Systems and methods of compression ignition engines

Abstract

Apparatuses, systems and method for utilizing multi-zoned combustion chambers (and/or multiple combustion chambers) for achieving compression ignition (and/or spark-assisted or fuel-assisted compression ignition) in an internal combustion engine are provided. In addition, improved apparatuses, systems and methods for achieving and/or controlling compression ignition (and/or spark-assisted or fuel-assisted compression ignition) in a Siamese cylinder internal combustion engine are provided.

Claims

1. An internal combustion engine comprising: a cylinder; a piston located within said cylinder, said piston being configured to move between a top-dead-center (TDC) configuration and a bottom-dead-center (BDC) configuration, thereby defining a stroke of said piston; a central protuberance extending from a top surface of said piston; and a cylinder head enclosing said piston within said cylinder, thereby defining a combustion chamber, said cylinder head defining a central recess for receiving said central protuberance when said piston is at the TDC configuration, wherein said combustion chamber is divided into a primary chamber and a secondary chamber when said central protuberance is received by said central recess, wherein said primary and secondary chambers are configured to hold primary and secondary charges, respectively, and wherein the engine is configured such that combustion of said secondary charge is initiated via compression as said primary charge expands into said secondary chamber.

2. The engine of claim 1, further comprising a valve located within said central recess.

3. The engine of claim 2, wherein the engine is configured such that said valve provides at least one benefit selected from a list of benefits consisting of: said valve helps to reduce trap volume within said combustion chamber, said valve reduces carbon buildup; said valve prevents carbon buildup; said valve reduces catastrophic interference; said valve prevents catastrophic interference; and said valve helps to ensure a homogeneous mixture within said combustion chamber.

4. The engine of claim 1, wherein said central protuberance defines a cylindrical shape, said central protuberance being concentric with said piston.

5. The engine of claim 1, wherein ignition within said secondary chamber occurs after said piston has moved past top dead center of said stroke.

6. The engine of claim 1, said central protuberance defines a port extending from a top surface of said central protuberance to a side surface of said central protuberance.

7. The engine of claim 6, wherein said port facilitates constant fluidic communication between said primary and secondary chambers when said central protuberance is received by said central recess.

8. The engine of claim 7, wherein said port controls the fluidic communication.

9. The engine of claim 1, said cylinder head defines a port extending between first and second openings, said first opening being defined by a surface of said central recess and said second opening being defined by a bottom surface of said cylinder head.

10. The engine of claim 9, wherein said port facilitates fluidic communication between said primary and secondary chambers when said central protuberance is received by said central recess.

11. The engine of claim 9, wherein said port controls the fluidic communication.

12. The engine of claim 1, further comprising a variable compression ratio piston located in said central recess.

13. The engine of claim 1, wherein the engine defines a gap between an outer circumference of said central protuberance and an inner wall of said central recess when said central protuberance is received by said central recess, and wherein the gap is sufficient to enable fluidic communication between said primary and secondary chambers.

14. An internal combustion engine comprising: a cylinder; a piston located within said cylinder, said piston being configured to move between a top-dead-center (TDC) configuration and a bottom-dead-center (BDC) configuration, thereby defining a stroke of said piston; a protuberance extending from a top surface of said piston; and a cylinder head enclosing said piston within said cylinder, thereby defining a combustion chamber, said cylinder head defining a recess for receiving said protuberance when said piston is at the TDC configuration, wherein said combustion chamber is divided into a primary chamber and a secondary chamber when said protuberance is received by said recess, wherein said primary and secondary chambers are configured to hold primary and secondary charges, respectively, and wherein the engine is configured such that combustion of said secondary charge is initiated via compression as said primary charge expands into said secondary chamber.

15. An internal combustion engine comprising: a cylinder; a piston located within said cylinder, said piston being configured to move between a top-dead-center (TDC) configuration and a bottom-dead-center (BDC) configuration, thereby defining a stroke of said piston; a cylinder head enclosing said piston within said cylinder, thereby defining a combustion chamber; and a first valve associated with said combustion chamber, wherein said combustion chamber is divided into a primary chamber and a secondary chamber when said protuberance is received by said recess, wherein said primary and secondary chambers are configured to hold primary and secondary charges, respectively, wherein the engine is configured such that combustion of said secondary charge is initiated via compression as said primary charge expands into said secondary chamber, and wherein the engine is configured such that said first valve facilitates heat transfer away from said primary chamber.

16. The engine of claim 15, further comprising second and third valves, said first valve being located along a centerline of the engine and said second and third valves being located on respective opposing sides of the engine, each of said second and third valves being offset from said centerline.

17. The engine of claim 1, wherein the engine is configured such that fluid within the combustion chamber during the expansion stroke consists of fluid of the primary charge and fluid of the secondary charge.

18. The engine of claim 17, wherein the engine is configured such that fluid within the combustion chamber during the exhaust stroke consists of fluid within the combustion chamber during the expansion stroke.

