 3 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 1700 . The mixed structure can have a body 1704 have which one axis 1706 and which extends along the axis from one injector side 1708 towards an opposite side of the piston 1710 extends. The body may be a cylinder head interface structure or section 1726 and a thermal control structure 1714 exhibit. The cylinder head interface structure couples to a cylinder head, whereas the thermal control structure faces a crown of a piston.

In one embodiment, the axis can be a central axis about which the body extends symmetrically or which it surrounds. In one embodiment, the axis may not extend along the center of the body and / or the body may not be symmetrical about the axis. The injector side of the body faces a fuel injector of an engine cylinder, whereas the piston side of the body faces a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body can also have an outward-facing surface 1716 which are distal from the axis can lie. The body has channel surfaces 1718 on which gas ducts 1720 define which are between the injector side and the piston side of the body.

Canal surfaces 1722 form mixture lines 1724 which increase from the inwardly facing surface of the body to the outwardly facing surface of the body. In the illustrated embodiment, the mixture lines can be arranged between the gas channels. A single mixture line can be arranged between a pair of the gas channels and another pair of the gas channels. In another embodiment, a single gas channel or more than two gas channels can be on either side of each mixture line. Each mixture line can be considerably larger than each gas channel and / or a combination of two gas channels.

18th FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the injector side of FIG 17th shown mixed structure. Although in the 17th and 18th only a single central volume is shown, in other embodiments a body can have one or more inner walls or other structures which divide the single central volume into two or more smaller volumes. The body has an inward-facing surface 1800 close to the axis. This inwardly facing surface defines one or more central volumes 1802 within the body. The single central volume can be referred to as the injection chamber. The single central volume may have a shape whose cross-sectional size decreases at locations which may be further from the injector side of the body. In addition, in other embodiments, the individual central volume can be cylindrical in such a way that the cross-sectional size remains the same at different points along the axis, or it can be conical or grooved.

The interfaces between the channel surfaces and the outwardly facing surface form elongated slots as the gas channels. The channel surfaces can be wave-shaped surfaces, which wave-shaped gas channels similar to those in 9 Form shown gas channels.

In operation, one or more fuel flows can flow through fuel injector (s) by means of an upper passage opening or opening 1704 in the mean volume 1802 be injected. The flow of fuel into the central volume draws gases into the central volume by means of the gas channels. The gas flows into the central volume and mixes with the fuel in the central volume in order to form the fuel-and-gas mixture with a defined ratio. In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the gases that mix with the fuel to form the fuel-and-gas mixture flow into the central volume via the channels and not through the upper passage opening of the central volume. The fuel-and-gas mixture then flows from the central volume through the lines and into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

19th Figure 3 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 1900 . The mixed structure has a body 1904 which defines the gas channels and the mixture lines. This mixed structure differs from other mixed structures in that it has additional gas channels such as in 9 does not have shown. 20th Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of an injector side 1908 the in 19th shown mixed structure.

The mixed structure 1900 also differs in this respect from the mixed structure 900 that the mixed structure 1900 a step section feature 1901 may have which of the body 1904 upwards (e.g. in the direction of the fuel injector if the mixing structure 1900 can be installed) protrudes. The step section feature 1901 can be a section of the body 1904 in a cylinder head interface structure 1914 of the body 1904 have which extends in the direction of the fuel injector. The step section feature 1901 may be operatively connected to the cylinder head to further disconnect the mixture lines from the fuel injector without hindering operation of valves of the cylinder head (eg, without contacting the valves).

21 Figure 3 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a mixing structure 2100 . 22nd Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of an injector side 2108 the in 21 shown mixed structure 2100 . The mixed structure 2100 can in this respect be similar to the mixed structure 1900 be that the mixed structure 2100 a body 2104 may have with the gas channels and the mixture lines.

The mixed structure 2100 differs from the mixed structure in this respect 1900 that the mixed structure 2100 a step section feature 2101 may have which of the body 2104 protrudes upwards. The step section feature 2101 has a greater perimeter or cross-sectional area than the step portion feature 1901 on. The step section feature 2101 can be in operative connection with the cylinder head to create mixture lines 2124 further disconnect from the fuel injector without interfering with operation of valves of the cylinder head (eg, without contacting the valves).

The mixed structure 2100 also differs in this respect from the mixed structure 900 that the mixture lines 2124 in the structure 2100 have a larger diameter or cross-sectional size and / or can have a shorter length. The mixture lines 2124 may direct the fuel-and-gas mixture into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder, but may be larger to control how the mixture can be conveyed into the combustion chamber.

The mixing structures described above can have a sealed piston side which does not have any openings for the exit of fuel from the internal volume, for the entry of the gases into the internal volume or for the exit of the mixture from the internal volume. The only openings in one or more embodiments of the mixing structures described above may be in the outwardly facing sides and the injector sides of the mixing structures.

In one embodiment, one or more of the mixing structures described above can have an opening or through-opening in the piston side. 23 FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the piston side of FIG 9 until 12th shown mixed structure 900 . As shown, the piston side can have a through opening 2300 have through the piston side. This through opening 2300 can allow gases to pass through the piston side of the mixing structure 900 into the mean volume of the mixed structure 1002 to enter. Allowing gases to enter in this way can allow the gases entering the central volume through the gas channels with the inward flow of gases through the passage opening 2300 balance in the funds volume. This balance can help center the fuel-and-gas mixture flows in the centers of the mixture lines. For example, the fact that the gases only enter the central volume by means of the gas channels can cause turbulence in the central volume, which can prevent or impair the flow of the mixture through the central paths of the mixture lines. A provision of the through opening 2300 can balance the flow of gases and center the mixture flow in the mixture lines.

