FCA Patent Combines Turbo and Cylinder Head Into One Piece
The turbocharger has become a ubiquitous part of the automotive world during the recent push for improved efficiency. Thanks to some new patent filings with the USPTO discovered by CarBuzz, we know that Stellantis is currently considering the possibility of a one-piece turbocharger and cylinder head combo.
Turbochargers help automakers push more horsepower out of efficient small displacement engines, but these forced induction systems do add weight, complexity, and additional components to the equation. Stellantis’ recent patent filing aims to alleviate some of the downsides involved with current turbo setups. The patent was filed by FCA USA back in September 2022, but was officially published last week. The filing, which you can view here, features a one-piece head design that would eliminate the exhaust manifold and the necessary routing to the hot side of the turbo, as well as the requisite gaskets and bolts. The compressor and turbine housings are entirely integrated into the head, with the shaft and wheels being added by way of a cartridge during automated assembly. Internal oil channels can feed the turbo without running lines, which also cuts back on material usage. Reducing the number of gaskets and seals could also have long-term reliability benefits, though that will have to be seen. There is a heat shield in place, but thermal management will be an important part of this design’s viability. Other design highlights include a Oldham coupling handling the wastegate, as well as a wear washer to improve longevity.
While it may seem unnecessary for automakers to continue honing the internal combustion engine, we haven’t entered the all-electric era quite yet. Just last month, GM announced that it will be spending $854 million to develop its next small block V-8 engine. Stellantis’ own RAM brand has also made it clear as of late that it intends to continue offering gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles alongside its EV offerings. It shouldn’t come as a total shock then that this sort of tech could be in the works. That said, it is important to remember that not every patent filed by an automaker points to future plans. We’ll just have to wait and see whether or not this tech finds a home before EVs really start to dominate sales.
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