Fuel Pipe Assembly Deformable Clamp Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel pipe seal and clamping systems for high-pressure fuel lines in internal combustion engines face challenges such as fuel leakage, vibration-induced fatigue, and manufacturing tolerance issues, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential failure due to rigid pipe constraints and limited flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A fuel pipe assembly featuring a deformable clamp member and a securing arrangement with a locking nut and tube nut that allows initial lateral movement of the fuel pipe during assembly, accommodating manufacturing tolerances and providing a secure, flexible connection that reduces vibrations and prevents leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid tube nut is used to secure the fuel pipe to the injector, then the connection is stable and secure, but the fuel pipe cannot accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations
Solution Approach 1:
The tube nut is designed with a threaded bore that allows axial adjustment of the fuel pipe position. By changing the axial parameter (position) of the fuel pipe within the tube nut, the system can accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations while maintaining a secure connection. The threading mechanism enables precise parameter adjustment to achieve optimal alignment.
2Reliability
If the fuel pipe is constrained tightly to prevent vibration, then vibration and fatigue are reduced, but the pipe cannot flex to accommodate component variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The fuel pipe can be positioned axially within the tube nut during assembly to achieve proper alignment, and then secured in place. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the pipe to accommodate component variations while the final secured position provides vibration resistance.
3Reliability
If multiple clamps are added to secure the fuel pipe, then vibration and fatigue are reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tube nut serves multiple functions: it secures the fuel pipe to the injector, provides axial adjustment for alignment, and acts as a clamping mechanism when tightened. By merging these functions into a single component, the system achieves vibration resistance without adding multiple separate clamps, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
4Strength
If the fuel pipe is made thicker to handle higher pressure, then pressure containment is improved, but the pipe stiffness increases making alignment more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tube nut acts as an intermediary between the thick-stiff fuel pipe and the injector. It provides the adjustment mechanism that allows the stiff pipe to be positioned accurately for alignment, then secures it in place. The tube nut mediates between the pipe's stiffness and the need for alignment flexibility during assembly.
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 enhances the flexibility of the fuel pipe assembly, reduces component wear, and extends the operational lifetime by allowing optimal alignment and reducing the number of components needed, thus simplifying assembly and reducing costs while maintaining a secure seal and preventing vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable clamp member (or clamp means) for securing the fuel pipe within the tube nut... the clamp member is compressed between the locking nut and tube nut into a strained (or deformed) configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel pipe assembly for supplying fuel to a fuel injector located within a bore of an engine cylinder head comprises a tube nut for connecting the fuel pipe to the fuel injector and a securing arrangement comprising a locking nut and a deformable clamp member for securing the fuel pipe within the tube nut. The tube nut comprises a tubular member defining an axial bore to receive the fuel pipe, a distal end shaped for cooperation with the head of the fuel pipe, and a proximal end having an attachment mechanism for engaging a compatible attachment mechanism of the locking nut. The locking nut has an axial bore to receive the fuel pipe, and an attachment mechanism for engaging a compatible attachment mechanism of the tube nut. The clamp member defines a bore to receive the fuel pipe and is deformable under compression. In a first state of engagement, the locking nut and tube nut define a volume therebetween that accommodates the clamp member in an unstrained configuration and the fuel pipe is able to move laterally. In a second state of engagement, the clamp member is compressed between the locking nut and tube nut into a strained configuration such that lateral movement of the fuel pipe is constrained.