Internal combustion engine control system

Abstract

An apparatus and method for improving the combustion process of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A prechamber containing a combustible mixture is designed to generate a torch eminating thereform upon ignition; the torch is controlled to extend and penetrate deeply into the main combustion at a predetermined orientation without contact with the chamber walls. The swirling flame front of the sustained torch produces superior mixing with the unburned combustible mixture in the main combustion, particularly of a rotary engine. The prechamber is located outside the epitrochoid chamber of the rotary engine; in a nonstratified charge mode of this invention, the prechamber serves to receive a portion of the main chamber inducted charge during the compression cycle, which may lean and difficult to ignite in the main chamber. In the prechamber, concentrated hot walls and a localized spark facilitate ready ignition, which in turn permits generation of a torch therefrom. A scavenging system and method is disclosed which serves to drive residual gas elements from the prechamber after the completion of each combustion cycle; the scavenging apparatus may be operated with an independent gas supply, a supply derived from the carburetor or intake of the engine, or from the inducted mixture within the main chamber. The scavenging system may have fuel enrichment to create a pedetermined charge stratification. A fuel injection system and method is disclosed which serves to augment or act as the sole prechamber charge. Prechamber design, chamber shape, compression ratios and engine controls are arranged to reduce combustion heat losses and selected emission constituents.