Tolerance Ring Axial Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injector mounting arrangements fail to effectively dampen vibration and noise caused by axial movement of injectors during engine operation, as they lack damping capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A tolerance ring assembly with a stepped outer circumference and a retainer ring that absorbs axial excitation energy by converting it into strain energy through radial deformation, providing effective damping and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional tolerance ring is used to align the injector in the cylinder head, then alignment and centering functionality is achieved, but vibration and noise damping capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tolerance ring transitions from a rigid structure to a resilient structure capable of radial deflection. This parameter change in flexibility allows the ring to absorb axial excitation energy from the injector by converting it into strain energy through radial deformation, thereby damping vibration and noise while maintaining alignment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tolerance ring is designed with the capability to deflect radially outward to accommodate and cushion the axial forces generated by the injector during operation. This beforehand cushioning prevents plastic deformation of the mounting system by absorbing energy before it can cause damage
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tolerance ring is made resilient to absorb axial forces, then vibration damping is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tolerance ring's resilience is carefully controlled through material selection and geometric design to allow radial deflection for vibration absorption while maintaining sufficient structural stability for alignment. The ring operates within elastic deformation limits, ensuring it returns to its original position after absorbing axial forces
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire mounting structure rigid or compliant, the invention selectively applies compliance only where needed - the tolerance ring can deflect radially to absorb vibration while maintaining its shape and alignment function. This inverted approach of localized flexibility preserves structural stability overall
3Force
If axial forces are absorbed through compression alone, then force absorption is achieved, but vibration and noise reduction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tolerance ring converts axial excitation forces into radial deflection, utilizing a different dimensional response (radial direction) to absorb energy from axial motion. This dimensional transformation of force absorption mechanism enables effective vibration and noise reduction beyond what simple axial compression can achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance ring utilizes elastic deformation parameters to convert axial kinetic energy into strain energy through radial deflection. This parameter change in the deformation mode allows the system to absorb vibrational energy more effectively than compression alone, reducing noise and vibration transmission
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
Significantly reduces vibration and noise by up to 5.5 decibels in the 8000 Hz to 16,000 Hz frequency range through the absorption of axial forces, preventing plastic deformation and enhancing the durability of the mounting system.
Implementation Method 1
The improved tolerance ring assembly includes a tolerance ring that is different from the prior art tolerance ring described above, in that it is designed to absorb axial excitation energy from the injector by converting it into strain energy through the radial deformation of the tolerance ring
Implementation Method 2
The tolerance ring is radially resiliently deflectable to absorb an axial force applied by the injector, and the radial deflection of the tolerance ring is limited by the retainer ring
Implementation Method 3
a disk spring positioned between the lower surface and the cylinder head
Data Source
AI summary
An injector mounting arrangement includes a tolerance ring assembly that provides damping or absorption capabilities in addition to alignment and centering functionality. The tolerance ring assembly is designed to absorb axial excitation energy from the injector by converting it into strain energy through the radial deformation of the tolerance ring. The strain energy is absorbed in the form of bending stress within the tolerance ring more effectively than by simply absorbing the axial forces in compression alone. As a result, vibration and noise is reduced and/or isolated.