Compact CNG Injector Arrangement with Elastic Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retrofit kits for gasoline-powered vehicles to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG) often lack the quality and adaptability required, especially for emerging markets, and existing fuel distribution systems are not compact or universally applicable.
Innovation Solution
A compact and universal injector arrangement for fuel injection systems, featuring a fuel rail with hose nozzles, a counter-holder with metallic connecting pieces, and elastic sealing rings, allowing flexible adaptation to various internal combustion engine configurations and preventing vibration-induced wear, while being cost-effective and robust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a compact and universal injector arrangement is designed, then adaptability to different engine configurations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injector arrangement is designed with a universal fuel rail that can be adapted to different engine configurations through adjustable mounting brackets and flexible hose connections. The same basic injector unit serves multiple cylinders and can be installed on both initial production vehicles and retrofitted vehicles, eliminating the need for engine-specific designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel distribution system is divided into modular components including the fuel rail, individual injectors, mounting brackets, and hose connections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall adaptability, and enables easier installation and maintenance.
2Reliability
If elastic sealing rings are used to prevent vibration-induced wear, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system transitions from rigid seals to elastic sealing rings that can deform and conform to surface variations. This parameter change in material properties allows the seals to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion while maintaining reliable sealing under vibration conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a universal injector arrangement is designed for both initial installation and retrofitting, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injector arrangement incorporates universal mounting features and standardized connections that enable the same device to be installed during initial vehicle production or added later as a retrofit. The fuel rail includes multiple mounting positions and the connecting pieces have universal hose nozzles that work with standard hose connections.
4Adaptability or versatility
If connecting pieces with hose nozzles are used for flexible adaptation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting pieces incorporate flexible hose nozzles that can be routed and positioned to accommodate different engine layouts and space constraints. These flexible connections allow the rigid fuel rail to be adapted to various engine configurations without requiring custom rigid piping for each application.
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
Enables high-quality, cost-effective, and adaptable conversion of gasoline-powered engines to CNG operation, ensuring reliable and efficient fuel distribution with reduced wear, and simplifies both initial installation and retrofitting processes.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic sealing rings make it possible to achieve floating mounting of the injectors in relation to the counter-holder. This avoids direct contact of the injectors with the counter-holder, so that a possible transmission of vibrations into the injectors, which can cause increased wear, is prevented.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an injector arrangement (1) which is used in particular as an injector block (1) for fuel injector systems for mixture-compressing, spark-ignited internal combustion engines, comprising a fuel manifold (2), an arrester (7), a first injection valve (23), and at least one second injection valve (24). The arrester (7) thereby comprises a first connecting piece (8) and a second connecting piece (9). The first injection valve (23) is joined to the arrester (7) at an input side (27) of the first connecting piece (8) by means of an elastic sealing ring (31). The second injection valve (24) is joined to the arrester (7) at an input side (28) of the second connecting piece (9) by means of an elastic sealing ring (32). The arrester (7) is thereby connected to the fuel manifold (2). The fuel manifold (2) is used for distributing compressed natural gas to the injection valves (23, 24). The injector arrangement (1) comprises a compact construction.