Fuel Distributor Pipe Holder With Damping for Load Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel injection systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in simplifying assembly and distributing loads effectively, leading to potential crushing of insulating elements and uneven stress distribution during fastening of the distributor pipe to the cylinder head.

Innovation Solution

A holder system comprising symmetrical or asymmetrical half-shells with elastically deformable damping elements and metallic sleeves, allowing for snap or screw connections, which can be pre-assembled with the distributor pipe, and using viscoelastic materials for noise decoupling and load absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple individual holding elements and insulating parts are used to fasten the distributor pipe, then the fastening structure provides vibration insulation and contact prevention, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration insulationVSAvoidnumber of individual parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate holding elements and insulating parts into a single integrated holder component. The holder includes an insulating body with multiple holding elements formed as integral parts, eliminating the need to assemble separate components while maintaining vibration insulation and contact prevention functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated holder serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vibration insulation through the insulating body, prevents contact between the distributor pipe and mounting structure through the holding elements, and facilitates assembly as a single pre-assembled unit. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Force

If a large fastening force is applied directly to the holding elements during assembly, then the distributor pipe can be securely fastened, but the insulating element gets crushed and damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening forceVSAvoidinsulating element integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The holder acts as an intermediary component between the fastening mechanism and the distributor pipe. The insulating body distributes the fastening force across multiple holding elements rather than concentrating it on a single insulating element, preventing crushing while maintaining secure fastening. The holding elements transfer loads from the distributor tube to the holder in a distributed manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the holder design, specifically the geometry and arrangement of multiple holding elements within the insulating body. This structural modification allows the system to withstand large fastening forces without crushing the insulating material, as the force is distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrated on one element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the holding elements are positioned precisely during assembly to ensure proper function, then the distributor pipe can be correctly positioned, but the assembly process requires high precision and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is pre-assembled with the distributor pipe in the correct position before installation. The holding elements are pre-positioned within the insulating body with precise geometry, eliminating the need for time-consuming precision positioning during final assembly. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing precision and assembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution simplifies assembly, reduces noise transmission, optimizes load distribution, and allows for a lighter, less stressed distributor pipe design with improved thermal stability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

elastically deformable damping elements which are placed in the holding area of the first half-shell and/or second half-shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

When the damping element is made from an elastomer, it can be placed in the half-shell. In particular, several damping elements in the form of rubber strips can be inserted into the respective half-shell.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelastic damping: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3361086B2Holder for fixing a tubular element on a mounted structure
Publication Date: 2023.02.08 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3361086B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3361086B2 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3361086B2 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A holder (3) is used to attach a distributor pipe (4) of a fuel distributor (2) to an add-on structure (5). The holder (3) comprises a first half-shell (15) and a second half-shell (16). An elastically deformable damping element (20) is molded onto a holding area (17) of the first half-shell (15). Furthermore, an elastically deformable damping element (22) is molded onto a holding area (18) of the second half-shell (16). The half-shells (15, 16) can be joined together to attach the distributor pipe (4) to the add-on structure (5) in such a way that the half-shells (15, 16) enclose the tubular component (4) and the tubular component (4) by means of the elastic Hold damping elements (20, 22). The first half-shell (15) and the second half-shell (16) can be connected to one another by means of a film hinge (28). A further configuration option is that the damping element (20, 22) is inserted into the respective half-shell (15, 16).