Injector-igniters with variable gap electrode

摘要

Fuel injector-igniters with variable gap electrodes. A fuel injector-igniter comprises a housing, an actuator disposed in the housing, and a valve including a valve head operative to open and close against a valve seat in response to activation of the actuator. A valve seat electrode including at least one aperture surrounds the valve head and valve seat and at least one rocker electrode is pivotably mounted to the housing to form a variable gap between the electrode and a portion of the valve seat electrode. The rocker electrode is positioned to move relative to the valve seat electrode in response to a fuel flow through the aperture, thereby varying the gap.

主权项

1. A fuel injector-igniter, comprising:
a housing; an actuator disposed in the housing; a valve including a valve head operative to open and close against a valve seat in response to activation of the actuator; and at least one electrode pivotably mounted to the housing and forming a variable gap between the electrode and a portion of the valve seat; wherein the electrode is positioned to move relative to the valve seat in response to a fuel flow past the valve head, thereby varying the gap.