Hand-Assemblable Fuel Injector Seal Design

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seals for fuel injectors and spark plugs face challenges in maintaining a secure seal under varying conditions of movement and alignment, particularly in accommodating lateral and angular displacements without compromising the seal integrity.

Innovation Solution

A hand-assemblable seal design featuring a first and second portion with a flexible intermediate portion, incorporating annular rings made of rigid materials for enhanced retention and flexibility, allowing for barb-like retention properties and accommodating movement while maintaining contact with both the outer and inner members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional seal design is used, then the seal can be manufactured with standard processes, but the seal cannot accommodate lateral and angular displacements without compromising seal integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of lateral and angular displacementsVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is divided into three distinct segments: a first rigid annular ring, a flexible intermediate portion, and a second rigid annular ring. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function - the rigid rings maintain seal integrity while the flexible intermediate portion accommodates lateral and angular displacements between them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal combines rigid materials (for the annular rings that maintain structural integrity and sealing contact) with flexible materials (for the intermediate portion that accommodates displacement). This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties to simultaneously achieve adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid seal structure is used, then the seal maintains structural integrity, but the seal cannot accommodate movement between members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidaccommodation of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is divided into three distinct segments: a first rigid annular ring, a flexible intermediate portion, and a second rigid annular ring. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function - the rigid rings maintain seal integrity while the flexible intermediate portion accommodates lateral and angular displacements between them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic composite structure where the flexible intermediate portion can deform and adapt to accommodate movement between the rigid annular rings, allowing the seal to maintain integrity while adapting to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible seal structure is used, then the seal can accommodate movement, but the seal cannot maintain secure retention under axial loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of movementVSAvoidretention under axial loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is divided into three distinct segments: a first rigid annular ring, a flexible intermediate portion, and a second rigid annular ring. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function - the rigid rings maintain seal integrity while the flexible intermediate portion accommodates lateral and angular displacements between them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the seal have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions: the rigid annular rings provide strength and retention under axial loads where structural integrity is critical, while the flexible intermediate portion provides adaptability and movement accommodation where flexibility is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 seal effectively resists axial movement and maintains contact with both members, accommodating lateral and angular displacements, ensuring a secure and durable seal over time.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible intermediate portion extends between the first and second portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8002287B2Hand assemblable fuel injector seal

Publication Date: 2011.08.23 FREUDENBERG NOK GEN PARTNERSHIP

AI summary

A seal adapted to sealingly engage an outer member and an inner member in an installed position includes a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion. The first portion is adapted to sealingly engage a sealing surface of the outer member in the installed position. The second portion is adapted to sealingly engage the inner member in the installed position. The intermediate portion extends between the first and second portions. The first portion includes an outboard surface engaging the sealing surface of the outer member and a first overlap portion extending outwardly beyond an inner diameter of the sealing surface.