Various aspects of the gas channels, mixture lines, input connections and / or output connections can be modified on the basis of the embodiments shown here. For example, the cross-sectional shape or size of the channels, conduits, and / or ports may differ from the illustrated embodiments in order to produce a desired or predetermined ratio of fuel to gas of the mixture. For example, the mixture lines (instead of the illustrated cylindrical shapes) can have conical shapes, the cross-sectional area of which is reduced at locations which can be further removed from the inwardly facing surface of the mixed structural body. This can help direct the mixture flow further into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

Various embodiments of the mixing structures can accommodate a post-injection of fuel and direct this post-injection fuel into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder by means of the mixture lines. The post-injection fuel can be provided by the fuel injector following a previous fuel injection which can be used for combustion in the engine cylinder. The post-injection fuel can mix with gases in the central volume of the mixing structure in order to form the mixture, which can then be conducted into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder by means of the mixture lines of the mixing structure. This additional mixture can also oxidize soot within the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

In one embodiment, a control system of an engine with one or more of the mixing structures installed between a fuel injector and a piston crown can automatically detect whether gas channels and / or mixture lines of a mixing structure can be clogged and / or whether the mixing structure is misaligned can (for example, the mixture lines cannot be aligned with the fuel flows from the fuel injector). The control system may include one or more processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays, integrated circuits, or the like) that monitor the performance or emissions output by the engine and / or each cylinder of the engine. In response to determining that an engine cylinder may misfire, knock, or produce less horsepower than other cylinders in the same engine, the control system may determine that a gas passage and / or mixture conduit of a mixing structure associated with that cylinder is clogged or that the mixed structure can be misaligned. The control system may provide output to an operator of a powered system including the engine (such as a vehicle), such as visual, auditory, or other notification that the mixing structure may need to be repaired, replaced, or further checked.

The presence of one or more embodiments of the mixing structures may obviate the need to skip an ignition process Reduce motors (skip firing). Skip firing may include the fuel injector providing fuel to some, but not all, combustion cycles of an engine cylinder. For example, the fuel injector may only direct fuel into the central volume of a mixing structure every other engine revolution, rather than for every engine revolution. Using the mixed structures in engines can reduce the need for skip firing of some engines. For example, adding the mixing structures to an engine can eliminate a previous need to use skip firing to operate the engine. Having one or more embodiments of the mixing structures may reduce the need to operate at higher fuel injection pressures, the need to use aftertreatment systems, and / or the need to use multiple fuel injections to control emissions.

A vehicle's control system may base the timing of an engine operation in response to mixing structures positioned between fuel injectors and piston crowns of engine cylinders and the load placed on the engine. For example, as the engine load increases (e.g. in response to the throttle valve being opened more), increased amounts of fuel may be injected into the central volumes of the mixing structures. Accordingly, increased amounts of gases may have to be drawn into the central volumes of the mixing structures in order to premix with the fuel in order to maintain the fuel-to-gas ratio of the mixture. In response to increases in engine load, the control system may change engine cylinder timing to allow a longer time for more of the gases to enter the center volumes. For example, the control system may direct the fuel injectors to begin injecting fuel into the agent volumes earlier in the engine cycle. Conversely, in response to decreases in engine load, the control system may change engine cylinder timing to reduce the time for gases to enter the center volumes.

24 Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a mixing structure 2400 . As described above, the mixing structure has a body which can be positioned between a fuel injector and a piston head. As also described above, this body can have the central passage opening or chamber in which the gas and fuel are mixed before they are fed into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder. A difference between the in 24 shown mixed structure and the other mixed structures is that the mixed structure in 24 Mixture lines 2402 has, which deal with gas channels 2404 overlap. Similar to the gas channels described above, the gas channels in 24 Be passages through which gas is drawn into the interior of the body of the mixing structure to mix with fuel injected into the interior of the body by one or more fuel injectors. This gas is entrained into the fuel spray from the fuel injector (s) to form a fuel and gas mixture. In the 24 The mixture lines shown guide sprays of the fuel-and-gas mixture out of the mixing structure and into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. The mixture line overlaps with the gas channels in that, as in 24 shown at least a part 2406 of the one or more of the gas channels extends through the mixture lines.

In one embodiment, a mixing structure (e.g., for mixing fuel and gas in an engine) includes a body defining an axis and extending along the axis from one injector side toward an opposite piston side. The body has an inwardly facing surface near the axis which defines a central volume and an outwardly facing surface which is distal from the axis. The injector side of the body is configured to face a fuel injector of a cylinder of an engine, whereas the piston side of the body is configured to face a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body has one or more channel surfaces that define one or more gas channels that extend through the body to and from the central volume. The body has one or more conduit surfaces that define one or more fuel and gas mixture conduits that extend through the body to and from the central volume. There can be several lines and several channels, both of which are distributed radially symmetrically about the axis. The central volume is set up to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and one or more gas flows from the one or more gas channels. The central volume, the channel (s) and / or the line (s) are set up such that at least one of the flows of fuel is mixed with the one or more gas flows during operation of the engine to form a fuel-and-gas -Mixture to form with a fixed ratio of fuel to gas. The fuel-and-gas mixture lines are configured to direct the fuel-and-gas mixture out of the body and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

In one embodiment, an engine includes an engine block that defines a cylinder with a combustion chamber, a piston operatively disposed in the cylinder, a fuel injector, and a mixing structure. The fuel injector is positioned on a cylinder head side of the cylinder. The piston has a piston head with a crown which faces the combustion chamber and the fuel injector. The mixing structure is arranged between the piston and the fuel injector. The mixing structure has a body which defines an axis and extends along the axis from one injector side in the direction of an opposite piston side. The body has an inwardly facing surface near the axis which defines a central volume and an outwardly facing surface which is distal from the axis. The injector side of the body faces the fuel injector, whereas the piston side of the body faces the piston head. The body has one or more channel surfaces that define one or more gas channels that extend through the body to and from the central volume. The body has one or more conduit surfaces that define one or more fuel and gas mixture conduits that extend through the body to and from the central volume. There can be several lines and several channels, both of which are distributed radially symmetrically about the axis. The central volume is set up to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and one or more gas flows from the one or more gas channels (for example the gas taken up from the combustion chamber). The central volume, the channel (s) and / or the line (s) are set up such that at least one of the flows of fuel is mixed with the one or more gas flows during operation of the engine to form a fuel-and-gas -Mixture to form with a fixed ratio of fuel to gas. The fuel and gas mixture lines are configured to direct the fuel and gas mixture out of the body and into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. Thus, during operation, gas is entrained by the injected fuel flow (s) from the combustion chamber through the gas channels into the central volume of the body; by interaction between the gas and the channel surfaces (which define the gas channels), thermal energy is transferred from the gas to the body (ie a temperature of the gas is reduced). The gas and fuel pass from the central volume through the fuel-and-gas mixture line (s) into the combustion chamber; the fuel and gas mixture line (s) serve to facilitate mixing of the gas and the fuel before it is introduced into the combustion chamber. One technical effect is to improve the mixing of fuel and gas and to reduce the temperature of mixed fuel and gas prior to introduction into a combustion chamber (e.g., a compression ignition engine), thereby reducing soot and other emissions. In embodiments, the fuel includes diesel and the gas includes ambient air. The gas can also include ambient air mixed with EGR. In one embodiment, the engine runs in a first mode in which the gas is just ambient air and another second mode in which the gas is a mixture of ambient air and EGR. The amount of EGR can be static or can be controlled to vary based on various engine and / or vehicle operating parameters.

