Fuel Injector Connecting Device for Compact Engine Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel injection systems for internal combustion engines require large installation spaces due to the connection design between the fuel injection valve and the cup, which contradicts the need for compact engine designs and increased noise from valve ticking.

Innovation Solution

A compact connecting device with a U-shaped clip design that decouples the fuel injector from the cylinder head and fuel-carrying component, using a wire section connecting element and securing elements like a ring-shaped securing element or adhesive bonds to reduce space requirements and minimize noise, allowing for adjustable hydraulic pressures and secure attachment without additional hold-down devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional tubular piece and U-shaped clip connecting device is used, then the fuel injection valve can be connected to the cup, but the installation space required and the space required in the engine are large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the connecting element and the hold-down device into a single integrated component. The connecting element has a U-shaped clip design with legs that engage with the cup and fuel injection valve, while also incorporating a hold-down function through its structural configuration. This merging eliminates the need for separate connecting and securing components, significantly reducing the overall volume and installation space required while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element is designed to nest within the existing structural spaces between the cup and fuel injection valve. The U-shaped clip fits into the gap between these components, with its legs extending to engage both surfaces. This nesting approach allows the connecting device to occupy minimal additional space while effectively performing its connection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If direct contact occurs between the fuel injection valve and the cylinder head, then the connection is stable, but the impact of the valve needle leads to strong noise development

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element acts as an intermediary component between the fuel injection valve and the cup/cylinder head assembly. Instead of allowing direct contact between the valve needle and the cylinder head, the connecting element's U-shaped clip structure provides a buffered connection. This intermediary structure absorbs and dampens the impact forces generated by the rapidly opening and closing valve needle, preventing direct transmission of these forces to the cylinder head and thereby reducing noise while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element is designed with inherent cushioning characteristics through its U-shaped clip geometry and material selection. This structure provides preliminary shock absorption capability that cushions the impact forces before they can be transmitted to the cylinder head. The design anticipates the dynamic forces generated during valve operation and incorporates damping features that mitigate noise generation in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If additional hold-down devices with spring force are used, then the fuel injector can be securely held, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connecting function and the hold-down function into a single integrated connecting element. The U-shaped clip design inherently provides both connection and securing capabilities through its geometric configuration. The legs of the U-shaped clip engage with the cup and fuel injection valve to provide holding force without requiring separate spring-loaded hold-down devices. This integration reduces component count and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining reliable securing of the fuel injector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3094856B1Fuel injection system having a fuel-conducting component, a fuel injection valve and a connection element
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3094856B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3094856B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3094856B1 patent drawingFigure 5~5A

AI summary

A connection device (6) for fuel injection systems is used to connect a fuel injection valve (5) to a cup (2) and to a fuel-conducting component (3). Connection elements (15, 16) are provided which can be inserted into the cup (2) such that the elements are at least approximately arranged on a plane (24) that is oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis (7) of the cup (2). The connection elements (15, 16) are designed as pin-type connection elements (15, 16). Furthermore, the connection elements (15, 16) are designed so as to be inserted into the cup (2) within an outer cross-section (28) of the cup (2). Additionally, a securing element (17) is provided for securing the connection elements (15, 16). The invention further relates to a fuel injection system (1) comprising such a connection device (6).