While other automakers are abandoning the development of internal combustion engines, Ford is doubling down on creating cleaner internal combustion engines than ever before. According to media reports, Ford has applied for a new patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to redirect vapor collected from the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system or similar evaporative emission systems into the pre-combustion chamber, thereby improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines.
The patent also considers a method to adjust the amount of fuel delivered from the tank containing stored but unused vapor from the crankcase ventilation and other emissions. These tanks are typically filled with activated carbon, but if Ford's concept proves effective enough, such additives may no longer be necessary.
Valve damage or blockages in the PCV system can lead to system overpressure. Once the integrity of the tank is compromised, these emissions escape into the atmosphere. Ford's concept can reduce system pressure, thereby prolonging its lifespan, although this is not considered a primary advantage.
When the system operates normally, these vapors are simply collected and sometimes reintroduced into the intake somewhere. However, this does not fully harness their potential energy as the fuel is simply mixed with more fuel and air. In contrast, Ford's concept is superior in directing these vapors into the pre-combustion chamber. As demonstrated by Porsche, pre-combustion ignition can unlock significant potential performance. Mazda has also shown that ensuring cleaner combustion can increase efficiency, as is the case with reducing carbon buildup on intake and exhaust valves.
This design offers several advantages, including cleaner exhaust emissions, lower fuel consumption, higher performance, and reduced maintenance requirements. However, there may be challenges in implementing this technology in vehicles, primarily due to increased complexity and higher manufacturing costs. Even if these are not issues, this technology may still remain in the conceptual stage as other concepts may perform even better in harnessing performance or improving efficiency.
Nevertheless, Ford is committed to exploring better internal combustion engine designs.