19. The engine of claim 14, wherein the engine is configured such that: fluid within the combustion chamber during the expansion stroke consists of fluid of the primary charge and fluid of the secondary charge; and fluid within the combustion chamber during the exhaust stroke consists of fluid within the combustion chamber during the expansion stroke.

20. The engine of claim 15, wherein the engine is configured such that: fluid within the combustion chamber during the expansion stroke consists of fluid of the primary charge and fluid of the secondary charge; and fluid within the combustion chamber during the exhaust stroke consists of fluid within the combustion chamber during the expansion stroke.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A preferred embodiment of the inventive concept, illustrative of the best mode in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-zone combustion chamber compression ignition engine of the prior art.

(3) FIGS. 2-8 illustrate the multiple phases of combustion in the prior art engine of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-zone combustion chamber compression ignition engine of an embodiment of the instant inventive concept. In FIG. 9, the piston is positioned such that the combustion chamber is not segregated. In other words, the primary and secondary (and any subsequent) combustion chambers are all in complete fluid communication with each other.

(5) FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the engine of FIG. 9, with the piston positioned such that the combustion chamber is segregated into a primary combustion chamber and a secondary combustion chamber.

(6) FIG. 11 is a top cross-sectional plan view of the piston of FIGS. 9 and 10 taken along section line 11-11 of FIG. 9.

(7) FIG. 12 is a bottom cross-sectional plan view of the head of FIGS. 9 and 10 taken along section line 12-12 of FIG. 9.

(8) FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-zone combustion chamber compression ignition engine of another embodiment of the instant inventive concept. In FIG. 13, the piston is positioned such that the combustion chamber is not segregated. In other words, the primary and secondary (and any subsequent) combustion chambers are all in complete fluid communication with each other. Furthermore, in FIG. 13, ports are included in the piston to provide for multiphasic dynamic compression ignition combustion. In addition, ports are included in the head to aid in creating a homogenous air-fuel mixture by creating spin within the combustion chamber(s) before, after and/or at auto-ignition.

(9) FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the engine of FIG. 13, with the piston positioned such that the combustion chamber is segregated into a primary combustion chamber and a secondary combustion chamber. As is shown in FIG. 14, even when the combustion chambers are segregated, they are not sealed off from each other.

(10) FIG. 15 is a top cross-sectional plan view of the piston of FIGS. 13 and 14 taken along section line 19-19 of FIG. 13.

(11) FIG. 16 is a bottom cross-sectional plan view of the head of FIGS. 13 and 14 taken along section line 18-18 of FIG. 13.

(12) FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the engine of FIGS. 9 and 10, with the piston positioned such that the combustion chamber is segregated into a primary combustion chamber and a secondary combustion chamber.

(13) FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C show representative cross-sectional plan views of a multi-staged injector of an embodiment of the inventive concept.

(14) FIG. 19A shows embodiment of two cycle engine of the inventive concept in which the piston functions as the exhaust and intake valves, and further including a butterfly valve within the exhaust outlet to trap heat and exhaust gas inside the combustion chamber to aid in compression ignition. FIGS. 19B and 19C show other embodiments of engines of the inventive concept that include a butterfly valve within an exhaust outlet to trap heat and exhaust gas inside the combustion chamber to aid in compression ignition.

(15) FIG. 20 shows a representative top plan view of a three cylinder Siamese cylinder engine, depicting the cylinder and valve arrangement of an embodiment of the inventive concept.

(16) FIG. 21 shows a front cross-section elevation view of the engine of FIG. 20.

(17) FIG. 22 show a representative top plan view of another embodiment of a three cylinder Siamese cylinder engine that includes multiple protuberances of the inventive concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(18) As required, detailed embodiments of the present inventive concept are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the principles of the inventive concept, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present inventive concept in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

(19) Referring to FIGS. 9 through 12, an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept includes a piston 100 that is configured to reciprocate axially within a bore of a cylinder 300 such that the piston is moveable between a top position and a bottom position. A head 500 is coupled to a top of the cylinder such that a top surface of the piston is in close proximity to a bottom surface of the head when the piston is in the top position. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the head and the top surface of the piston are configured to define a specific volume of one or more voids positioned between the piston and the head when the piston is in the top position.

(20) In some embodiments, a generally central protuberance 110 extends from the top of the main body of the piston such that the top surface of the piston is defined partially by a top surface of the main body of the piston and partially by a top surface of the protuberance. In some such embodiments, the cylinder head 500 includes a generally central recess 510 that is configured to matingly receive the protuberance 110 of the piston when the protuberance is in an engaged configuration. The central protuberance 110 of the piston is adapted to be slidingly received in the central recess 510 of the head as it moves between an initial engagement configuration and a full engagement configuration, the full engagement configuration of the protuberance coinciding with the top position of the piston. As the piston moves from the bottom position toward the top position, often referred to as top dead center, the central protuberance 110 of the piston moves from a disengaged configuration to the initial engaged configuration, which coincides with the protuberance of the piston being first received by the recess of the head. As the piston continues to move towards the top position, the protuberance slides into the central recess 510 of the head, creating a primary combustion chamber 600 and a secondary combustion chamber 700. The primary combustion chamber 600 is defined by the void between a top surface of the protuberance and a top surface of the recess. The secondary combustion chamber 700 is defined by one or more void between a top surface of the main body of the piston and a bottom surface of the head.