In any of the embodiments mentioned here, the body of the mixed structure can generally be disk-shaped. That is, a generally round or circular structure relative to the central axis. In embodiments, the injector side of the body has a first diameter (which is defined by an outer circumference of the injector side relative to a plane orthogonal to the axis) and the piston side of the body has a second diameter which is larger than the injector side (which is through an outer circumference of the piston side is defined relative to a plane lying orthogonal to the axis), the two being aligned concentrically in such a way that a step is defined between the injector side and the piston side.

In any of the embodiments set forth herein, an engine with one or more mixed structures can be positioned on board a vehicle, eg the vehicle has a chassis, fuselage or other support platform and a drive system (including the engine) for moving the vehicle. For example, the engine can drive a mechanical transmission, or the engine can drive an alternator or generator to produce electrical power that is used, for example, to operate one or more traction motors to propel the vehicle. Alternatively, the motor can be used as part of a stationary or semi-stationary machine such as a built-in or portable generator. In either case, the engine can be relatively large, for example it can have 10-18 cylinders or more. In one embodiment, an engine with one or more mixing structures is on board a large dump truck or other mining equipment, locomotive or other rail vehicle or other off-highway vehicle; Such a vehicle may be subject to certain legal requirements relating to the production of soot and other engine emissions, it being possible for the engine to have one or more Has mixed structures as set out here in order to contribute to compliance with legal requirements.

In one embodiment, a kit of parts includes a mix structure as set forth in any of the embodiments herein and one or more hardware parts (e.g., adhesives, fasteners, adapters, etc.) that are configured for use in deploying the mix structure within an engine cylinder. The set of parts can also have instructions for use (e.g. printed on paper or electronically such as provided on a website), which contain images, diagrams and / or text or other written information to explain how a motor cylinder is to be equipped with the mixing structure in such a way that the mixing structure proceed as described here for a technician. In another embodiment, a method for retrofitting an engine comprises removing a cylinder head, a fuel injector and / or other parts of an engine cylinder or which are associated therewith in order to expose the interior of the cylinder, ready-to-use attachment of a mixing structure as set out in any of the embodiments mentioned here the fuel injector, cylinder or piston depending on the application (e.g. by welding) and reattaching any removed parts (e.g. fuel injector or cylinder head) of the engine so that the engine is ready to burn fuel. The method may further include updating operating software of the engine directly (e.g., by an operator accessing an on-board computer) or by wirelessly downloading remotely or otherwise to modify operation of the engine to reflect the presence of the mixing structure. For example, the engine can be operated with a leaner or richer fuel-gas mixture relative to a previous operation of the engine without the mixing structure. Each cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine can be equipped with its own respective mixing structure. In one embodiment, however, only a subset of several engine cylinders (that is to say fewer than all of the cylinders of an engine) are equipped with respective mixing structures. For example, depending on, for example, the operation of the engine concerned and where it is most needed or sought to reduce soot production, it may be desirable to use mixing structures only in donor cylinders or only in non-donor cylinders. (Master cylinder refers to a cylinder whose exhaust gas is returned to the engine intake.)

In another embodiment, a method with an engine controller with one or more processors comprises controlling an engine to selectively activate and deactivate one or more first cylinders of the engine individually, wherein the one or more first cylinders are equipped with respective mixing structures as set out herein and wherein at least one or more second cylinders of the engine (which differ from the first cylinders) are not equipped with mixed structures. For example, if some cylinders have mixing structures and some do not, in operating times when it is not necessary to comply with specified engine emission levels, the former can be deactivated and the latter activated, whereas in operating times when it is necessary to comply with the specified engine emission levels , the former can be activated and the latter can be deactivated. Or selective actuation can, for example, be based on ambient air temperatures (e.g. the use of cylinders with the mixing structures may not be necessary or desirable if an air temperature is below a specified threshold value).

In one embodiment, a mixing structure is provided which has a body which defines an axis and extends along the axis from one injector side in the direction of an opposite piston side. The body has an inwardly facing surface near the axis which defines a central volume and an outwardly facing surface which is distal from the axis. The injector side of the body is configured to face a fuel injector of a cylinder of an engine, whereas the piston side of the body is configured to face a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body has one or more channel surfaces that define one or more gas channels that extend through the body to and from the central volume. The body also includes one or more conduit surfaces that define one or more fuel and gas mixture conduits that extend through the body to and from the central volume. The central volume is set up to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and one or more gas flows from the one or more gas channels. In operation, at least one of the streams of fuel mixes with the one or more gas streams to form a fuel and gas mixture having a fixed ratio of fuel to gas. The fuel-and-gas mixture lines are configured to direct the fuel-and-gas mixture out of the body and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

Optionally, the body can be a single monolithic seamless structure. The one or more gas channels can extend through the body such that the gas from outside the body into the central volume of the body is withdrawn. The specified ratio of the fuel-and-gas mixture can be controlled on the basis of a number and / or shape and / or position and / or size of one or more of the gas channels or the mixture lines. For example, in order to change the established relationship between different mixing structures, the manufacturer or modifier of a mixing structure can change the number, shape, position and / or size of one or more gas channels and / or mixing structures relative to another mixture line which provides a fuel-and-gas mixture with another different fixed ratio of fuel to gas.

Optionally, the gas channels can have waveforms in the body between the outwardly facing surface and the inwardly facing surface of the body. Each of the mixture lines can be set up to induce swirl, swirl and / or turbulence in the fuel-and-gas mixture flowing through it. The mixture lines may extend radially outward from the axis and are configured such that each flow of fuel-and-gas mixture is centered in its corresponding mixture line.

