Fuel Injector Coupling Retainer to Prevent Rotation and Cracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injector systems face issues with connector rotation and over-torqueing, leading to cracks in the injector body and pressure leakage due to the use of pins to prevent connector rotation, which also generate debris and require specialized tooling for installation.
Innovation Solution
A coupling member with a protruding portion that contacts the injector body to prevent rotational movement of the fuel injection apparatus, using a retainer that fits snugly around the connector and applies longitudinal force to secure it, eliminating the need for pins and reducing torque-related stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin is inserted into the injector body to prevent connector rotation, then the connector is secured against rotation, but the pin may cause over-torqueing leading to cracks in the injector body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pin from the system entirely and replaces it with a coupling member that has an integrated protruding portion. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of the pin causing over-torqueing and cracks while maintaining the rotation prevention function through the coupling member's design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member acts as an intermediary component between the connector and the injector body. Instead of directly inserting a pin into the injector body, the coupling member mediates the connection, providing rotation prevention through its protruding portion that engages with the connector without compromising the injector body's integrity.
2Reliability
If a pin is used to secure the connector, then rotation is prevented, but debris is generated during installation
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the pin and replacing it with a coupling member, the source of debris generation is eliminated. The coupling member's design allows for debris-free installation while maintaining secure connector positioning through its protruding portion.
3Reliability
If a pin insertion mechanism is used, then connector rotation is prevented, but specialized tooling is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the pin insertion mechanism and its associated specialized tooling requirements. The coupling member can be installed using standard tools and procedures, significantly simplifying the installation process while maintaining connector security through its integrated protruding portion design.
4Reliability
If torque is applied to insert the connector, then the connector is secured, but over-torqueing may cause cracks in the injector body
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member serves as an intermediary that distributes and manages the torque applied during connector installation. Its design allows for secure attachment while preventing concentration of stress that would lead to cracks in the injector body.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member's structure is designed to cushion and absorb excessive torque before it can reach the injector body. This beforehand cushioning prevents over-torqueing from causing damage to the injector body while still achieving secure connector attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses for immobilizing fuel injection apparatuses are disclosed. A coupling member couples a fuel injection apparatus with an injector body of an engine. The coupling member includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface, and an opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The opening receives the fuel injection apparatus. The coupling member also includes a protruding portion extending from the bottom surface or the side surface which comes into contact with the injector body to prevent rotational movement of the fuel injection apparatus.