(21) In some embodiments, the respective volumes of primary combustion chamber 600 and secondary combustion chamber 700 are designed such that the compression ratio of primary combustion chamber 600 is higher than that of secondary combustion chamber 700 (in other embodiments, the reverse is true). In that manner, auto-ignition of a fuel-air mixture can be obtained in the primary combustion chamber 600 either before, at, or after the piston reaches top dead center, without resulting in auto-ignition within the secondary combustion chamber 700. As the piston moves away from the top position, the protuberance 110 moves from the engaged configuration towards the disengaged configuration in which the protuberance is displaced from the recess 510 of the head, allowing the pressure created by the combustion within the primary combustion chamber 600 to expand into the secondary combustion chamber 700, initiating combustion, combustion ignition and/or ignition within the secondary combustion chamber 700.

(22) Referring to FIG. 10, some embodiments define a gap 800 between an outer circumference of the protuberance 110 and an inner wall of the recess 510 when the protuberance is in the engaged configuration. In some such embodiments, one or more gap-filling mechanism, such as rings, is coupled to the protuberance 110 and/or secured within the recess 510 so as to prevent or otherwise inhibit fluid from flowing from through the gap 800. In some such embodiments, the gap filling mechanism creates an air-tight seal between the primary combustion chamber 600 and the secondary combustion chamber 700 when the protuberance is in the engaged configuration. In other embodiments, however, gap filling mechanisms, such as rings (or another seal), are not utilized, as the size of gap 800 is designed to allow sufficient pressure to be created within primary combustion chamber 600 to create auto-ignition, without permitting sufficient pressure to escape through gap 800 to create ignition within secondary combustion chamber 700 while the piston is at the top position, prior to the piston being in its down stroke. In still some embodiments, as discussed below, the primary and secondary combustion chambers remain in constant fluidic communication with one another for the purposes of creating multiphasic dynamic compression ignition combustion. In some embodiments, gap 800 is sufficient to provide such constant fluidic communication between the primary and secondary combustion chambers at all times during the piston stroke.

(23) As is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, intake valve 400 is located within recess 510 of the cylinder head to reduce and/or eliminate trap volume (and/or rich air pockets, and/or unbalanced combustion between the primary and secondary chambers) within the combustion chamber, and to ensure a homogenous air/fuel/EGR mix within the entire combustion chamber (primary and secondary chambers). It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, additional intake valves are included at other locations in which trap volume would otherwise exist and/or in which air/fuel/EGR mix is desired (such as in the secondary combustion chamber). For example in embodiments with tertiary or more combustion chambers, intake valves are included in each combustion chamber. It will further be appreciated that in some embodiments the intake valve 400 (and/or other intake valves) are opened during at least a portion of the exhaust stroke (and/or in some embodiments, during at least a portion of the power and/or compression strokes), to eliminate trap volume. In some such embodiments the valve is opened at the top of the exhaust stroke. In some embodiments, exhaust valves, not shown, are located within the secondary combustion chamber. Still in further embodiments, exhaust valves (not shown) are included in the recess 510 to help eliminate trap volume, and/or at other desired locations within the combustion chamber. It will be appreciated that by eliminating trap volume, the inventive concept helps to create equal air/fuel and exhaust EGR, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and maintain low NOx emissions. The inventive concept allows for 2 cycle scavenging that is not present in the prior art such as Roberts Jr. discussed above.

(24) Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the design of the piston 100, with the protuberance 110 located at the center of piston 100, allows a wrist-pin 210 to attach a rod 200 to the piston at a location of increased thickness of the piston (due to the protuberance). This increases strength at a location that otherwise is under increased stress. In addition, the relatively high connection on the piston allows for greater control of the piston and decreased piston slap as the piston moves up and down within the cylinder.

