Engine Delivery Pipe Support Layout for Compact Plug Welding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing delivery pipes for engines face issues with unnecessary length extension due to the need for fixing jigs to support the large-diameter portion during welding, which restricts mountability and arrangement of the pipe and injectors.

Innovation Solution

The delivery pipe design includes first and second support surfaces on opposite sides of the large-diameter portion, allowing the pipe to be maintained in an upward welding posture, with fixing jigs supporting these surfaces from below, thereby preventing unnecessary extension and improving mountability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the large-diameter portion is supported from below by fixing jigs during welding, then the pipe main body can be maintained in an upward welding posture, but the entire length of the delivery pipe is unnecessarily extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding posture stabilityVSAvoiddelivery pipe length
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support surfaces are formed on the outer periphery surface of the pipe main body at positions adjacent to the large-diameter portion, allowing fixing jigs to support the pipe from lateral directions rather than requiring downward support from below. This dimensional change in support orientation eliminates the need for additional spacing and reduces the overall pipe length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the large-diameter portion is spaced apart from the injector connection portion and bracket portion, then fixing jigs can be disposed for welding support, but the arrangement of the delivery pipe and injector is restricted and mountability is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding accessibilityVSAvoidmountability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support surfaces are pre-formed on the outer periphery surface of the pipe main body at strategic positions adjacent to the large-diameter portion. This preliminary preparation allows fixing jigs to be positioned laterally during welding without requiring the large-diameter portion to be spaced apart from other components, thereby maintaining compact arrangement and improving mountability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Length of moving object

If support surfaces are formed on the outer periphery protrusion portions, then fixing jigs can support the pipe main body during welding without extending the pipe length, but the support surfaces require additional forming processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery pipe lengthVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support surfaces are integrated into the outer periphery surface of the pipe main body during the existing injection molding process. By merging the support surface formation with the primary manufacturing process, no additional forming steps are required, and the pipe length is reduced simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The design allows for a more compact delivery pipe configuration, enhancing mountability and flexibility in engine arrangements by reducing the overall length and minimizing interference with other components, while ensuring stable welding and improved quality.

Implementation Method 1

the plug is disposed on the large-diameter portion and welded thereto by applying ultrasonic vibrations to the plug while the plug is pressurized from an upper area by a horn of the ultrasonic welding device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4575219A1Delivery pipe for engine
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 MIKUNI CORP
  • EP4575219A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4575219A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4575219A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a delivery pipe for an engine that can support a pipe main body in a posture, in which an opening portion is directed upward, in welding of a plug and can prevent unnecessary extension of an entire length. A delivery pipe of the present invention includes: a pipe main body 2 being formed of a synthetic resin, in which a large-diameter portion 5 having a collar shape is formed on one end side, one end of a fuel passage 4 in an internal portion and along an axis line has an opening portion 6 formed in the large-diameter portion 5, and as outer periphery protrusion portions, bracket portions 8l and 8r and a plurality of injector connection portions 10l and 10r are integrally formed with an outer periphery surface; and a plug 3 being joined to the large-diameter portion 5 and blocking the opening portion 6. A first support surface 17 to be supported by a first fixing jig 21r is formed on the injector connection portion 10r closest to one end side, a second support surface 19 to be supported by a second fixing jig 21l is formed on an opposite side to the first support surface 17 around the axis line as a center and on another end side of the large-diameter portion 5, and the first and second support surfaces 17 and 19 have flat surface shapes facing another end side.