The injector side of the body may define a step portion to avoid contact between the body and one or more intake or exhaust valves of the engine cylinder when the engine is operating. At least a portion of the body can be surface treated or coated.

In one embodiment, another mixing structure is provided. This mixing structure has a body which is adapted to be positioned between a fuel injector and a cylinder of an engine. The body defines an interior volume that is configured to receive gas from outside the body and to receive one or more fuel streams from the fuel injector in the interior volume. The body also defines one or more mixture lines which are configured to direct clouds of the fuel and gas as they are mixed from the interior volume to one or more output ports and through to the cylinder.

Optionally, the body can be designed to cool the gas before or during the mixing of the gas and the fuel in the interior volume and the one or more mixture lines. The body may have an interface structure that defines at least one alignment hole or pin. This interface structure can support an alignment of mixture lines on nozzles of the fuel injector. The interface structure may be shrink fit, press fit, welded, bolted, screwed, or formed as part of a cylinder head of the engine cylinder.

The mixture lines can define one or more passage openings which connect to one or more gas channels and can be designed to guide flows of the gas from the one or more gas channels into the mixture line during operation of the cylinder. Each of the mixture lines can have one or more depressions, structured surfaces, grooves or projections in order to facilitate mixing of the fuel and gas clouds flowing through the mixture lines. The mixture lines can be configured to mix the fuel and the gas to a homogeneous state before combustion of the clouds in the cylinder. The mixture lines can be set up to guide the clouds into the cylinder in such a way that, relative to a combustion in the cylinder, without mixing the fuel and the gas to the homogeneous state, a relatively reduced amount or no amount of soot, Nitrous oxide or both soot and nitrous oxide is produced in the cylinder.

The body may have a step portion in order to widen a path length of the one or more mixture lines and at the same time avoid contact of the body with one or more valves of the engine cylinder.

In one embodiment, another mixing structure has means for separately receiving fuel from a fuel injector and receiving gas, means for mixing the fuel and the gas to form a fuel-and-gas mixture with a fixed ratio, and means for directing the fuel. and gas mixture into a combustion chamber of an engine cylinder.

Optionally, the means for taking up the gas and the fuel cools the gas before or while the gas mixes with the fuel. The means for mixing the fuel and the gas to form the fuel-and-gas mixture can be a mixture conduit with inner walls and a means for inducing turbulence in fuel-and-gas flows in order to ensure the homogeneity of the fuel-and-gas -Mixture, and a means for centering and spacing a flow of the fuel-and-gas mixture from the inner walls of the mixture line.

Optionally, the means for directing the fuel-and-gas mixture into the combustion chamber directs the fuel-and-gas mixture into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder prior to combustion penetrate, delays the combustion of the fuel-and-gas mixture or directs the fuel-and-gas mixture into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder prior to combustion and also delays the combustion of the fuel-and-gas mixture.

Various embodiments employ arrangements of upper and lower ducts to provide a gas (eg, air from an atmosphere surrounding an engine and one or more additional gases such as hydrogen) for a fuel-and-gas mixture that reduced one Provides soot formation. 25th Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a merge structure 2500 ready showing a body 2502 having. It should be noted that the mixed structure 2500 in various embodiments, generally similar to the mixed structures explained here (eg the mixed structure 100 ) or contain aspects of these mixed structures.

As in 25th the body clearly extends 2502 along an axis from an injector side 2506 towards an opposite side of the piston 2508 . The injector side 2506 of the body 2502 is set up to be a fuel injector 2507 of a cylinder of an engine, whereas the piston side 2508 is set up to be a piston head 2509 facing the engine cylinder. For example, the fuel injector side may face a fuel injector when it is in an installed or operational state such that it injects fuel into the cylinder. The piston side can face the crown or the piston head of this same cylinder. In one embodiment, the body may be attached to the crown of the piston (eg, the end of the piston which may be closest to the fuel injector) and, as the piston operates, can move toward and away from the fuel injector and cylinder head.

The body 2502 has one or more fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 on which differs from a mean volume 2514 of the body through the body 2502 extend. The body 2502 also has one or more upper channels 2530 on which differs from the mean volume through the body 2502 extend. As in 25th the upper channels are shown schematically 2530 near the median volume of the body 2502 closer to the injector side 2506 than the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 arranged.

Furthermore, the body has 2502 one or more lower channels 2540 on. Similar to the upper channels 2530 the one or more lower channels extend 2540 of the mean volume through the body 2502 ; the lower channels 2540 however, near the center volume, they are closer to the piston side 2508 than the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 (and accordingly closer to the center volume, also closer to the piston side 2508 than the upper channels 2530 ) arranged.

Accordingly, on the way along the central volume would be from the injector side 2506 towards the piston side 2508 the upper channels 2530 to be encountered first. On the way from the upper canals 2530 towards the piston side 2508 would be the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 to be encountered next. Last are on the way along the center volume from the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 towards the piston side 2508 the lower channels 2540 encountered.

The gas (e.g. air) from the upper ducts 2530 and the lower channels 2540 is in the middle volume with fuel from the fuel injector 2507 mixed. In the example shown, the mean volume is increasing 2514 one or more fuel streams 2550 from the fuel injector 2507 on. In addition, the volume of funds increases 2514 one or more gas streams 2552 from the upper canals 2530 as well as one or more gas streams 2544 from the lower channels 2540 on. The upper canals 2530 and the lower channels 2540 are configured to provide a substantially similar amount of flow relative to one another (eg, within 10% of one another) to the mean volume. For example, if the gas flows 2552 from the upper canals 2530 provide an amount of gas X to the mean volume, the gas flows 2554 from the lower channels 2540 provide an amount of gas X ± (0.1 * X). Providing a similar amount of flow from the upper channels 2530 and the lower channels 2540 provides, in various embodiments, improved mixing with reduced soot formation.

