Fuel Injector Seal Configuration for Sideloading Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel injectors in engines experience sideloading due to longitudinal forces, leading to fretting and seal deterioration, causing fuel leaks into lubrication or ignition chambers, which existing seal structures, including resin backup rings, fail to prevent effectively.
Innovation Solution
A seal configuration comprising a seal ring with a durometer of 75 or less and a spacer ring with a greater durometer and uniform outer diameter, positioned within a seal groove to absorb sideload forces and prevent fuel leaks, where the spacer ring is made of a material like PTFE and has a rectangular cross-section with chamfers for easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resin backup ring is used in the seal structure, then the seal structure is improved, but sideloading is not prevented and the seal ring deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer ring acts as an intermediary element between the engine head and the seal ring. It has a uniform outer diameter that is greater than the fuel injector bore diameter, allowing it to contact the engine head and absorb sideloading forces before they reach the seal ring, thereby protecting the seal structure while preventing sideloading
Solution Approach 2:
The seal configuration uses a composite structure combining a resin backup ring and a spacer ring made of different materials (e.g., PTFE). The spacer ring material is selected to have higher strength and wear resistance to specifically address sideloading, while the resin backup ring provides sealing functionality, creating a composite solution that addresses both sealing and sideloading protection
2Reliability
If the spacer ring has a uniform outer diameter greater than the fuel injector bore, then sideloading is absorbed effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal configuration is segmented into distinct functional components: a seal ring for sealing and a spacer ring for absorbing sideloading forces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, with the spacer ring's uniform outer diameter specifically designed to contact the engine head and prevent sideloading
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 configuration effectively absorbs sideload forces, preventing fuel leaks and maintaining a proper seal between the fuel injector and engine head, with the spacer ring's uniform diameter and higher durometer providing enhanced durability and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the spacer ring is configured to be adjacent the seal ring within the seal groove to form a seal of a fuel injector slot of an engine head of an engine
Data Source
AI summary
A seal configuration for a fuel injector is disclosed. The seal configuration may include a seal ring within a seal groove of the fuel injector. The seal ring may be formed from a first material. The seal configuration may include a spacer ring within the seal groove of the fuel injector. The spacer ring may be formed from a second material. An outer diameter of the spacer ring may be greater than a diameter of a fuel injector bore of the fuel injector. The spacer ring may be configured to be adjacent the seal ring within the seal groove to form a seal of a fuel injector slot of an engine head of an engine, and the fuel injector slot is configured to support the fuel injector.