Fuel Distribution Pipe Thinner Sealing Surface Plating
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel distribution systems, the reconnection of fuel pipes can cause cracking and peeling of plating on sealing surfaces, leading to contamination and potential engine malfunctions due to loose plating pieces, especially when carbon steel is used without adequate corrosion resistance.
Innovation Solution
A fuel distribution pipe design featuring a thinner plating layer on the sealing surface compared to the outer peripheral surface, utilizing carbon steel as the base material and a combination of nickel and zinc plating for corrosion resistance, with a tapered sealing surface for improved adhesion and reduced peeling, and a Vickers hardness of 230 or more to minimize deformation and cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plating layer is formed on the sealing surface to secure corrosion resistance, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the plating layer may crack and peel off during reconnection, causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different plating layer thicknesses to different surfaces of the fuel distribution pipe. The sealing surface has a thinner plating layer (5-15 μm) compared to the outer peripheral surface (10-20 μm), creating local quality differences that prevent cracking during reconnection while maintaining corrosion resistance where needed.
2Strength
If carbon steel is used as base material to reduce cost and improve strength, then manufacturing cost is reduced and strength is improved, but corrosion resistance against fuel and degraded fuel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining carbon steel base material with a multi-layer plating coating system. The carbon steel provides high strength and cost-effectiveness, while the electroless nickel plating and zinc/zinc nickel plating layers provide corrosion resistance against fuel and environmental damage.
3Reliability
If the plating layer thickness is increased to improve corrosion resistance, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the plating layer becomes more prone to cracking and peeling during reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying plating layer thickness across different surfaces. The sealing surface uses a thinner plating layer (5-15 μm) to maintain integrity during reconnection, while the outer peripheral surface uses a thicker plating layer (10-20 μm) for enhanced corrosion resistance in the external environment.
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 effectively suppresses contamination from plating pieces while maintaining corrosion resistance, reducing the risk of engine malfunctions and ensuring reliable fuel distribution to multiple injection devices.
Implementation Method 1
an electroless nickel plating is formed on the surface of the fuel distribution pipe
Implementation Method 2
a zinc plating or zinc nickel plating is formed thereon
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fuel distribution pipe connected to a fuel pipe and distributes and supplies fuel to a plurality of fuel injection devices, comprising: a tubular base material forming a body of the fuel distribution pipe; and a plating layer formed on a surface of the base material, wherein the base material includes a sealing surface formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof and comes into press-contact with the fuel pipe, and wherein a thickness of the plating layer on the sealing surface is thinner than that of the plating layer on an outer peripheral surface of the fuel distribution pipe.