When the engine is running, at least one of the fuel flows mixes 2550 with the gas flows 2552 from the upper canals 2530 and also with the gas flows 2554 from the lower channels 2540 to get a fuel-and-gas mixture 2560 with a set ratio of fuel to gas to form. The fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 direct the fuel-and-gas mixture 2560 out of the body 2502 and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

It should be noted that different arrangements of upper and lower channels can be used in different embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, multiple upper channels are used in conjunction with multiple lower channels. In other embodiments, multiple upper channels are combined with a single lower channel used. It should also be noted that different sizes, shapes, and orientations of channels can be used in different embodiments. For example, in some embodiments upper and lower channels both extend laterally across sides of the body, whereas in other embodiments one or more lower channels may extend through a bottom (eg, piston side) of the body.

For example poses 26th a perspective top view (or view from the injector side 2506 from) an example ready in which the body 2502 has numerous upper and lower channels which extend relative to an axis 2504 which extends from the injector side 2506 towards the piston side 2508 extends laterally across the body 2502 extend. 27 Figure 10 is a bottom perspective view (or view from the piston side 2508 out) of the body 2502 the end 26th ready and 28 Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the body 2502 the end 26th ready.

As in the 26-28 clearly defined by the example body shown 2502 an axis 2504 which extends from the injector side 2506 towards the piston side 2508 extends, with the piston side 2508 the injector side 2506 opposite. The body 2502 indicates an inward-facing surface 2512 which is close to the axis 2504 and an outward-facing surface 2516 which is distal from the axis 2504 lies. The body 2502 also has one or more conduction areas 2520 on which the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 define. The fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 extend from the center volume 2514 through the body 2502 . In the example shown, the fuel-and-gas mixture lines extend 2522 between the inward-facing surface 2512 and the outward-facing surface 2516 sideways across the body 2502 .

The body 2502 also has upper channels 2530 on which differs from the volume of funds 2514 through the body 2502 (e.g. between the inward-facing surface 2512 and the outward-facing surface 2516 sideways across the body 2502 ) extend. The upper canals 2530 are close to the mean volume 2514 closer to the injector side 2506 than the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 arranged. As in 28 can best be seen meeting the upper canals 2522 instead of 2830 on the volume of funds 2514 and the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 meet in place 2822 on the volume of funds 2514 , where body 2830 closer to the injector side 2506 as a place 2822 lies. In other words, there is a place 2822 closer to the piston side 2508 as a place 2830 .

The body 2502 of the example from the 26-28 also has lower channels 2540 on which differs from the volume of funds 2514 through the body 2502 (e.g. between the inward-facing surface 2512 and the outward-facing surface 2516 sideways across the body 2502 ) extend. The lower channels 2540 are close to the mean volume 2514 closer to the piston side 2508 than the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 arranged. As in 28 can best be seen meeting the lower channels 2540 instead of 2840 on the volume of funds 2514 and the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 meet in place 2822 on the volume of funds 2514 , where body 2840 closer to the piston side 2508 as a place 2822 lies. In other words, there is a place 2822 closer to the injector side 2506 as a place 2840 .

In the example from the 26-28 assign the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 a row 2820 of lines 2522 on which by an extent 2802 of the body 2502 are arranged. Each line in the series 2820 extends from the outward facing surface 2516 to the volume of funds 2514 . In addition, the upper channels 2530 a row 2831 from upper canals 2530 on which is from the outward-facing surface 2516 to the volume of funds 2514 extend. Each top channel of the series 2831 has a corresponding upper opening 2832 on. As in the 26th and 27 the top openings are best seen 2832 in an alternating manner with the lines 2522 along the perimeter 2802 of the body 2502 arranged.

In addition, in the example from the 26-28 the lower channels 2540 a row 2841 from lower channels 2540 on which is from the outward-facing surface 2516 to the volume of funds 2514 extend. Each lower channel of the series 2841 has a corresponding lower opening 2842 on. As in the 26th and 27 the lower openings are best seen 2842 in an alternating manner with the lines 2522 along the perimeter 2802 of the body 2502 arranged. In the example illustrated, the top openings are 2832 and the lower openings 2842 along one through the axis 2504 in a defined direction (e.g. the center of each opening at the top lies 2832 along the through the axis 2504 defined direction directly above the center of a corresponding lower opening 2842 ).

In various examples, the body has 2502 an equal number of upper channels 2530 and lower channels 2540 on. For example, the body can 2502 eight upper channels 2530 and eight lower channels 2540 exhibit. Furthermore, the upper openings 2832 and the lower openings 2842 each has a corresponding upper cross-sectional area and define lower cross-sectional areas that are substantially similar (eg, within 10% of each other). For example, in the example illustrated, the top defines openings 2832 an upper opening shape 2833 and the lower openings 2842 can have a lower opening shape 2843 define, the top opening shape 2833 and lower opening shape 2843 are essentially similar. In the example from the 26-28 define the upper opening shape 2833 and the lower opening shape 2843 each a sickle shape of similar size. Using a similar number of upper and lower channels, each having a similar cross-section and shape, in different embodiments each helps to maintain a similar amount of flow from the upper channels 2530 and lower channels 2540 provide relative to each other.

Other arrangements of upper and lower channels can be used in various alternative embodiments. For example poses 29 provides a page of an example in which the body 2502 has numerous upper channels, which are relative to an axis 2504 which extends from the injector side 2506 towards the piston side 2508 extends laterally across the body 2502 and a single lower channel extending from the piston side 2508 up into the body 2502 extends. 30th Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the body 2502 the end 29 ready.

As in the 29-30 clearly defined by the example body shown 2502 an axis 2504 which extends from the injector side 2506 towards the piston side 2508 extends, with the piston side 2508 the injector side 2506 opposite. The body 2502 indicates an inward-facing surface 2512 which is close to the axis 2504 and an outward-facing surface 2516 which is distal from the axis 2504 lies. Similar to the example from the 26-28 instructs the body 2502 also one or more conduit surfaces 2520 on which the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 define. The fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 extend from the center volume 2514 through the body 2502 . In the example shown, the fuel-and-gas mixture lines extend 2522 between the inward-facing surface 2512 and the outward-facing surface 2516 sideways across the body 2502 .

