Fuel Injector Socket Attachment Features Anti-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel injector to fuel rail connection methods require separate parts and expensive machining operations, leading to increased costs and complex assembly processes, with a need for a simpler and more efficient connection that reduces manufacturing cycle time and shipping costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of corresponding attachment features into the fuel injector socket and injector, including slots and projections that provide secure connection and anti-rotation, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without separate parts, applicable to both metal and overmolded plastic fuel rail assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate parts such as clips or cushions are used to connect the fuel injector to the fuel rail, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the attachment features directly into the fuel injector socket and injector body, merging what were previously separate components (clip, cushions, or integration features) into the existing structural elements. This eliminates the need for additional separate parts while maintaining secure connection through the integrated attachment features.
2Reliability
If separate parts such as clips or cushions are used to connect the fuel injector to the fuel rail, then the connection is secure and reliable, but manufacturing cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the attachment features into the socket and injector during their respective manufacturing processes, the patent eliminates the need for separate assembly steps involving clips or cushions. This reduces manufacturing cycle time while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated attachment mechanism.
3Device complexity
If tight tolerances are used in integrated attachment features, then separate parts are eliminated, but machining time increases and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs overmolding technology to create the integrated attachment features, changing the manufacturing parameter from precision machining to molding. This approach allows for more generous tolerances compared to machining, reducing machining time and production costs while eliminating the need for separate parts.
4Device complexity
If overmolded plastic material is used for fuel rail assemblies, then integration of attachment features is enabled, but material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops overmolded attachment features that can be applied to both metal and plastic fuel rail assemblies, creating a universal solution. The attachment features are designed to work with different base materials, allowing the same integration approach to be used across various fuel rail types and materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel injection system includes a fuel injector socket including a first attachment feature and a fuel injector including a second attachment feature that corresponds with the first attachment feature. The first attachment feature engages with the second attachment feature connecting the fuel injector to the fuel injector socket and preventing rotational movement of the fuel injector relative to the fuel injector socket. The corresponding attachment features not only enable simple connection and disconnection of a fuel injector to a fuel injector socket of a fuel rail, but can also be integrated into existing injector to fuel rail assembly processes and are applicable in any fuel injection system. The corresponding attachment features may be used with metal fabricated fuel rail assemblies as well as for fuel rail assemblies where the manifold supply tube and the fuel injector sockets are overmolded with a plastic material.