Abstract: A threaded fastener having a conical seat is provided to mechanically couple a fuel injector assembly to a fuel rail assembly. By mating the conical seat with a spherical collar integral with the fuel injector assembly, an injector coupling is provided that mechanically supports loads from relatively high fuel pressure and combustion pressure while allowing the injector assembly to pivot relative to the fuel rail assembly. A biasing member is provided to pre-load the spherical collar against the mating conical seat.

Abstract: A coupling for suspending a fuel injector from a fuel rail assembly of an internal combustion engine includes a collar that mates with the fuel injector and a retainer clip that engages with the collar and with an annular flange of an injector socket thereby mechanically connecting the fuel injector to the fuel rail assembly. The retainer clip includes windows having a convex profile to enable even load distribution upon the socket flange when assembled. Coincident keyed features are integrated in the flange of the injector socket and in the collar to facilitate correct alignment of the injector relative to the fuel rail. Paired together, the retainer clip and the collar enable a secure, and coincident keyed fuel injector-to-fuel rail connection that is able to withstand high pressure separating loads.

Abstract: A fuel rail assembly for injection of fuel includes a fuel injector socket having a fuel injector assembly inserted, a collar surrounding said fuel injector assembly and providing a gap there between; and a seal sealing the gap between the collar and the fuel injector assembly thereby forming a secondary chamber. Fuel vapors that escape the primary seal of the fuel injector installed in the fuel injector socket are captured in the secondary sealed chamber and are directed to an evaporative control system. The collar is designed such that only minimum modifications are required to both current injectors and current injector sockets. By integrating the collar into a DIG fuel rail assembly in accordance with the invention current DIG internal combustion engines may be converted to PZEV DIG engines.

Abstract: A fuel rail assembly includes a fuel injector socket having a cylindrical end for receiving an injector and a boxed end for orienting and positioning the injector relative to the engine cylinder. A boxed shape end cap is fitted over the boxed end of the socket thereby supporting the socket. Planar saddle members are disposed on each side of the end cap and radiused edges are fitted to the cylindrical surface of the fuel distribution tube. A jump tube communicates fuel from the fuel distribution tube to the fuel injector socket. A bracket defines a sole plate for the assembly, for attachment to an engine head, and includes a generally planar surface for locating against the planar surface of the saddle members. Components of the fuel rail assembly are first assembled loosely on a fixture, then joined together as the fuel rail assembly.