In addition, it is generally similar to the example from FIG 26-28 the body 2502 of the example from the 29-30 upper channels 2530 on which differs from the mean volume through the body 2502 (e.g. between the inward-facing surface 2512 and the outward-facing surface 2516 sideways across the body 2502 ) extend. The upper canals 2530 are close to the mean volume 2514 closer to the injector side 2506 than the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 arranged. As in 30th can best be seen meeting the upper canals 2530 instead of 3030 on the volume of funds 2514 and the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 meet in place 3022 on the volume of funds 2514 , where body 3030 closer to the injector side 2506 as a place 3022 lies. In other words, there is a place 3022 closer to the piston side 2508 as a place 3030 . It should be noted that in the example from the 29-30 outer openings for one or more upper channels 2530 on both sides of the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 (e.g. closer to the piston side 2508 and the injector side 2506 than the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 extend) on the outward-facing surface 2516 can lie the upper canals 2530 but close to the mean volume 2514 instead of 3030 closer to the injector side 2506 than the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 lie. Furthermore, in the example from the 29-30 the fuel-and-gas mixture lines 2522 a row 2920 of lines 2522 on which by an extent 2902 of the body 2502 are arranged. Each line in the series 2920 extends from the outward facing surface 2516 to the volume of funds 2514 . In addition, the upper channels 2530 a row 2931 from upper canals 2530 on which is from the outward-facing surface 2516 to the volume of funds 2514 extend. Each channel in the series 2931 has a corresponding upper opening 2932 on. As in 29 the top openings are best seen 2932 in an alternating manner with the lines 2522 along the perimeter 2902 of the body 2502 arranged.

In contrast to the example from 26-28 instructs the body 2502 of the example from the 29-30 but a single lower channel 2540 with a single lower opening 3041 which extends through the piston side 2508 of the body 2502 to the volume of funds 2514 extends. In the illustrated example, the body has 2502 only has a single lower channel and does not have any additional lower channels. It should be noted that in other embodiments, a lower channel with a lower opening 3041 through the piston side 2508 can be used in conjunction with additional lower channels extending from the outward-facing surface 2516 sideways across the body 2502 extend. In the illustrated example is the single lower opening 3041 generally circular in cross section and is about the axis 2504 centered. In addition, the depicted upper openings define 2932 a sickle shape 2933 (e.g. a horseshoe shape on the outward facing surface 2516 with a sickle shape on top). It should be noted that although circular in the illustrated embodiments and sickle shapes are provided as examples, in additional embodiments other shapes can additionally or alternatively be used.

With further reference to the various examples explained above, it should be noted that the arrangements, sizes and shapes of the various openings, channels and / or lines can be selected for specific applications in order to reduce soot formation. In various embodiments, bore sizes between about 140 millimeters and about 400 millimeters can be used. For example, the fuel and gas mixture lines 2522 in various embodiments have a generally circular cross-section extending from the outwardly facing surface 2516 to the volume of funds 2514 extends, the cross section having a diameter greater than 2 millimeters. In some examples the diameter is d (see 31 ) 2.8 millimeters or less (e.g. between 2 millimeters and 2.8 millimeters). Furthermore, the lines 2522 in some examples, a length (eg, distance from the point at which a line contacts the inwardly facing surface to the point at which the line contacts the outwardly facing surface) of about 15 millimeters. Still further, in some examples, as in FIG 31 evidently a minimal distance 3100 between an upper channel 2530 and a fuel-and-gas mixture line 2522 between approximately 1.75 millimeters and 2.25 millimeters.

Accordingly, various embodiments provide reduced soot build-up in engines. Aspects of an insert assembly (e.g., comprising a body such as the body 2502 ), including the number, size, and location of fuel and gas passages, can be selected as discussed herein to improve mixture formation, allowing soot to be reduced without negatively impacting performance or other pollutant generation. The configuration of upper and lower channels can be selected, for example, to provide a central volume with gas flow symmetry (eg, a substantially similar flow of gas from the upper channels relative to the lower channels).

In one embodiment, a mixing structure has a body which defines an axis and extends along the axis from one injector side in the direction of an opposite piston side. The body has an inwardly facing surface near the axis which defines a central volume and an outwardly facing surface which is distal from the axis. The injector side of the body is configured to face a fuel injector of a cylinder of an engine, whereas the piston side of the body is configured to face a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body has one or more conduit surfaces that define one or more fuel and gas mixture conduits that extend from the central volume through the body. The body also has one or more upper channels extending from the central volume through the body. The one or more upper channels are arranged near the central volume closer to the injector side than the one or more fuel-and-gas mixture lines. The body also has one or more lower channels extending from the central volume through the body. The one or more lower channels are located near the central volume closer to the piston side than the one or more fuel-and-gas mixture lines. The central volume is configured to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and to receive one or more gas flows from the one or more upper channels and one or more gas flows from the one or more lower channels. The one or more upper channels and the one or more lower channels are configured to provide the central volume with a substantially similar amount of flow relative to one another. In operation, at least one of the streams of fuel mixes with the one or more gas streams from the one or more upper channels and the one or more gas streams from the one or more lower channels to form a fuel-and-gas mixture with a set ratio of fuel to gas to form. The fuel-and-gas mixture lines are configured to direct the fuel-and-gas mixture out of the body and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

Optionally, the one or more fuel and gas mixture lines extending from the central volume through the body include a series of lines disposed around a perimeter of the body, each line extending outwardly from the one Area extends to the central volume. In addition, the one or more top channels include a series of top channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each top channel having a corresponding top opening, and the top openings in an alternating manner with the conduits are arranged along the perimeter of the body. Furthermore, the one or more lower channels have a series of lower channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the Central volumes extend with each lower channel having a corresponding lower opening and wherein the lower openings are arranged in an alternating manner with the conduits along the perimeter of the body.

Optionally, the upper openings and lower openings are aligned along a direction defined by the axis.

Alternatively or additionally, the body has an equal number of upper channels and lower channels, the upper openings and lower openings defining a corresponding upper cross-sectional area and lower cross-sectional area which are substantially similar. In one example, the upper openings define an upper opening shape and the lower openings define a lower opening shape, the upper opening shape and lower opening shape being substantially similar. For example, the upper opening shape and lower opening shape each define a sickle shape in one example.