(25) Referring to FIGS. 13 through 16, some embodiments include one or more head port 520 defined by and extending through a portion of the head 500. In some such embodiments, each head port 520 extends between the primary 600 and secondary 700 combustion chambers when the protuberance is in the initial engagement configuration. In some embodiments, the ports are designed to create a circulatory or spinning, and/or roll and/or tumble, airflow into the combustion chamber(s) as the piston 100 reciprocates within the cylinder to create a constant mixture of air/fuel. This helps to eliminate or otherwise minimize trap volume within the combustion chamber. In some embodiments, as is shown in FIGS. 13 through 16, the protuberance 110 operates as a valve to close the head ports when the protuberance is in the fully engaged configuration. In some such embodiments, the head ports reopen as the protuberance moves away from the fully engaged configuration. In other embodiments, openings of the head ports are positioned within the recess such that primary chamber 600 remains in continuous fluidic communication with the secondary chamber 700 through at least some of the head ports 520 regardless of the position of the protuberance. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 13 through 16, ports 520 are shown at roughly 45 degree angles from top to bottom. It will be appreciated that other angles, sizes, shapes, lengths, etc. of ports 520 will be utilized in various embodiments to create the desired circulation within/between the combustion chambers. Moreover, the number and positions of the ports 520, and exit/entrance angles will vary between embodiments to obtain the desired circulation. In some embodiments, gap 800 is sufficient to provide for constant fluidic communication between the primary chamber 600 and secondary chamber 700 at all times during the piston stroke.

(26) In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 13 through 16, the protuberance defines one or more ports 130 extending from a top surface of the protuberance to a side surface of the protuberance. In some such embodiments, a single central port 120 extends axially into the protuberance from a center of the top surface of the protuberance and a plurality of lateral ports extend from the central port to a side surface of the protuberance. In some such embodiments, each lateral port extends at an angle relative to the central port such that the length of any pathway through the central port and any one of the lateral ports is the substantially the same distance as the length of a pathway through the central port and any one of the other lateral ports.

(27) In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, an opening for at least some of the lateral ports is positioned along the outer surface of the protuberance such that the lateral port is in fluid communication with the secondary combustion chamber 700 when the protuberance is in an engaged configuration, regardless of whether the protuberance is in the initial engaged configuration or the fully engaged configuration. In this manner, it is possible to maintain constant and continuous fluidic communication between the primary 600 and secondary 700 combustion chambers, aiding in multiphasic dynamic compression ignition combustion. In some embodiments, the ports are designed to create a circulatory or spinning airflow into the combustion chamber(s) as the piston 100 reciprocates within the cylinder. This helps to eliminate or otherwise minimize trap volume within the combustion chamber. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 13 through 16, ports 120, 130 are shown at various angles from top to bottom and around the protuberance 110. It will be appreciated that other angles, sizes, shapes, lengths, etc. of ports 120, 130 will be utilized in various embodiments to create the desired circulation within/between the combustion chambers. Moreover, the number and positions of the ports 120 and 130, and exit/entrance angles will vary between embodiments to obtain the desired circulation. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15, ports 130 come off port 120 generally tangentially, so as to help create a circulatory flow within the combustion chamber.

(28) Referring to FIG. 17 a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the engine of FIGS. 9 and 10 is shown with the piston positioned such that the combustion chamber is segregated into a primary combustion chamber and a secondary combustion chamber. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the protuberance 110 of the piston 100 includes a groove 115 around the circumference of protuberance 110. It will be appreciated that similar grooves and/or indentations are included in various embodiments of the invention similar to those discussed herein, including but not limited to the various embodiments shown with respect to FIGS. 1 through 16 above. In some embodiments multiple groves/indentations are utilized. The grooves/indentations create friction to help created a velocity vortex/turbulence within the combustion chamber(s).

(29) In some embodiments, initial ignition occurs in the primary chamber 600 prior to secondary ignition occurring in the secondary chamber 700. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments initial ignition occurs in the secondary chamber 700 and secondary ignition occurs in the primary chamber 600. In such embodiments the piston 100, the protuberance 110, the head 500, and the central recess 510 are configured such that a higher compression ratio is obtained in the secondary chamber 700 than in primary chamber 600.

(30) In some embodiments, a housing for valve 400, and or another suitable structure is positioned within the recess 510 and is configured to vary the volume within the recess 510. In this way, the housing of valve 400 is capable of adjusting the compression ratio within the primary combustion chamber 600 to allow for varying level of performance and/or to accommodate various operating conditions. In some embodiments a piston arrangement similar to that shown in US Published Patent Application No. 2007/084428, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, is utilized to vary the volume within the recess 510. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an exemplary variable compression ratio piston 900 houses valve 400, such that piston 900 is moveable between an open position and a closed position, thereby allowing the variable compression ration piston 900 to vary the volume within the recess 510. In some embodiments, a variable compression ratio piston is hydraulic (a Hydraulic Variable Compression-ratio Piston), while in other embodiments the piston displacement is electro mechanical hydraulic, piezo-electro mechanical hydraulic, or any other form of displacement now known or hereafter developed. In some embodiments, the variable compression ratio piston is moved via an electric motor and screw gear assembly. In some such embodiments, the screw gear assembly adjusts the variable compression ratio piston up and down as engine RPM's go up and down. In some embodiments, the screw gear assembly is utilized for generally slower adjustments of the variable compression ratio piston, in which the variable compression ratio piston is maintained at a constant location for multiple strokes of the piston such that the variable compression ratio piston is not displaced to a different ratio each stroke. In some embodiments, the variable compression ratio piston is moved up and down via a connecting rod and cam assembly. Some such embodiments allow for much faster displacement of the variable compression ratio piston, thereby allowing for the variable compression ratio piston to be displaced to a different ratio each stroke. In some such embodiments, the variable compression ratio piston reciprocates every combustion cycle opposing or otherwise countering the reciprocating motion of the protuberance(s) of piston 100 of the inventive concept. Some such embodiments allow for maximum combustion in the primary combustion chamber, thereby generating energy to the crank through the valve train while allowing for precombustion.

