Fuel Cell Adapter Stem Protection for Combustion Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel delivery systems for combustion tools face challenges in maintaining consistent fuel dosing, especially at lower temperatures, due to issues like fuel leakage, exposure of fuel cell stems to accidental contacts, and dimensional tolerance buildup, which affect fuel efficiency and tool performance.
Innovation Solution
A fuel delivery system featuring a metal stem receiver block and a fuel cell adapter with a tubular collar and flexible suspension, which securely engages the fuel cell stem, reduces leakage, protects the stem from damage, and accommodates dimensional variations, ensuring consistent fuel dosing and improved performance at lower temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fuel metering valve is used to control fuel dosing, then fuel dosage precision is improved, but the fuel cell stem is exposed to external accidental contacts that may damage or break it
Solution Approach 1:
A protective boot is introduced as an intermediary component that covers the fuel cell stem, preventing direct exposure to external accidental contacts while allowing the metering valve to function. The boot acts as a physical barrier between the vulnerable stem and external objects, resolving the contradiction between maintaining stem reliability and preserving dosage precision.
2Loss of energy
If the fuel delivery system is designed to be sealed for fuel efficiency, then fuel economy is improved, but dimensional tolerance buildup from manufacturing affects the positive engagement between components
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel delivery system incorporates flexible or resilient components that can dynamically adjust to dimensional variations within manufacturing tolerances. This dynamic adaptation maintains the sealed relationship necessary for fuel efficiency while accommodating the inevitable dimensional variations from manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter changes in the engagement interface between fuel delivery components, such as adjustable clearances or compliant materials, that can compensate for manufacturing tolerances while maintaining the sealed relationship required for fuel economy.
3Ease of operation
If the fuel cell stem is made accessible for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the stem becomes vulnerable to external accidental contacts and damage
Solution Approach 1:
A protective boot serves as an intermediary that allows the stem to remain accessible for its operational function while simultaneously protecting it from external accidental contacts. The boot can be designed to allow necessary movements or exposures during operation while blocking harmful external contacts.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fuel delivery system which includes a fuel cell (60) with an outer shell (68) having a closed lower end and an open upper end (72), a closure (70) crimped over the upper end (72) and defining an opening for accommodating a reciprocating valve stem (64), a fuel cell adapter (80) frictionally engaging the closure (70) and including a flange (90) configured for suspending the fuel cell (60) in a tool fuel cell chamber. The adapter (80) includes a collar (96) configured for receiving the valve stem (64) and being suspended for restricted vertical movement relative to the flange (90). A stem receiver block (100) is connectable to a cylinder head frame and includes a stem engagement portion (106) configured for directly and sealingly engaging an end of the valve stem (64), the stem engagement portion (106) being in fluid communication with an internal receiver passage (110) constructed and arranged for delivering fuel to a combustion chamber.