Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump for an internal combustion engine. The high-pressure fuel pump includes an improved configuration that beneficially simplifies certain features of the high-pressure fuel pump. The fuel pump possesses an inlet check valve positioned along an inlet fuel circuit and an outlet fuel circuit of the high-pressure pump that provides a path for a low-pressure inlet fuel flow to and a path for a high-pressure output fuel flow from a pumping chamber of the fuel pump. Because of the configuration of the inlet check valve and the outlet check valve, the complexity of high-pressure fuel pump is beneficially reduced, decreasing the cost of components and assembly and improving the life and reliability of high-pressure fuel pump.

Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump for an internal combustion engine. The high-pressure fuel pump includes an improved configuration that beneficially simplifies certain features of the high-pressure fuel pump. The fuel pump possesses an inlet check valve positioned along an inlet fuel circuit and an outlet fuel circuit of the high-pressure pump that provides a path for a low-pressure inlet fuel flow to and a path for a high-pressure output fuel flow from a pumping chamber of the fuel pump. Because of the configuration of the inlet check valve and the outlet check valve, the complexity of high-pressure fuel pump is beneficially reduced, decreasing the cost of components and assembly and improving the life and reliability of high-pressure fuel pump.

Abstract: A fuel pump is disclosed wherein a substantially cylindrical plunger bore is provided with an annular drain groove fluidically coupled to a drain duct. A pump plunger is driven by a drive system located in a separate mechanical compartment that holds a reservoir of lubricating oil. An annular seal is provided adjacent the drain groove substantially at the end of the bore and retained in position by a seal support. Exemplary embodiments provide the drain groove and seal as being positioned immediately adjacent one another so that the seal forms a lower wall of the drain groove.

Abstract: A fuel pump is disclosed wherein a substantially cylindrical plunger bore is provided with an annular drain groove fluidically coupled to a drain duct. A pump plunger is driven by a drive system located in a separate mechanical compartment that holds a reservoir of lubricating oil. An annular seal is provided adjacent the drain groove substantially at the end of the bore and retained in position by a seal support. Exemplary embodiments provide the drain groove and seal as being positioned immediately adjacent one another so that the seal forms a lower wall of the drain groove.

Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump for an internal combustion engine is described. The high-pressure fuel pump includes an improved configuration that beneficially simplifies certain features of the high-pressure fuel pump. More specifically, the disclosure provides for an inlet check valve positioned along an inlet fuel circuit and an outlet fuel circuit of the high-pressure pump that provides a path for a low-pressure inlet fuel flow to and a path for a high-pressure output fuel flow from a pumping chamber of the fuel pump. Because of the configuration of the inlet check valve and the outlet check valve, the complexity of high-pressure fuel pump is beneficially reduced, decreasing the cost of components and assembly and improving the life and reliability of high-pressure fuel pump.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a piezoelectric actuation mechanism and a sensor configuration to measure the condition of the actuation mechanism as well as an associated fuel rail. The sensor configuration includes a piezoelectric sensor with an output signal with significantly reduced distortion that accurately reflects control signals provided to the piezoelectric actuation mechanism.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a fuel injector system and method in which the timing of events in during period of fuel injection of a piezoelectric-actuated fuel injector are estimated based on sensed forces within the injector. The force sensor is positioned between a piezoelectric actuator and a hydraulic link assembly mechanically coupled with the piezoelectric actuator, and the force sensor operable to output a signal corresponding to forces between the piezoelectric actuator and the hydraulic link assembly. From information contained in the sensor output signal, timing in the injection period of at least one fueling characteristic based can be estimated to allow for adjusting fuel injector characteristics to compensate for variations affecting fuel injection, such as manufacturing tolerances, environmental conditions, and deterioration/wear.

Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump for an internal combustion engine is described. The high-pressure fuel pump includes an improved configuration that beneficially simplifies certain features of the high-pressure fuel pump. More specifically, the disclosure provides for an inlet check valve positioned along an inlet fuel circuit and an outlet fuel circuit of the high-pressure pump that provides a path for a low-pressure inlet fuel flow to and a path for a high-pressure output fuel flow from a pumping chamber of the fuel pump. Because of the configuration of the inlet check valve and the outlet check valve, the complexity of high-pressure fuel pump is beneficially reduced, decreasing the cost of components and assembly and improving the life and reliability of high-pressure fuel pump.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a piezoelectric actuation mechanism and a sensor configuration to measure the condition of the actuation mechanism as well as an associated fuel rail. The sensor configuration includes a piezoelectric sensor with an output signal with significantly reduced distortion that accurately reflects control signals provided to the piezoelectric actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A high pressure fuel pump with parallel cooling fuel flow is disclosed wherein a fuel pump barrel having a substantially cylindrical plunger bore with an annular drain groove is provided. A first fuel path is provided that fluidically couples a fuel supply to an annular cooling ring formed on the outer surface of the barrel. The first fuel path further fluidically couples the annular cooling ring to a storage tank via an exit passage. A second, parallel fuel path is provided that fluidically couples the first fuel path to the drain groove, and further includes a drain passage fluidically coupled to the drain groove and the first fuel path via the storage tank.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a fuel injector system and method in which the timing of events in during period of fuel injection of a piezoelectric-actuated fuel injector are estimated based on sensed forces within the injector. The force sensor is positioned between a piezoelectric actuator and a hydraulic link assembly mechanically coupled with the piezoelectric actuator, and the force sensor operable to output a signal corresponding to forces between the piezoelectric actuator and the hydraulic link assembly. From information contained in the sensor output signal, timing in the injection period of at least one fueling characteristic based can be estimated to allow for adjusting fuel injector characteristics to compensate for variations affecting fuel injection, such as manufacturing tolerances, environmental conditions, and deterioration/wear.

