Electro-injector Positioning for Gas Fuel Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas fuel feed systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in achieving fast and accurate gas fuel injection due to long intake pipe lengths, pressure losses, and limited adaptability to different engine configurations, particularly in crowded engine compartments.
Innovation Solution
The system employs flexible inlet and outlet pipes connected directly to the electro-injector, allowing for adjustable positioning and reduced pipe lengths, along with an adjustable spring preload to optimize armature movement and magnetic force, enabling precise control over gas fuel injection without additional fixing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electro-injector is fixed in a predetermined position inside the engine compartment, then the structure is stable and easy to install, but the intake pipe length increases causing pressure losses and injection delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the electro-injector position adjustable rather than fixed. The electro-injector can be moved along the outlet pipe to different positions, allowing optimization of the intake pipe effective length. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt to different engine configurations and minimize pressure losses while maintaining stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection system by separating the electro-injector from the fixed mounting structure. The electro-injector is connected to the outlet pipe rather than being rigidly fixed to the engine compartment, creating a modular configuration that allows independent optimization of injection positioning and engine mounting.
2Ease of operation
If the electro-injector is located far from the cylinders, then installation is easier in crowded engine compartments, but pressure losses and injection delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible outlet pipe to connect the electro-injector to the cylinder. This flexible conduit allows the electro-injector to be positioned optimally for injection performance while accommodating the spatial constraints of crowded engine compartments. The flexibility enables easy routing and installation without rigid structural constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable positioning of the electro-injector along the flexible outlet pipe allows optimization of injection timing and pressure delivery while maintaining ease of installation in various engine compartment configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spring preload is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the armature return time cannot be optimized for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by making the spring preload adjustable. The spring can be positioned at different preloads to optimize the armature return time for different operating conditions, engine types, and injection requirements. This adjustability allows the same electro-injector design to be adapted across multiple applications without redesigning the entire system.
4Reliability
If additional fixing means are used to secure the electro-injector, then the positioning is more stable, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing the outlet pipe connection to provide both fluid connection and mechanical positioning/stabilization functions. The flexible outlet pipe inherently stabilizes the electro-injector position through its connection geometry and flexibility characteristics, eliminating the need for separate fixing mechanisms while maintaining positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet pipe serves multiple functions: it provides the fluid conduit for gas delivery, acts as a positioning element for the electro-injector, and provides mechanical stabilization. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining system reliability.
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 design minimizes pressure losses and delays in gas fuel injection, enhances adaptability to various engine configurations, and allows for precise control over injection timing, improving engine performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The casing houses a number of armatures movable, by respective electromagnets controlled by a central control unit, between a closed configuration and an open configuration
Implementation Method 2
When each armature is in the closed configuration, the relative shutter is held resting on the relative outlet of the electro-injector by a spring
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A system (T) for feeding gas fuel to an internal combustion engine, having : a fuel tank (37); fluidic connecting means (9, 12) along which fuel flows, and interposed fluidically between the tank (37) and a cylinder (38) of the engine; and an electro-injector (1) fluidically in series with respect to the fluidic connecting means (9, 12), and which is interposed between the tank (37) and the cylinder (38), and is activated selectively to disable or enable fuel flow to the cylinder (38); the electro- injector (1) is positioned with respect to the fluidic connecting means (9, 12) solely by connecting at least an inlet or outlet (3, 4) of the electro- injector to at least one pipe (9, 12) defined by the fluidic connecting means (9, 12).