Optionally, the one or more fuel and gas mixture lines extending from the central volume through the body include a series of lines disposed around a perimeter of the body, each line extending outwardly from the one Area extends to the central volume. In addition, the one or more top channels include a series of top channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each top channel having a corresponding top opening, the top openings in an alternating manner with the conduits are arranged along the perimeter of the body. Further, the one or more lower channels have a single lower opening that extends through the piston side to the central volume. In one example, the single lower opening is generally circular in cross section and centered about the axis. In another example, the upper openings additionally or alternatively define an upper opening shape, the upper opening shape defining a sickle shape.

Optionally, the one or more fuel-and-gas mixture lines each have a generally circular cross section, which extends from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume and has a diameter of more than 2 millimeters. In one example, the diameter is 2.8 millimeters or less. In another example, each fuel-and-gas mixture line additionally or alternatively has a length of approximately 15 millimeters.

Optionally, a minimum distance between one of the one or more upper channels and one of the one or more fuel-and-gas mixture lines is between 1.75 millimeters and 2.25 millimeters.

In one embodiment, a mixing structure has a body which defines an axis and extends along the axis from one injector side in the direction of an opposite piston side. The body has an inwardly facing surface near the axis which defines a central volume and an outwardly facing surface which is distal from the axis. The injector side of the body is configured to face a fuel injector of a cylinder of an engine, whereas the piston side of the body is configured to face a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body has conduit surfaces that define a series of fuel and gas mixture conduits that are disposed around a perimeter of the body and extend from the central volume through the body. Each conduit extends from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume. The body has a series of top channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each top channel having a corresponding top opening, and the top openings being arranged in an alternating manner with the conduits along the perimeter of the body are. The upper channels are arranged near the central volume closer to the injector side than the fuel-and-gas mixture lines. The body also has a series of lower channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each lower channel having a corresponding lower opening and the lower openings in an alternating manner with conduits along the perimeter of the body are arranged. The lower channels are located near the center volume closer to the piston side than the fuel-and-gas mixture lines. The central volume is configured to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and to receive one or more gas flows from the upper channels and one or more gas flows from the lower channels. In operation, at least one of the streams of fuel mixes with the one or more gas streams from the upper channels and the one or more gas streams from the lower channels to form a fuel-and-gas mixture having a fixed ratio of fuel to gas to build. The fuel-and-gas mixture lines are configured to direct the fuel-and-gas mixture out of the body and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

Optionally, the upper openings and lower openings are aligned along a direction defined by the axis.

Optionally, the body has an equal number of upper channels and lower channels, with the upper openings and lower openings defining a corresponding upper cross-sectional area and lower cross-sectional area that are substantially similar.

Optionally, the upper openings define an upper opening shape and the lower openings define a lower opening shape, the upper opening shape and lower opening shape being substantially similar. In one example, the upper opening shape and lower opening shape each define a sickle shape.

Optionally, the fuel-and-gas mixture lines each have a generally circular cross section with a diameter of more than 2 millimeters. In one example, the diameter is 2.8 millimeters or less.

Optionally, each fuel-and-gas mixture line has a length of approximately 15 millimeters.

In one embodiment, a mixing structure has a body which defines an axis and extends along the axis from one injector side in the direction of an opposite piston side. The body has an inwardly facing surface near the axis which defines a central volume and an outwardly facing surface which is distal from the axis. The injector side of the body is configured to face a fuel injector of a cylinder of an engine, whereas the piston side of the body is configured to face a piston head of the engine cylinder. The body has one or more conduit surfaces defining a series of fuel and gas mixture conduits disposed around a perimeter of the body and extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume. The body also has a series of top channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each top channel having a corresponding top opening, and the top openings alternating with conduits along the perimeter of the body are arranged. The one or more upper channels are arranged near the central volume closer to the injector side than the one or more fuel-and-gas mixture lines. In addition, the body has a single lower channel having an opening that extends through the piston side to the central volume. The central volume is configured to receive one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and also to receive one or more gas flows from the upper channels and one or more gas flows from the lower channel, the combined upper channels and the lower channel being adapted to the Medium volumes provide a substantially similar amount of flow relative to one another. In operation, at least one of the streams of fuel mixes with the one or more gas streams from the upper channels and the one or more gas streams from the lower channel to form a fuel-and-gas mixture having a fixed ratio of fuel to gas to build. The fuel-and-gas mixture lines are configured to direct the fuel-and-gas mixture out of the body and into a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder.

Optionally, the single lower opening is generally circular in cross-section and centered about the axis.

Optionally, the top openings define a top opening shape, with the top opening shape defining a sickle shape.

Optionally, a minimum distance between one of the upper channels and one of the fuel-and-gas mixture lines is between approximately 1.75 millimeters and 2.25 millimeters.

An element or stage section used here which is mentioned in the singular and which is preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood to mean that this does not exclude a plural of the elements or stages, unless such exclusion can be expressly indicated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the content described herein may not be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments “having” or “with” an element or a multiplicity of elements with a specific property can have additional such elements without this property.

It is to be understood that the above description may be intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with one another. In addition, numerous modifications can be made to a / -e to adapt the specific situation or material to the statements of the content presented here without deviating from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein may be provided to define the parameters of the content disclosed, they may not be limiting in any way and may be exemplary embodiments. The scope of the content described herein should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents that such claims may encompass. In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “in which (-r / -m)” can be used as the general language equivalents of the respective terms “having” and “where”. In addition, in the following claims, the terms “first (-r / -s)”, “second (-r / -s)”, “third (-r / -s)” etc. may be used for identification purposes only and may not be intended to impose numerical requirements on their properties. Further, any limitations to the following claims that are not expressly written in a means-and-function format are not to be construed on the basis of 35 USC § 112 (f), limitation of claims using the express phrase "means to / for" followed of a function specification, rely on 35 USC § 112.