(31) It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the variable compression ratio piston of the inventive concept is a separate structure from any valve, such that the variable compression ratio piston's sole function is to vary the volume within recess 510. In some embodiments, the variable compression-ratio piston includes an intake valve within or as part of the piston, such that the valve is displaced with the piston. In other embodiments, the valve is separate from the piston, such that the valve remains in a static location while the piston is displaced.

(32) In some embodiments, the top surface of the protuberance 110 defines a concave shape. In some such embodiments, a top surface of the recess 510 defines a corresponding convex shape. In other embodiments, the top surface of the protuberance 110 defines a convex shape. In some such embodiments, a top surface of the recess 510 defines a corresponding concave shape

(33) In some embodiments a top surface of the main body of the piston 100 defines a convex shape while, in other embodiments, the top surface of the main body of the piston 100 defines a concave shape. In some such embodiments, a bottom surface of the head 500 defines a concave shape that is configured to correspond with a convex shape of the top surface of the main body of the piston. In other such embodiments, the bottom surface of the head 500 defines a convex shape that is configured to correspond with a concave shape of the top surface of the main body of the piston. It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the inventive concept include all variation permutations of concave and convex shapes combined with each other along with generally flat surfaces in combinations with the concave and convex surfaces discussed above. In still further embodiments, non-curved shapes are utilized. For example, in some embodiments the protuberance includes a triangular or pyramidal shaped protrusion that engages an opposing triangular or pyramidal shaped recess. In other embodiments, a square or rectangular shaped nipple and recess is utilized. In some embodiments protuberance 110 includes a tapered shape such that width narrows from the top of protuberance 110 down to a narrower width toward bottom of protuberance 110, at the point in which it intersects with the remainder of piston 100. Such a tapered shape helps to reduce or prevent carbon buildup caused by interference with the cylinder head.

(34) In some embodiments, various edges of the piston and/or head are filleted, chamfered or otherwise curved, to cause air to move and create a donut affect from blow-by of the primary piston and/or to help roll and tumble within the combustion chamber. For example, location 114 in FIG. 9 in some embodiments is filleted. In some embodiments, edge 104 is filleted. In some embodiments, edge 112 is filleted. In some embodiments edge 502 of head is filleted. In some embodiments, top surface 102 of piston 100, surrounding protuberance 110 is concave in shape, e.g. to form a cup. In other embodiments, surface 102 is convex in shape.

(35) It will be appreciated that the dimensions and shape of various protuberances 110 and corresponding central recesses 510 will vary in embodiments of the invention to provide the desired compression ratios and performance. In some embodiments in which multiple protuberances are utilized, the sizes and shapes vary to create different combustion chambers, e.g. primary, secondary, tertiary, etc. In such embodiments, the volumes will vary to provide for different compression ratios. In some embodiments, multiple protuberances will have different dimensions, but will have equal volumes to provide for equivalent compression ratios. In some embodiments, the central protuberance creates a primary combustion chamber, while other protuberances surrounding the central protuberance creating secondary (or tertiary, etc.) combustion chambers, and with the reminder of the combustion chamber (e.g. chamber 700) being a tertiary (or subsequent) combustion chamber. In other embodiments, one or more protuberances surrounding the central protuberance will be the primary combustion chamber. It will further be appreciated that the bore and stroke, and other engine design parameters will vary to optimize, reduce or increase the design for different types of fuel.

(36) Some embodiments of the inventive concept include an opposed piston design similar to those discussed above. In some such embodiments there is a single primary piston combined, in some embodiments, with the variable compression ratio piston discussed above that mates with the primary piston all within a single cylinder. In other embodiments, opposing pistons operate within separate opposing cylinders. In some such embodiments, variable compression ratio pistons are also utilized.

(37) Embodiments of the inventive concept produce on demand flame and/or pressure propagation by creating compression ignition in the primary combustion chamber and allowing the combustion to propagate to the secondary chamber as the piston moves away from the head, thereby increasing the volume.

(38) It will be appreciated that embodiments of the multi-phase and multiphasic dynamic compression ignition combustion engines disclosed herein will include varying numbers of cylinders (e.g. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.), and varying cylinder displacements. In some embodiments of the instant invention, a lower number of cylinders is utilized (e.g. 2 cylinders) to provide the same total engine displacement as what is typically found in higher number of cylinder engines (e.g. 8 cylinders). Because the inventive concept allows for complete compression ignition combustion and/or on demand flame and/or pressure propagation, the bore size of the cylinders can be scaled up and down as desired without any increase in emissions or decrease in efficiencies. In some embodiments, an opposed two cylinder structure is utilized to design a higher displacement (e.g. 4.0 liters, etc.) engine. Such a structure results in smaller overall size of the engine, as well as material and labor saving in manufacturing.

