Offset Bolt Fuel Injector Clamp for Tight Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving increased power density in internal combustion engines while managing high fuel injection pressures and thermal challenges, and meeting stringent emissions regulations requires innovative component packaging and cooling strategies, particularly in the cylinder head assembly where fuel injectors need robust attachment and precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A fuel injector assembly with a clamp configuration that includes a forked injector portion and a bolting portion with an offset bolt hole axis, allowing for robust attachment to the cylinder head while accommodating the tight packaging of valvetrain components, and a nozzle design with seven spray outlets for optimized fuel distribution and combustion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional centered bolt hole configuration is used for fuel injector clamping, then the structure is simple and symmetric, but it does not accommodate tight packaging of valvetrain components in high power density engines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting the bolt hole axis from the middle plane of the fuel injector. This asymmetric configuration allows the clamp to accommodate tight packaging of valvetrain components in high power density engines, as the offset position provides better clearance and spatial arrangement compared to a centered symmetric configuration.
2Productivity
If high fuel injection pressures are used to increase power density, then more fuel can be injected per cycle, but specialized equipment and enhanced cooling strategies are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality through the offset clamp configuration that provides localized structural support and positioning for the fuel injector. This localized adaptation allows the system to handle high fuel injection pressures effectively by ensuring precise injector placement and robust attachment, which are critical for maintaining injection integrity under high pressure conditions.
3Power
If combustion temperatures are elevated to increase power output, then more power is generated, but component materials and geometry must be carefully tailored to avoid overheating and thermal fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action through the offset clamp configuration that pre-establishes optimal fuel injector positioning and clamping force distribution. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that the fuel injection system is properly configured before high-temperature combustion occurs, enabling reliable operation under elevated combustion temperatures by preventing misalignment and ensuring consistent fuel delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel injector assembly includes a fuel injector defining a longitudinal axis extending between a first axial injector end, and a second axial injector end. The fuel injector further includes, between the first axial injector end and the second axial injector end, a first clamp face and a second clamp face defining a middle plane. The fuel injector assembly further includes a clamp having a forked injector portion forming a slot receiving the fuel injector and in contact with each of the first clamp face and the second clamp face, and a bolting portion having a bolt hole formed therein. The bolt hole defines a bolt hole axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis and offset from the middle plane.