Cummins Engine Company, Inc.

Chandresh R Shah

Daniel K Hickey

George L Muntean

Steven D Edwards

Dave A Olson

David L Eastman

A clamping load distributor and top stop disposed and connecting between a fuel injector body and a clamping device. The clamping load distributor functions as an intermediary to transmit the static clamping load from the clamping device to the fuel injector body. The clamping load distributor includes a cylindrically shaped main body having a bore extending therethrough that is disposed adjacent a coupling return spring. A cap is connected to the cylindrically shaped main body and functions as a top stop for limiting the outward axial movement of a mechanical linkage. The restriction on axial movement creates a small gap between the moving mechanical parts to allow a coating of lubrication to be obtained. The main body having a pair of clamp receiving portions formed therein for receiving a clamping load. An annular ring is formed on the bottom side of clamping load distributor radially inward from the clamp receiving portions for contacting the upper deck of the fuel injector body. The geometric relationship of the clamping load distributor functions to transfer the static clamping load radially inward towards the fuel injector units center of mass. The transferring of the clamping load radially inward results in a significant decrease in the occurrence of timing plunger seizure within the fuel injector unit.

Clamping load distributor and top stop for a fuel injector

A distortion control ring disposed and connected between a fuel injector body and a clamping device. The distortion control ring is utilized as an intermediary for transmitting a static clamping load from the clamping device to the fuel injector body. The distortion control ring includes a cylindrical shaped main body having a bore extending therethrough between an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the main body being adapted for mounting a return spring thereon. The lower surface having an annular portion for contacting the fuel injector body. A radial flange is formed on the distortion control ring adjacent to the main body for contacting the clamping device and receiving the static clamping load. The clamping device engages the radial flange at a distance radially outward of where the lower surface of the main body contacts the fuel injector body. This geometric relationship between the radial flange and the lower surface of the main body transfers the static clamping load to a central portion of the fuel injector body. By transferring the static clamping load to a more central portion of the fuel injector body there is a corresponding reduction in the failure rate of fuel injector units.

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Columbus, IN, United States of America

Chandresh R Shah