APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR FUEL INJECTION AND IGNITION IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

An improved apparatus for injecting and igniting fuel in an internal combustion engine includes a nozzle with a bore and a tip at a distal end. The bore includes a longitudinal axis and an annular valve seat. A needle reciprocates within the bore and in combination with the annular valve seat forms an injection valve where in a closed position the needle abuts the annular valve seat and in an open position the needle is spaced apart from the annular valve seat. A retainer axially protrudes from the tip of the nozzle along the longitudinal axis thereof whereby an annular mixing space extends between the retainer and the tip of the nozzle. There is an igniter secured to the nozzle that includes a positive-ignition source forming an ignition zone within a portion of the annular mixing space. Nozzle arrangements include those with both pilot hole and main holes in the nozzle extending between the plenum and outside the nozzle where the main hole longitudinal axis bypasses the retainer and a pilot fuel jet from the pilot hole(s) is retained and redirected such that an ignitable fuel-air mixture is formed within the annular mixing space. Nozzle arrangements also include nozzles with a plurality of main holes and no separate pilot holes in which the main longitudinal axis bypasses the retainer such that a main fuel jet is scraped by the retainer and scraped fuel is retained and redirected such that an ignitable fuel-air mixture is formed within the annular mixing space. The igniter is actuated to ignite the ignitable fuel-air mixtures.