Axially Spaced Sealing Element for High-Pressure Fuel Injector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injector sealing elements require significant axial space and are limited to applications where components are axially spaced, resulting in a relatively large axial length and suboptimal sealing efficiency, especially at high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element with axially spaced sealing areas that interact with the inner walls of the components' bores, featuring a wave-shaped design made of steel for enhanced mechanical pressure resistance and compactness, allowing for direct contact and multiple sealing surfaces to ensure reliable sealing even at high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing element with a single sealing area is used, then the axial length of the connection is reduced, but the sealing reliability at high pressures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into multiple sealing areas (first sealing area and second sealing area) axially spaced apart from each other. Each sealing area independently contacts the bore walls of components, providing redundant sealing paths that enhance sealing reliability under high pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single sealing plane to multiple sealing planes arranged axially. By distributing sealing functions across different axial positions, the solution maintains compact overall dimensions while achieving enhanced sealing performance through multi-level sealing.
2Reliability
If components are arranged with axial spacing to accommodate a sealing element, then sealing is achieved, but the overall axial length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is nested within the bore of one of the components, eliminating the need for axial spacing between components. The sealing element protrudes radially into the bore to create sealing contact, allowing components to be arranged in direct axial contact while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is made of elastically deformable material that can be compressed axially during assembly. This flexibility allows the sealing element to deform radially outward to contact the bore walls, achieving sealing without requiring fixed axial clearance between components.
3Strength
If a rigid sealing element is used, then structural strength is maintained, but sealing adaptability to pressure variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is constructed from elastically deformable material whose mechanical properties allow it to change shape in response to pressure variations. The material parameters are selected to provide both sufficient structural strength and appropriate elastic deformation characteristics for adaptive sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastic structure that automatically adjusts its sealing contact pressure in response to system pressure changes. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable sealing across varying operating conditions without requiring active control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration achieves a compact arrangement and significantly improves sealing efficiency by forming multiple sealing areas, ensuring reliable sealing at high pressures without increasing axial length, and allows for easy reconnection with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing element is elastically deformable and consists of metal, in particular of a steel material
Implementation Method 2
when high pressure is applied, the two first sealing regions of the sealing element bear sealingly against the inner walls of the two bores or components
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sealing element (26; 26a) for a high-pressure connection (25) in a fuel injector (10; 10a); said sealing element (26; 26a) is in the form of a sleeve and includes, on the outer circumference thereof, a radially outward-protruding first sealing zone (31, 32) designed to rest against a part (11, 12). According to the invention, at least two first sealing zones (31) are provided which are axially located at a distance from one another in relation to a longitudinal axis (27) of the sealing element (26; 26a).