Fuel Injector Valve Assembly With Segmented Radial Seals

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel injector valve assemblies require large solenoids to overcome the forces needed to open and close the valves, resulting in high current draw and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A fuel injector valve assembly with a plunger and valve seat design, where the plunger is longitudinally movable between open and closed positions, utilizing a solenoid actuator to control fuel flow, and featuring radial seals that engage the valve seat at different locations in open and closed positions, allowing for reduced solenoid size and lower current consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a conventional valve assembly design is used, then the valve can be opened and closed, but a large solenoid is required to overcome the forces needed to open and close the valve, resulting in high current draw

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce to open and close valveVSAvoidcurrent draw

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented into two separate seals (first seal and second seal) positioned at different locations on the plunger. This segmentation allows each seal to contribute to the closing force, reducing the burden on the solenoid and enabling a smaller solenoid size with lower current draw while maintaining reliable valve operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If a conventional valve assembly design is used, then the valve can be opened and closed, but a large solenoid is required, resulting in increased costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce to open and close valveVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented into two separate seals (first seal and second seal) positioned at different locations on the plunger. This segmentation allows each seal to contribute to the closing force, reducing the burden on the solenoid and enabling a smaller solenoid size with lower current draw while maintaining reliable valve operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Force

If a conventional valve assembly design is used, then the valve can be opened and closed, but a large solenoid is required, resulting in reduced operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce to open and close valveVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented into two separate seals (first seal and second seal) positioned at different locations on the plunger. This segmentation allows each seal to contribute to the closing force, reducing the burden on the solenoid and enabling a smaller solenoid size with lower current draw while maintaining reliable valve operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution enables a reduction in solenoid size and current draw, leading to cost savings and improved operational efficiency in fuel injector systems.

Implementation Method 1

The valve assemblies typically include a solenoid to control the opening and closing of an associated valve in the fuel injector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Implementation Method 2

the first seal and the second seal are located proximally of the inlet of the seat body in sealing engagement with the seat body of the valve seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing engagement:

Data Source

PatentUS20250084816A1Fuel injector and valve assembly for the same

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 CUMMINS INC

AI summary

A fuel injector for fuel is provided. The fuel injector includes a valve assembly with an actuator and a valve coupled to the actuator. The valve includes a valve seat and a plunger radially sealed to the valve seat and movable in the valve seat to selectively open and close an inlet extending through a sidewall of the valve seat.