I.C.E., igniter adapted for optional placement of an integral fuel injector in direct fuel injection mode
View Patent ↗An igniter ( 09 ) includes an elongated tubular housing ( 10 ) with a polygonal top ( 14 ) having a central aperture ( 16 ) defined therein, communicating into a central chamber ( 20 ) along a longitudinal axis to an end at a base ( 18 ). A terminal ( 13 a ) projects from the polygonal top ( 14 ). A channel ( 11 a ) along a longitudinal axis is formed within the housing ( 10 ) in which is mounted an insulator ( 15 ). At least a portion of the insulator ( 15 ) may extend from the base ( 18 ). An electrode ( 13 ) connected to the terminal ( 13 a ) or ( 13 b ) is embedded within the insulator ( 15 ), to an end in the base ( 18 ). Prongs ( 19 ) extend from the electrode ( 13 ) towards the outer periphery of the housing ( 10 ) or towards the central chamber ( 20 ). The prongs ( 19 ) end in proximity to the outer housing wall ( 11 ), or the inner housing wall ( 12 ). The prongs ( 19 ) may be one or more projections and have sharp edges for multiple and increased spark presentations. A ring ( 30 ) may be connected to the electrode ( 13 ), defining a heating element in the base ( 18 ). Electrical resistance of the igniter ( 09 ) is selected.
1. An igniter comprising:
a body electrically grounded in operation to an internal combustion engine, having an elongated tubular housing, the exterior of said body being operable to seal to a combustion chamber surface when mounted to said internal combustion engine;
an aperture through the center of said body, axially, to its base, said aperture configured to be closed by a removably retained fuel injector, confining combustion chamber contents within said combustion chamber and precluding leakage of said combustion chamber contents past said igniter;
an ignition device operable to ignite an air and fuel mixture within said combustion chamber, and an electrode disposed within an insulator embedded within said body, said electrode attached to a terminal connecting an electrical source outside said combustion chamber to said ignition device in said base, said ignition device, in activation, communicating electricity between said electrode and said body;
whereby said ignition device and fuel may be introduced into said combustion chamber through a common aperture in said combustion chamber.
2. The igniter of claim 1 wherein said ignition device comprises a resistive heating element, said resistive heating element being operable when an electrical current is applied to said electrode.
3. The igniter of claim 1 , wherein said ignition device comprises an air gap through bridged by at least one spark when an electrical current is applied to said electrode.
4. The igniter of claim 1 , wherein threads are defined in the external surface of said igniter body.
5. The igniter of claim 4 , wherein a polygonal shape is defined upon the upper surface of said igniter body.
6. An igniter comprising:
a body having an elongated tubular housing;
an aperture through said body, said aperture operable to pass pressurized fuel from a removably retained fuel injector to a combustion chamber;
an inner housing wall and an outer housing wall defined by a ring-shaped chamber formed within said body and around said aperture, said inner housing wall and said outer housing wall both being electrically grounded to an internal combustion engine;
an ignition device operable to ignite an air and fuel mixture within said combustion chamber; and
an electrode disposed within said ring-shaped chamber, said electrode connecting an electrical source outside said combustion chamber to said ignition device, said ignition device, in activation, communicating electricity between said electrode and said body;
whereby said ignition device and pressurized fuel may be introduced into said combustion chamber through a single aperture.