This inventor holds 2 USPTO granted patents. Top assignees: Ford Motor Company Limited, Siemens Automotive Corporation. Active years: 1994-1995.
Location History:
- Yorktown, VA (US) (1994)
- Farmington Hills, MI (US) (1995)
Company Filing History:
2 out of 6,167 
2 out of 541 
Years Active: 1994-1995
Title: Thomas A Lahnala: Innovator in Fuel Injector Technology
Introduction
Thomas A Lahnala is a notable inventor based in Yorktown, VA (US). He holds 2 patents that showcase his contributions to the field of fuel injector technology. His innovative designs have made significant impacts in the automotive industry.
Latest Patents
Lahnala's latest patents focus on advanced fuel injector designs. One of his notable inventions is a fuel injector that features a combination valve-armature. This component is fabricated by laser welding a more magnetically permeable armature element to a less magnetically permeable valve element. The valve element includes a sealing ring and a landing ring, which is circumferentially discontinuous due to fuel passage holes. The non-symmetrical design of the sealing ring allows the magnetic opening force to tilt the valve-armature at a consistent circumferential location. The initial tilting motion is halted by a corrugated stop surface, ensuring precise operation. The actuator is designed with a bobbin-mounted coil encapsulated by an outer plastic body, with a conical disk spring providing necessary force. The objective of this invention is to lower the manufacturing costs while maintaining the specified performance of the injector.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Thomas A Lahnala has worked with prominent companies in the automotive sector. He has been associated with Siemens Automotive Corporation and Ford Motor Company Limited. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in fuel injector technology.
Collaborations
Lahnala has collaborated with notable professionals in his field, including Michael W Chabon and Bruce J Harvey. These collaborations have likely enriched his work and contributed to the development of his innovative patents.
Conclusion
Thomas A Lahnala's contributions to fuel injector technology reflect his dedication to innovation and efficiency in the automotive industry. His patents demonstrate a commitment to improving manufacturing processes while enhancing performance.