(39) In some embodiments of the inventive concept a heat storage medium is included on the top of the piston, such as on top of the protuberance of the inventive concept, and/or on the cylinder head, such as near the center of the top of the cylinder. In some embodiments, the heat storage medium is designed to retain heat and become hotter than the walls of the cylinder or piston. In some such embodiments, the increased heat of the storage medium then dissipates into the compressed charge to assist with auto-ignition near the storage medium. In some embodiments, the heat storage medium is a relatively small piece of metal or other material having suitable thermodynamic properties to store and release heat to aid in auto-ignition as described. In some embodiments, the heat storage medium is a coating that is applied to a surface of the piston and/or the head.

(40) In some embodiments pre-heaters are included on or in association with an intake manifold to heat up the air/fuel and/or water entering the engine to aid with startup and performance.

(41) In some embodiments (see for example FIGS. 20 through 22) an engine of the inventive concept includes offset intake and exhaust valves positioned around the central valve associated with the central protuberance of the piston and its associated recess. In some such embodiments, the exhaust valves are located on the right and left sides of the engine, and the intake valves are in-line with the crank. In some such embodiments, the exhaust ports extend up from the exhaust valves and out toward the right or left of the respective exhaust valves. The offset location of the exhaust valves to the intake valves allows for balanced temperature within the combustion chamber. The location of the valves in some embodiments allow for even greater balance and for heat from combustion to be pulled away from the center of the cylinder and the intake. In some embodiments, the heat pulled away is used to preheat the intake. In other embodiments, the heat is not used to preheat intake. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments utilizing the offset valve design, the intake and exhaust valve locations are reversed. In some embodiments, the central valve functions as both an intake and an exhaust valve. In some embodiments, all valve locations are capable of being either intake, exhaust and/or both intake and exhausted depending upon the desired flow characteristics desired within the cylinder. In various embodiments, the order, duration, and/or timing of each valve opening and closing varies and is designed to achieve desired flow characteristics within the cylinder. It will be appreciated that the offset valve design of the inventive concept will be utilized in various embodiments with compression ignition as well as conventional ignition engines.

(42) Referring to FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C, some embodiments of the inventive concept include a multi-stage direct injector. The injector includes a stepped injector pin that is pulled up from its seat a small amount to open a first stage that allows a first lowest amount of flow. Referring to FIG. 18A, the injector pin 1000 is in a seated position within housing 1200, in which no fluid flow will occur. FIG. 18B shows the injector pin 1000 after it has moved from the seated position to open a first stage of fluid ports 1100. As the injector is pulled further up, it opens successively larger holes through its stepped design to open second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. stages, increasing the amount of flow progressively at each stage. FIG. 18C shows the injector pin 1000 after it has moved from the first stage of FIG. 18B to a second stage in which additional fluid ports 1100 have been open. As is shown in FIG. 18C, a third stage of fluid ports 1100 remain closed by injector pin 1000. In some embodiments, O-rings are included along each stage of the injector to improve sealing. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 18A, B and C, a single fuel/fluid line is shown feeding the injector. In other embodiments, each stage of the injector is fed by a separate fuel line. In this manner, the injector is utilized in some embodiments to feed different fuels types or other fluids through each stage. For example, in some embodiments (such as in a drag car), a first stage injects alcohol, a second stage injects a first stage of nitrous, and third stage injects a second stage of nitrous. In some embodiments, the injector of the inventive concept is utilized in connection with a carbureted engine, while in other embodiments it is utilized as part of a fuel injection system. In some embodiments, the injector of the inventive concept is utilized on a turbine fan. In other embodiments, the injector is utilized as a plastics injector, e.g. for multiple-stage injection molding of plastics. In still other embodiments, the injector is utilized as an oil injector.

