Fuel Injector Coupling With Adjustable Distance Element

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel injector systems face challenges in achieving precise and reliable coupling with the cylinder head of internal combustion engines, requiring complex manufacturing processes and potentially leading to suboptimal fuel dosing and noise issues during operation.

Innovation Solution

A fuel injector system utilizing a ring element with a spherical surface and adjustable distance elements made of robust plastics like polyphenylene sulfide, polybutylene terephthalate, or polyethylene terephthalate, along with a retaining element for precise alignment and easy disassembly, allowing for simple production and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fuel injector is coupled to the cylinder head with precise alignment requirements, then the fuel dosing accuracy is improved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coupling element as an intermediary component between the fuel injector and the cylinder head. This coupling element includes a retaining element that engages with a retaining bore in the cylinder head and a distance element that positions the fuel injector at a precise axial distance. By using this intermediate coupling mechanism, the patent achieves precise coupling alignment while simplifying the overall assembly process, as the coupling element can be pre-assembled and then installed as a single unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional components: a retaining element for mechanical engagement and positioning, and a distance element for axial spacing. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and adjusted independently, facilitating precise coupling while maintaining simple assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the fuel injector is firmly fixed to the cylinder head, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the serviceability and ease of disassembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidserviceability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element serves as a removable intermediary between the fuel injector and the cylinder head. The retaining element can be disengaged from the retaining bore to allow easy removal of the fuel injector for service or replacement. When properly engaged, this same coupling element provides reliable and secure fixation during operation, thus achieving both reliability and serviceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling system transitions from a static permanent fixation to a dynamic reversible connection. The retaining element can be easily engaged and disengaged from the retaining bore, allowing the fuel injector to be firmly fixed during operation but readily removable when service is needed, thus balancing reliability with ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If distance elements with different axial extensions are used for leveling, then the adjustability is improved, but the inventory complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling adjustabilityVSAvoidinventory complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distance element's axial extension parameter can be varied to achieve different leveling positions. By designing the distance element with adjustable thickness or providing a selection of standardized thicknesses, the system achieves versatile leveling capability while controlling inventory complexity through parameter standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a plastic material is used for the distance element, then the noise and adhesion are reduced, but the mechanical strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and adhesionVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The distance element is made from robust engineering plastics such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These materials provide a composite solution that combines the noise reduction and low adhesion properties of plastic with sufficient mechanical strength for the application. The selected plastics maintain dimensional stability and structural integrity while providing the desired low-friction, low-noise characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2251541B1Fuel injector and fuel injection system
Publication Date: 2011.11.30 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP2251541B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2251541B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Fuel injector (18) including a central longitudinal axis (L) and being operable to be arranged in a cylinder head (14) of a combustion engine (22). The fuel injector (18) has an injector body (26) and an adjustment device (30). The adjustment device (30) comprises a ring element (32) being designed to be arranged in a recess (15) of a cylinder head (14) between the injector body (26) and the cylinder head (14) to align the fuel injector (18) relative to the recess (15) in radial direction, and a distance element (34). The distance element (34) is designed to be arranged in the recess (15) between the ring element (32) and the cylinder head (14) to level the fuel injector (18) relative to the cylinder head (14) in axial direction. Fuel-injection system with a cylinder head (14) and a fuel injector (18).