Abstract: A closed nozzle injector for injecting fuel at high pressure into the combustion chamber of an engine, is provided including a lower supply chamber positioned in the nozzle housing, an injector plunger including a lower guide sized to form a close sliding fit with a nozzle housing to guide the plunger during reciprocal movement, and a plurality of restriction orifices formed in the injector plunger and positioned about the injector plunger to restrict fuel flow from an upper supply chamber to the lower supply chamber. The lower guide is positioned axially between the lower supply chamber and the injection orifices.

Abstract: A high pressure pumping apparatus for of an internal combustion engine includes a pump barrel having a bore with a central axis, and a two-part pumping plunger provided in the bore of the barrel. The two-part plunger includes first and second pumping plunger parts that are separate from one another and arranged substantially coaxial with the central axis of the barrel's bore. A first distal end portion of the first pumping plunger part abuts a first distal end portion of the second pumping plunger part, and a second distal end portion of the first pumping plunger part in part defines a pumping chamber. The high pressure pumping apparatus includes and a tappet assembly that is operably coupled to the second distal end portion of the second pumping plunger part for operably engaging a rotating camshaft, which causes the first and second plunger parts to move in reciprocal motion.

Abstract: A high pressure fuel pump with parallel cooling fuel flow is disclosed wherein a fuel pump barrel having a substantially cylindrical plunger bore with an annular drain groove is provided. A first fuel path is provided that fluidically couples a fuel supply to an annular cooling ring formed on the outer surface of the barrel. The first fuel path further fluidically couples the annular cooling ring to a storage tank via an exit passage. A second, parallel fuel path is provided that fluidically couples the first fuel path to the drain groove, and further includes a drain passage fluidically coupled to the drain groove and the first fuel path via the storage tank.

Abstract: A fuel pump is disclosed wherein a substantially cylindrical plunger bore is provided with an annular drain groove fluidically coupled to a drain duct. A pump plunger is driven by a drive system located in a separate mechanical compartment that holds a reservoir of lubricating oil. An annular seal is provided adjacent the drain groove substantially at the end of the bore and retained in position by a seal support. Exemplary embodiments provide the drain groove and seal as being positioned immediately adjacent one another so that the seal forms a lower wall of the drain groove.

Abstract: A fuel pump for an internal combustion engine including a fuel pump housing, a cylindrical bore having a central axis and being defined by a bore wall surface, a receiving hole formed in the housing, and a tappet assembly received in the cylinder bore. The tappet assembly includes an outer peripheral surface with an elongated key slot longitudinally extending parallel to the central axis. A guide key partially received in the receiving hole is provided, the guide key including a head that extends into the cylindrical bore to engage the elongated key slot of the tappet assembly. The head has an outer dimension that is larger than a dimension of the receiving hole along the central axis. Methods for guiding a reciprocating tappet assembly in a fuel pump and assembling a fuel pump are also provided.

Abstract: A juncture and method for changing direction of fuel flow in a high pressure fuel injection system such as a common rail and/or a fuel pump, the juncture comprising a body, a first passage formed in the body having a first diameter and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the first passage including a groove positioned along a portion of the longitudinal axis, and a second passage formed in the body having a second diameter, a central axis extending therethrough, and an opening, the opening of the second passage being provided in the groove of the first passage to allow fluidic communication between the second passage and the first passage so that stresses at the juncture caused by high pressure fuel changing direction of flow is reduced. The juncture is made from a bottom poured ingot cast alloy steel.

Abstract: A juncture and method for changing direction of fuel flow in a high pressure fuel injection system such as a common rail and/or a fuel pump, the juncture comprising a body, a first passage formed in the body having a first diameter and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the first passage including a groove positioned along a portion of the longitudinal axis, and a second passage formed in the body having a second diameter, a central axis extending therethrough, and an opening, the opening of the second passage being provided in the groove of the first passage to allow fluidic communication between the second passage and the first passage so that stresses at the juncture caused by high pressure fuel changing direction of flow is reduced. The juncture is made from a bottom poured ingot cast alloy steel.

Abstract: A fuel pump for an internal combustion engine including a fuel pump housing, a cylindrical bore having a central axis and being defined by a bore wall surface, a receiving hole formed in the housing, and a tappet assembly received in the cylinder bore. The tappet assembly includes an outer peripheral surface with an elongated key slot longitudinally extending parallel to the central axis. A guide key partially received in the receiving hole is provided, the guide key including a head that extends into the cylindrical bore to engage the elongated key slot of the tappet assembly. The head has an outer dimension that is larger than a dimension of the receiving hole along the central axis. Methods for guiding a reciprocating tappet assembly in a fuel pump and assembling a fuel pump are also provided.

Abstract: A juncture and method for changing direction of fuel flow in a high pressure fuel injection system such as a common rail and/or a fuel pump, the juncture comprising a body, a first passage formed in the body having a first diameter and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the first passage including a groove positioned along a portion of the longitudinal axis, and a second passage formed in the body having a second diameter, a central axis extending therethrough, and an opening, the opening of the second passage being provided in the groove of the first passage to allow fluidic communication between the second passage and the first passage so that stresses at the juncture caused by high pressure fuel changing direction of flow is reduced.