This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the content set forth herein, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the embodiments of any disclosed content, including how to make and use the devices or systems and the Carrying out the procedure to make it happen. The patentable scope of the content described herein can be defined by the claims and can include other examples that may be devised by those skilled in the art. Such other examples may be intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they have equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 62/616702 [0001]
• US 62/623194 [0001]

Claims (25)

Mixed structure, having: a body extending from an injector side to an opposite piston side and having an inwardly facing surface and an opposite outwardly facing surface, the injector side of the body being configured to face a fuel injector of an engine cylinder, whereas the piston side of the body is arranged to face a piston head of the engine cylinder, wherein the body has one or more fuel-and-gas mixture lines which extend through the body to a central volume which is at least partially delimited by the inwardly facing surface, wherein the body has one or more upper channels extending from the central volume through the body and closer to the injector side than the one or more fuel-and-gas mixture lines, wherein the body has one or more lower channels extending from the central volume through the body, the one or more lower channels being closer to the piston side than the one or more fuel-and-gas mixture lines, and wherein the central volume is configured to receive one or more fuel streams and one or more gas streams from the one or more upper channels and the one or more lower channels, the one or more upper channels and the one or more lower channels are arranged to provide a substantially similar amount of gas flow to the mean volume. Mixed structure according to Claim 1 wherein: the one or more fuel and gas mixture conduits extending from the central volume through the body include a series of conduits disposed around a circumference of the body, each conduit extending outwardly from the body facing surface to the central volume, the one or more upper channels have a series of upper channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each upper channel having a corresponding upper opening, the upper openings in one alternating with the conduits arranged along the perimeter of the body, and the one or more lower channels including a series of lower channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each lower channel having a corresponding lower opening the lower openings alternating with the conduits along the circumference d it body are arranged. Mixed structure according to Claim 2 wherein the upper openings and lower openings are aligned along a direction defined by the axis. Mixed structure according to Claim 2 wherein the body has an equal number of upper channels and lower channels, the upper openings and lower openings defining a corresponding upper cross-sectional area and lower cross-sectional area which are substantially similar. Mixed structure according to Claim 4 wherein the upper openings define an upper opening shape and the lower openings define a lower opening shape, the upper opening shape and lower opening shape being substantially similar. Mixed structure according to Claim 5 wherein the upper opening shape and lower opening shape each define a sickle shape. Mixed structure according to Claim 1 wherein: the one or more fuel and gas mixture conduits extending from the central volume through the body include a series of conduits disposed around a circumference of the body, each conduit extending outwardly from the body facing surface to the central volume, the one or more upper channels have a series of upper channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each upper channel having a corresponding upper opening, the upper openings in one alternating with the conduits arranged along the circumference of the body, and the one or more lower channels having a single lower opening extending through the piston side to the central volume. Mixed structure according to Claim 7 wherein the single lower opening is generally circular in cross section and centered about the axis. Mixed structure according to Claim 7 wherein the top openings define a top opening shape, wherein the top opening shape defines a sickle shape. Mixed structure according to Claim 1 wherein the one or more fuel-and-gas mixture lines each have a generally circular cross-section extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume extends and has a diameter of more than 2 millimeters. Mixed structure according to Claim 10 , the diameter being 2.8 millimeters or less. Mixed structure according to Claim 10 wherein each fuel-and-gas mixture line is approximately 15 millimeters in length. Mixed structure according to Claim 1 wherein a minimum distance between one of the one or more upper channels and one of the one or more fuel-and-gas mixture lines is between approximately 1.75 millimeters and 2.25 millimeters. Mixed structure, having: a body extending from an injector side to an opposite piston side and having an inwardly facing surface and an opposite outwardly facing surface, the injector side of the body being configured to face a fuel injector of an engine cylinder, whereas the piston side of the body is arranged to face a piston head of the engine cylinder, wherein the body includes a series of fuel and gas mixture conduits disposed around a circumference of the body and extending from the central volume through the body, each conduit extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, the body having a series of top channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each top channel having a corresponding top opening, the top openings being arranged in an alternating manner with the conduits along the perimeter of the body are, with the upper channels being arranged closer to the injector side than the fuel-and-gas mixture lines, the body having a series of lower channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each lower channel having a corresponding lower opening, the lower openings being arranged in an alternating manner with the conduits along the perimeter of the body are, with the lower channels being located closer to the piston side than the fuel-and-gas mixture lines, and wherein the central volume is configured to receive one or more fuel streams and one or more gas streams from the upper channels and the lower channels. Mixed structure according to Claim 14 wherein the upper openings and lower openings are aligned along a direction defined by the axis. Mixed structure according to Claim 14 wherein the body has an equal number of upper channels and lower channels, the upper openings and lower openings defining a corresponding upper cross-sectional area and lower cross-sectional area which are substantially similar. Mixed structure according to Claim 14 wherein the upper openings define an upper opening shape and the lower openings define a lower opening shape, the upper opening shape and lower opening shape being substantially similar. Mixed structure according to Claim 17 wherein the upper opening shape and lower opening shape each define a sickle shape. Mixed structure according to Claim 14 wherein the fuel-and-gas mixture lines each have a generally circular cross-section with a diameter of more than 2 millimeters. Mixed structure according to Claim 19 , the diameter being 2.8 millimeters or less. Mixed structure according to Claim 14 wherein each fuel-and-gas mixture line is approximately 15 millimeters in length. A mixing structure comprising: a body extending from an injector side to an opposite piston side and having an inwardly facing surface and an opposite outwardly facing surface, the injector side of the body being configured to face a fuel injector of an engine cylinder, whereas the piston side of the body is configured to face a piston head of the engine cylinder, the body having a series of fuel and gas mixture conduits disposed around a circumference of the body and facing from the outwardly facing surface the central volume, the body having a series of top channels extending from the outwardly facing surface to the central volume, each top channel having a corresponding top opening, the top openings in an alternating manner with the conduits along the Are arranged around the circumference of the body, wherein the one or more upper channels near the central volume are arranged closer to the injector side than the one or more fuel-and-gas mixture lines, wherein the body has a single lower channel having an opening extending through the piston side to the central volume, and wherein the central volume is configured to pass one or more fuel flows from the fuel injector and one or more gas flows from the upper channels and the lower Channel, wherein the combined upper channels and the lower channel are arranged to provide the central volume with a substantially similar amount of flow relative to each other. Mixed structure according to Claim 22 wherein the single lower opening is generally circular in cross section and centered about the axis. Mixed structure according to Claim 22 wherein the top openings define a top opening shape, wherein the top opening shape defines a sickle shape. Mixed structure according to Claim 22 wherein a minimum distance between one of the upper channels and one of the fuel-and-gas mixture lines is between approximately 1.75 millimeters and 2.25 millimeters.

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