Magnetic Return Element Fuel Injector Sealing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional injectors for combustion engines, particularly direct injectors, experience excessive pressure losses due to the use of spring-based return elements, leading to leakage and inefficiency, especially when handling gaseous fuels with low viscosity.

Innovation Solution

The injector employs a magnetic return element instead of a spring, utilizing a permanent magnet to provide a magnetic field that moves and holds the second valve element in its closed position, reducing pressure losses and enhancing sealing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring-based return element is used in the injector, then the second valve element can be moved and held in its closed position, but excessive pressure losses occur and leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing efficiencyVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical return element with a magnet-based system. The magnet provides a magnetic field that acts on the second valve element (which contains magnetic material) to move and hold it in the closed position, eliminating the need for a physical spring and reducing pressure losses associated with spring-based sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the return force from mechanical spring force to magnetic field force. By utilizing magnetic field strength as the controlling parameter instead of spring compression, the system achieves effective sealing with reduced pressure loss, as the magnetic force can be precisely controlled and maintained without the energy dissipation inherent in spring-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a spring-based return element is used in the injector, then the valve element can be held in closed position, but leakage increases especially with gaseous fuels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing efficiencyVSAvoidleakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical return element with a magnet-based system. The magnet provides a magnetic field that acts on the second valve element (which contains magnetic material) to move and hold it in the closed position, eliminating the need for a physical spring and reducing pressure losses associated with spring-based sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the return force from mechanical spring force to magnetic field force. By utilizing magnetic field strength as the controlling parameter instead of spring compression, the system achieves effective sealing with reduced pressure loss, as the magnetic force can be precisely controlled and maintained without the energy dissipation inherent in spring-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If a magnetic return element is used instead of a spring, then pressure losses are reduced and sealing efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure lossVSAvoidinjector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the magnet with the existing injector structure, integrating the magnetic return element into the housing or valve assembly. This merging approach minimizes additional components and simplifies the overall device complexity while achieving the desired reduction in pressure losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second valve element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sealing element and the magnetic actuator. By incorporating magnetic material directly into the valve element, the system eliminates the need for separate spring and valve components, reducing overall device complexity despite the introduction of magnetic functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This magnetic drive system minimizes pressure losses and maintains a robust seal, preventing leakage and ensuring efficient fuel injection into the combustion chamber, even under high pressures and temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

The return element is a magnet by means of which a magnetic field is provided, by means of which, as a result of the decrease in pressure, the second valve element can be moved from the second open position back into the second closed position and can then be held in the second closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The injector comprises a check valve (second valve) with a return element and a second valve element associated with the outlet opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11828251B2Injector for a combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, and combustion engine for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 DAIMLER TRUCK AG

AI summary

A fuel injector for a combustion engine. The fuel injector includes a check valve with a return element that is a magnet, by means of which a magnetic field can be provided or is provided, such that, as a result of the decrease in pressure, a second valve element of the check valve can be moved from an open position back into a closed position and held in the closed position.