Fuel Conduit Connection Assembly Sealing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection arrangements for tubular fuel lines in cylinder heads require complex assembly processes and multiple parts, leading to difficulties in achieving a tight seal under high pressure due to frictional forces and the need for additional tightening elements.

Innovation Solution

The sealing arrangement is integrated within the channel of the cylinder head, utilizing elastically deformable sealing elements that compress radially upon tightening, eliminating the need for external friction and additional tightening elements, and can be implemented using either a single hollow-cylindrical sealing sleeve or an annular disk pack to seal the channel effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a nut and additional sealing element are used to seal the inlet opening, then sealing tightness is improved, but assembly complexity and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing tightnessVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing function with the pressure transmission function into a single integrated sealing arrangement. The sealing elements are positioned within the channel and work together with the pressure transmission elements to achieve both sealing and force transmission simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate nuts and additional sealing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the sealing elements from the external nut assembly and relocates them inside the channel. By positioning the sealing elements within the channel and integrating them with the pressure transmission arrangement, the design removes the need for external nuts while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If multiple sealing elements are arranged outside the channel, then sealing coverage is improved, but frictional forces and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing coverageVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the sealing arrangement from an external configuration to an internal configuration within the channel. By repositioning the sealing elements inside the channel and integrating them with the pressure transmission arrangement, the design eliminates external frictional forces while maintaining comprehensive sealing coverage through the internal positioning of sealing elements.

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

3Reliability

If a complex sealing arrangement with multiple parts is used, then sealing reliability under high pressure is improved, but the number of parts and assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliability under high pressureVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The sealing elements are combined with the pressure transmission arrangement to form a unified system that simultaneously achieves sealing and force transmission, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining reliability under high pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing elements within the channel serve multiple functions: they provide sealing against the inner wall, transmit pressure forces, and prevent fluid leakage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 simplifies the assembly process, ensures a tight seal under high pressures without additional assembly steps, and reduces the risk of dirt accumulation and maintenance complexity by minimizing external projections and depressions.

Implementation Method 1

elastically deformable sealing elements are dimensioned in such a way that when the arrangement is assembled, they initially rest neither on the inner wall of the duct nor on the outer wall of the line. Rather, to achieve the required tightness, they are only pressed against these components in that the force exerted by the union screw element when screwing in in the axial direction causes axial compression of the sealing elements, causing them to expand correspondingly far in the radial direction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2450556B1Connection assembly for a tubular fuel conduit
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 GUIDO HANS JUERGEN
  • EP2450556B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2450556B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2450556B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The terminal assembly has a pressure nipple (6) that is provided with front sealing surface (8) and back pressure receiving surface. Force applied to pressure receiving surface is transmitted to press the sealing surface against a nozzle holder (2) arranged at opposing sealing surface (10). The space (21) formed between outer wall of fuel line (5) and inner wall of pressure transmission arrangement, and space (22) formed between outer wall of pressure transmission arrangement and inner wall of channel, are sealed by a sealing arrangement inside the channel.