초록 ▼

An ionization field is produced across the intake air flow to an internal combustion engine to increase the content of oxygen in the stream, and the stream reactivity. This ionization field may be produced between a sharp electrode and a grid or sheet, positioned in a shielded structure like the fil

An ionization field is produced across the intake air flow to an internal combustion engine to increase the content of oxygen in the stream, and the stream reactivity. This ionization field may be produced between a sharp electrode and a grid or sheet, positioned in a shielded structure like the filter housing on the engine intake. Alternatively, an ultraviolet light source may be used to ionize the oxygen in the air stream. In either form the ionization field may be also used across the ventilation air stream fed to the passenger compartment as an air conditioning function, and the ionization power may be modulated along with the demand. Thus the throttle position may be sensed to modulate the voltage multiplier levels across the filter housing air stream, and the ionization power to the heater plenum chamber may be modified in accordance with the fan speed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] In a motor vehicle characterized by an internal combustion engine conformed to combine hydrocarbon fuel with oxygen in the ambient atmospheric air, said motor vehicle including fuel storage means for storing said fuel, a source of electrical power, and a mobile platform, said engin

[ We claim:] [1.] In a motor vehicle characterized by an internal combustion engine conformed to combine hydrocarbon fuel with oxygen in the ambient atmospheric air, said motor vehicle including fuel storage means for storing said fuel, a source of electrical power, and a mobile platform, said engine including a combustion chamber and intake means for conveying said air to said combustion chamber, said intake means including a filter housing provided with a filter deployed across the conveyance path of said air, the improvement comprising:a voltage multiplier connected to said source of electrical power and conformed to multiply the voltage thereof relative a ground potential to a level greater than the ionization potential of oxygen;a first electrode connected to said multiplier and extending in cantilever arrangement into the interior of said filter housing; anda second electrode connected to said ground potential and deployed in said filter housing in juxtaposed alignment relative to said first electrode substantially orthogonal relative to the path of conveyance of said air in said housing.