Captive Screw Spray Nozzle Retention Without Particle Debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil spray nozzle retention systems in internal combustion engines are unsatisfactory due to high costs and potential for particle decomposition, which can harm engine operation, especially in limited spaces where preassembly is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A captive screw mechanism with a retaining element, such as a clip or annular element, that securely holds the screw in place without adhesives or O-rings, ensuring it remains with the spray nozzle during assembly and operation, utilizing a fixed connection between the retaining element and the orientation plate or spray nozzle body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If O-ring or foam glue patch is used to hold the retaining screw captive, then the screw is retained during assembly, but the costs increase and particles may decompose harming engine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is integrated with the orientation plate to form a single-piece structure, eliminating the need for separate O-rings or adhesive patches. The retaining element includes a groove that directly engages with the screw head, providing reliable retention without additional components that could decompose or release particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful O-rings and adhesive patches are completely removed from the assembly. The patent extracts these problematic components and replaces them with a mechanical retaining element that is part of the orientation plate structure, eliminating the source of particle decomposition while maintaining screw retention functionality.
2Reliability
If O-ring or foam glue patch is used to hold the retaining screw captive, then the screw is retained during assembly, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element and orientation plate are combined into a single molded part, eliminating the need for separate O-rings, adhesive patches, and associated assembly steps. This integration reduces component count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers costs while maintaining reliable screw retention through the groove engagement mechanism.
3Reliability
If the screw is held captive using additional components like O-rings or patches, then the screw is retained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is merged with the orientation plate to form a single-component structure. This integration eliminates additional parts such as separate O-rings or adhesive patches, reducing device complexity while maintaining the screw retention function through the built-in groove mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A captive screw spray nozzle comprising a screw for holding the spray nozzle on a support, the screw comprising a screw head engaging with a holding member, secured to the spray nozzle, and forming a stop for retaining the captive screw on the spray nozzle.