Spring Fastener Assembly for Fuel Rail Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener assemblies fail to effectively isolate components from vibration transmission in direct injection fuel rail systems, leading to unsatisfactory noise and potential engine malfunction, while existing isolators like metal wool are expensive and complicated to install.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly utilizing spring members with domed flanges that minimally engage attachment bosses, allowing controlled torque limiting and efficient installation, thereby isolating components from vibration and heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If metal wool isolators are used to reduce heat transfer and vibration, then isolation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator is divided into two separate spring members (first spring member and second spring member) that are positioned on opposite sides of the fuel rail mounting boss. Each spring member independently engages the boss, providing vibration isolation while simplifying the overall assembly structure compared to a single complex metal wool barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring members are designed to be resilient and compliant, allowing them to dynamically absorb and isolate vibrations from the fuel injector. The spring members can compress and expand to accommodate vibration frequencies, providing effective isolation without requiring complex rigid structures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If metal wool isolators are used to prevent vibration transmission, then isolation effectiveness is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring members are pre-configured with flanges that directly engage the mounting boss, allowing for quick installation without requiring complex assembly steps. The spring members are designed to be inserted and secured in a straightforward manner, reducing installation time compared to metal wool isolators that require careful placement and securing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If spring members with minimal engagement are used, then isolation effectiveness is improved, but connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring members are designed with localized engagement features: the flanges engage the mounting boss at specific points to provide vibration isolation, while the cylinders extend into the boss to provide structural support. This localized quality distribution allows minimal engagement for isolation while maintaining sufficient connection strength through the cylindrical portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring members are made of resilient material that combines elastic properties for vibration isolation with sufficient structural strength for mechanical connection. The composite nature of the spring material allows it to function both as an isolator and a structural connector simultaneously.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, efficient method to isolate components, reducing vibration transmission and noise, while allowing secure mounting and easy installation, with tunable damping effects for effective frequency isolation.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring member including a first cylinder disposed in the first hole and a first domed shaped flange having a peripheral edge engaged against a first surface on a first side of the mounting boss
Implementation Method 2
isolating one of the components and preventing the isolated component from vibrating at the same frequency as the other component
Implementation Method 3
The first and second flanges are dome shaped with peripheral edges thereof engaging said first and second side of the work piece
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
An isolating connector between a first work piece and a second work piece each defining a hole therein includes first and second spring members that capture the first work piece between flanges of the spring members and establish a column between the second work piece and a head of a bolt extending through the first and second spring members and anchored in the second work piece.