(43) Referring to FIGS. 19A, B, and C, various embodiments of engines of the inventive concept are shown including a butterfly valve 465 designed to trap selectively heat and/or exhaust gases within the combustion chamber to aid in compression ignition. FIG. 19A shows an embodiment of a two cycle engine of the inventive concept in which the piston functions as the exhaust and intake valves selectively block intake 450 and exhaust outlet 460, and further including a butterfly valve 465 within the exhaust outlet 460 to trap selectively heat and exhaust gas inside the combustion chamber to aid in compression ignition. Intake valve 400 is located within recess 510 of the cylinder head to reduce and/or eliminate trap volume within that portion of the combustion chamber. In some embodiments of the engine shown in FIG. 19A, in which a single exhaust port is present, the butterfly valve 465 is never 100% closed. Instead, the valve is partially closed to trap part of the exhaust and preheat the intake. In other embodiments, in which multiple exhaust ports, or lines, are present, the butterfly valve 465 is capable of closing a portion of the exhaust 100% to provide the desired flow restriction and/or preheating affect. FIG. 19B shows the butterfly valve 465 in an embodiment in which the piston functions as the exhaust valve and in which a separate intake valve 450 is utilized along with valve 400. FIG. 19C shows the butterfly valve 465 in an embodiment of a two or four cycle engine in which the exhaust valve is located within the head along with intake valves 450 and 400. In will be appreciated that in other embodiments the butterfly valve 465 is utilized in engines that only include a single combustion chamber, compared to the primary and secondary (tertiary and so forth) chambers shown in FIGS. 19A through 19C. Furthermore, although not shown in FIGS. 19B and 19C, it will be appreciated that the variable compression ratio piston 900 is included in various embodiments of the inventive concepts of FIGS. 19B and 19C. Similarly, various embodiments of the inventive concept of FIG. 19A are utilized without the variable compression ratio piston 900 shown therein.

(44) Various embodiments of the instant inventive concept described herein are included and/or utilize multiphasic dynamic compression ignition combustion in a two cylinder supercharged engine of the type discussed in PCT/US2014/64866, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It is understood that various embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein include single cylinder, two cylinder, and additional cylinder (e.g. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc. cylinders) structures, and also include structures with and without any type of intake boost (e.g. superchargers and/or turbo chargers) (including, but not limited to the structures disclosed in PCT/US2014/64866).

(45) Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept is shown as a three cylinder, Siamese cylinder, engine which includes three pistons 100 within cylinders 300 (and 301 and 302), that each includes a generally central protuberance 110 protruding from the top of the main body of the piston. The cylinder head 500 includes a generally central recess 510 (and 511 and 512) within each cylinder that is configured to matingly receive the protuberance 110 of the piston for each cylinder. The central protuberance 110 of the piston is adapted to be slidingly received in the central recess 510 (and 511 and 512) of the head. As the piston moves up toward top dead center, the central protuberance 110 of the piston slides into the central recess 510 (and 511 and 512) of the head, creating a primary combustion chamber, and secondary combustion chamber. In some embodiments, the respective volumes of primary combustion chamber and secondary combustion chamber are designed such that the compression ratio of the primary combustion chamber is higher than that of the secondary combustion chamber (in other embodiments, the reverse is true). In that manner, auto-ignition is obtained in the primary combustion chamber either before, at, or after the piston reaches top dead center, without resulting in auto-ignition within the secondary combustion chamber. As the piston moves down from top dead center and protuberance 110 moves out of recess 510 (and 511 and 512) of the head, the pressure created by the combustion within the primary combustion chamber is allowed to expand into the secondary combustion chamber, initiation combustions, ignition and/or combustion ignition within the secondary combustion chamber. In some embodiments, auto-ignition is initiated from pressure propagation through blow-by of primary to secondary combustions chambers, or vice versa.

(46) With respect to each of the cylinders, a central intake valve 400 (and 401 and 402) is located within the recess 510 (and 511 and 512) of the cylinder head to reduce and/or eliminate trap volume within the combustion chamber, and to ensure a homogenous air/fuel/EGR mix within the entire combustion chamber (primary and secondary chambers). In the embodiment shown, additional intake valves 410 (and 420 and 430) and 412 (and 422 and 432) and exhaust valves 415 (and 425 and 435) and 417 (and 427 and 437) are located in the secondary combustion chamber areas. In the embodiment shown, all intake valves (400, 401, 402, 410, 412, 420, 422, 430 and 432) are positioned along a centerline of the engine block. In this manner intake valves 412, 420, 422 and 430 are located in close proximity and adjacent to the cylinder walls of adjoining pistons, which are locations in which hot spots are created. The location of the valves and air flow created through the valves allows heat to soak between adjoining cylinders and away from the hot spot locations. The improved balance of heat throughout the engine allows for greater control and use of compression ignition. It will be appreciated that the balancing of heat of the inventive concept is utilized in combination with single cylinder and other multiple cylinder embodiments (e.g. 2 cylinder, 4 cylinder, etc.).

