Reversible Injector Clamp for Multi-Configuration Engine Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injector clamps are not adaptable to different engine head configurations, leading to increased manufacturing costs due to the need for unique clamps for varying cylinder spacings and injector positions.
Innovation Solution
A reversible injector clamp assembly with adjustable arm positions and bolting areas, allowing the same clamp to be used on multiple engine head configurations by switching between different clamping surface orientations and bolting positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single clamp design is used for multiple engine head configurations, then manufacturing costs are reduced and production is simplified, but the clamp must accommodate varying cylinder spacings and injector positions which increases design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates adjustable arms that can be repositioned along the body to accommodate different injector positions. The arms are designed with adjustment mechanisms allowing them to move between multiple fixed positions, enabling the same clamp to adapt to various engine head configurations without requiring multiple specialized clamps
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body is designed as a universal platform that can serve multiple engine head configurations. By integrating adjustable positioning mechanisms for the arms and clamping surfaces, a single clamp design achieves multi-functionality, replacing the need for configuration-specific clamp variants
2Manufacturing precision
If unique clamps are produced for each engine head configuration, then precise fitment for each configuration is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp maintains precise fitment by allowing adjustment of critical parameters such as arm position, clamping surface orientation, and bolt hole alignment. These parameters can be changed to match different engine head configurations while using the same base clamp design, achieving configuration-specific precision without producing unique clamps for each variant
3Ease of manufacture
If the clamp design is simplified for easier manufacture, then production costs are reduced, but adaptability to different engine head configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into distinct functional modules: a standardized body, adjustable arms, and interchangeable clamping surfaces. This segmentation allows the core body to remain simple for easy manufacture, while the modular components provide the necessary adaptability through reconfiguration and adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An injector clamp for clamping at least two injectors to an engine head includes a body having at least a first arm and a second arm. Each arm having a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface on opposing sides of the body. A distance between the first clamping surfaces of the first arm and the second arm is different from a distance between the second clamping surfaces of the first arm and the second arm. The body is configurable, for use, in one of: a first position in which the first clamping surfaces from each of the first and second arms can abut with an injector; and a second position in which the second clamping surfaces from each of the first and second arms can abut with an injector.