Abstract: A fuel rail mounting bracket for use in a fuel charging assembly of a vehicle engine is disclosed. The fuel rail mounting bracket may include a bolt support portion mounted to the vehicle engine; a transition zone extending from the bolt support portion; and a support hoop portion extending from the transition zone and supportably mounted around the fuel rail, the support hoop portion having a main wall thickness and including an upper fracture recess adjacent to the transition zone that has an upper fracture wall thickness that is less than the main wall thickness, and a lower fracture recess, adjacent to the transition zone and spaced from the upper fracture recess, having a lower fracture wall thickness that is less than the main wall thickness.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for maintaining the alignment of a fuel injector during shipping and normal use. In one embodiment of the invention, a clip for retaining a fuel injector to a fuel rail cup that has an annular flange is provided. The clip has a substantially flat base to at least partially surround an end of the fuel injector and a plurality of upstanding tangs to receive and substantially surround the annular flange. An alignment protrusion is also provided on the clip to interface with the annular flange to prevent axial rotation of the fuel injector relative to the fuel rail cup.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for maintaining the alignment of a fuel injector during shipping and normal use. In one embodiment of the invention, a clip for retaining a fuel injector to a fuel rail cup that has an annular flange is provided. The clip has a substantially flat base to at least partially surround an end of the fuel injector and a plurality of upstanding tangs to receive and substantially surround the annular flange. An alignment protrusion is also provided on the clip to interface with the annular flange to prevent axial rotation of the fuel injector relative to the fuel rail cup.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine having a molded plastic fuel rail with an electrical bus molded therein. The fuel rail has a keying feature which allows orientation of the fuel injector relative to the fuel rail when the fuel injector is inserted into the fuel rail. Further, a locking device is provided to lock the fuel injector to the fuel rail. Male electrical connectors on the fuel rail are formed by exposing a portion of the electrical bus. The fuel delivery system includes an electrical connector assembly for connecting the male connector of the fuel injector to the male connector of the fuel rail. Thus, when the fuel injector is inserted into the fuel rail, mechanical orientation and retention is achieved while at the same time an electrical connection is made.