(47) Referring to FIG. 21, a dual overhead cam arrangement is shown. Central intake valves 400, 401 and 402 are controlled by overhead cam shaft 1600. Secondary combustion chamber intake valves 410, 412, 420, 422, 430 and 432, as well as exhaust valves 417, 417, 425, 425, 435 and 437 are all controlled by overhead cam shaft 1700 located directly above overhead cam shaft 1600. Rocker arms 715 and 710 (rocker arms associated with cylinders 301 and 302 not shown) extend from cam shaft 1700 to exhaust valves 415 and 417, respectively. In other embodiments, a single cam is utilized to control all valves. In still other embodiments, three or more cams are utilized. In some three cam embodiments, a central cam shaft controls the central intake valves, while a cam on each side of the engine controls the respective valves on that side of the engine. In still other embodiments, mechanical, electronic and/or hydraulic controllers and/or a combination thereof or utilized to control the various valves. It will be appreciated that in various embodiments, some or all exhaust valves shown herein are utilized as intake valves, and some or all intake valves shown herein are utilized as exhaust valves. In addition, in some embodiments, the same valve functions as both an exhaust and intake valve, depending upon the desired engine performance. Although a duel overhead cam is shown in FIG. 21, in other embodiments, a single cam is utilized to control both the exhaust and the intake. In other embodiments, three or more cams are utilized. In still other embodiments, other mechanisms for valve actuation are utilized. In some embodiments, the intake valves are electronically actuated, while the exhaust valves are mechanically controlled by a cam. Although not shown in FIG. 21, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments a variable compression ratio piston is utilized in combination with the structure shown in FIG. 21.

(48) In some embodiments, the multiple intake valves shown within a single cylinder (e.g. in FIG. 20) are controlled to open in a staggered pattern to help control roll and tumble of the air/fuel/EGR mixture within the combustion chamber. In some embodiments in which the intake valves are controlled by a cam, the valves opening is staggered from 1-20 degrees from one another. In some embodiments, one intake valve is opened at a time in a staggered pattern. In other embodiments, multiple valves are open at the same time with another valve opened in a staggered pattern. It will be appreciated that the pattern will vary in different embodiments depending upon the desired sweeping motion within the combustion chamber as well as the physical shape, size and design of the components.

(49) Referring to FIG. 21, in the embodiment shown, the design of piston 100, with the protuberance 110 located at the center of piston 100, allows the wrist-pin 210 to attach rod 200 to the piston at a location of increased thickness of the piston (due to the protuberance). This increases strength at a location that otherwise is under increased stress. In addition, the relatively high connection on the piston allows for greater control of the piston and decreased piston slap as the piston moves up and down within the cylinder.

(50) In some embodiments of the engine shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, intake and exhaust manifolds are designed such that the at least a portion of the exhaust lines are in physical contact, or at least in close proximity to the intake lines. In this manner the exhaust lines are utilized to preheat the intake. In some embodiments, a butterfly valve, similar to that shown in FIGS. 19A, B and C, is utilized to divert exhaust gas from a portion of the exhaust manifold that is in contact/proximity to the exhaust lines to a portion of the exhaust manifold that is positioned away from the intake lines. In this manner, the preheating can be selectively engaged and disengaged utilizing the valve. In some embodiments, the valve is located at a T in the manifold, and the exhaust lines come out from the ports generally in parallel to the intake lines, with the T diverting the exhaust down and away from the intake lines, or when not selectively diverted, allowing the exhaust gases to flow through the portion of the manifold that continues in parallel to the intake lines (and in contact or close proximity to the intake lines). In some embodiments there is a separate intake line entering from each side of the engine, along with exhaust lines on each side of the engine, to provide balanced heat transfer. In some embodiments, the intake and exhaust line on each side of the engine are side-by-side (in physical contact or close proximity to one another) and bend upward toward the top of the engine. The intake lines meet each other and connect together at the top of the engine and in some embodiments a fuel injector is located at the top of the intake. In some embodiments, the exhaust lines also meet each other and connect together and flow outward in a single exhaust pipe near the point of intersection. In other embodiments, each exhaust line continues over the top of the engine and down the opposing side from which it originated and then outward from the engine. In some embodiments, the intake and exhaust manifold is a single molded or cast piece that bolts over the engine head. In some embodiments in which the intake lines come together at the top of the engine

(51) Referring to FIG. 22, a top plan view of another embodiment of a three cylinder Siamese cylinder engine that includes multiple protuberances of the inventive concept. In addition to protuberance 110 (which in FIG. 22 engages with recesses 510a, 511a, and 512a), other protuberances are located around the top of the piston surrounding protuberance 110 and engage with recesses 510b, c, d, and e, 511b, c, d, and e, and 512b, c, d and e. It will be appreciated that the numbers, sizes, shapes and locations of the protuberances will vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, each protuberance has a different volume to provide a different compression result (e.g. creating primary, secondary, tertiary, etc. combustion chambers). In other embodiments, the volume of each protuberance is equal to provide the same compression within each recess.

(52) The valves shown and described in the above-embodiments of the inventive concept are controlled in various embodiments by mechanical, electrical, mechanical-electrical, hydraulic, combinations thereof, and/or other mechanisms for actuation now known or hereafter discovered. Although cam and rocker arm assemblies are shown in some embodiments above, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, other valve actuation mechanisms will be utilized in connection with the same or similar features of the inventive concept therein described. In various embodiments, intake and exhaust valves are actuated in or out of sequence, depending upon design and performance desired.

(53) Although not shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the Siamese cylinder inventive concept are employed with the various features, combinations and subcombinations of the other systems and methods of compression ignition disclosed herein.

(54) In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

(55) Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

(56) Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.

(57) It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.