Abstract: A flexible seal system for a gas turbine engine includes an annular mounting bracket, an annular support bracket, an annular flexible seal and a plurality of mounting spacers. The flexible seal extends axially between a first mounting segment and a second mounting segment. The first mounting segment is connected axially between the mounting bracket and the support bracket, and includes a plurality of mounting apertures that extend axially through the first mounting segment. Each of the mounting spacers is arranged within a respective one of the mounting apertures, and extends axially between the mounting bracket and the support bracket.

Abstract: A method of determining an exit temperature of a gas exiting a combustor of a gas turbine includes determining a mass flow and a temperature of fuel being delivered to the combustor; determining a mass flow and a temperature of air being delivered to the combustor, determining a temperature dependence of the specific heat capacity of a burnt mixture of the fuel and the air being delivered to the combustor; and determining an exit temperature of the burnt mixture exiting the combustor. The exit temperature is determined based on the determined mass flow and temperature of the fuel, the determined mass flow and temperature of the air, and the determined temperature dependence of the specific heat capacity of the burnt mixture.

Abstract: In a control apparatus for a variable valve mechanism that varies a valve characteristic of an engine valve, in a saturated state in which a calculated manipulated variable of the variable valve mechanism exceeds an outputtable manipulated variable, convergence to a desired position is achieved while suppressing a response delay and an overshoot. If a feedforward manipulated variable calculated according to a reference response exceeds an outputtable limit manipulated variable, a saturating amount (feedforward manipulated variable—limit manipulated variable) is integrated. Upon completion of the integration, the feedforward manipulated variable is corrected based on an FF manipulated variable correction amount, and the integrated value of saturating amount is replaced by a value obtained by subtracting the FF manipulated variable correction amount each time a correction is made.

Abstract: A six-stroke cycle engine includes an intake passage including a downstream end connected to a combustion chamber and no throttle valve therein, and an exhaust passage including a catalyst and an upstream end connected to the combustion chamber. The six-stroke cycle engine includes a first valve configured to open and close the intake passage, a second valve configured to open and close the exhaust passage, a valve gear configured to operate the first valve and the second valve so that an intake stroke, a compression stroke, an expansion stroke, and an exhaust stroke are executed, in this order, and to operate only the first valve so that a scavenging intake stroke and a scavenging exhaust stroke are executed, in this order, following the exhaust stroke. The valve gear includes a variable valve mechanism configured to continuously change an opening and closing timing and a lift amount of the first valve.

Abstract: Rotation speed control apparatus including an electronically controllable throttle valve capable of changing an intake air quantity, a variable compression ratio mechanism capable of changing a mechanical compression ratio, and an ECU configured to calculate a deviation between a target idle rotation speed and an actual rotation speed during idle operation, select either one or both of the intake air quantity and the mechanical compression ratio as control targets in accordance with magnitude of the deviation, and reduce the deviation by changing the selected either one or both of the intake air quantity and the mechanical compression ratio.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a method for active fuel management in an engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided, the method including stopping a fuel flow into a first set of the plurality of cylinders, the stopping causing a deactivation of the first set of cylinders and continuing injection of fuel into a second set of the plurality of cylinders to provide power while the first set of cylinders are deactivated. The method also includes injecting gas into the first set of the plurality of cylinders when each of the first set of cylinders are at bottom dead center, the injected gas increasing a cylinder pressure in each of the first set of cylinders that reduces an amplitude of first order torque variations during operation of the engine while the first set of cylinders are deactivated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a leak in a compressed natural gas (CNG) delivery system of a vehicle are disclosed. According to some embodiments the method includes determining a first amount of CNG in a CNG tank of the vehicle, the first amount corresponding to a first time, and determining a second amount of CNG in the CNG tank at a second time, the second time being subsequent to the first time. The method further includes determining an expected CNG consumption of the vehicle during a period of time, the period of time beginning at the first time and ending at the second time. The method also includes determining an actual CNG consumption during the period of time based on the first amount of CNG and the second amount of CNG, and comparing the actual CNG consumption and the expected CNG consumption to determine whether a leak has occurred.

Abstract: A method for maximizing the availability of start-stop operations within a microhybrid vehicle includes determining the electric current drawn by a set of electrical components of the vehicle, from the vehicle's battery. The internal resistance of the vehicle's battery, and the resistance of a starter motor loop circuit coupled to the engine of the vehicle are dynamically calculated. The closed-circuit voltage of the battery is predicted, using the internal resistance of the battery, the resistance of the starter motor loop circuit, and the current drawn by the set of electrical components of the vehicle. The start-stop operation is carried out if the closed-circuit voltage of the battery is predicted to be above a pre-determined minimum value.

Abstract: An intake control system for an internal combustion engine, which, even when there are a plurality of intake air amounts for attaining one target torque, is capable of positively selecting a minimum intake air amount therefrom without causing hunting, and setting the minimum intake air amount as a target intake air amount, thereby making it possible to improve fuel economy. The intake control system calculates a maximum intake air amount, sets a plurality of provisional intake air amounts within a range of 0 to the maximum intake air amount, calculates torques estimated to be output from the engine with respect to the provisional intake air amounts, respectively, selects a minimum provisional intake air amount that makes the estimated torque equal to or close to the target torque from the relationship between the provisional intake air amounts and the estimated torques, and sets the same as the target intake air amount.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.

Abstract: A method and system of cleaning a turbocharger bypass control valve, the control valve being operable to vary the position of a bypass valve and thereby vary the amount of flow bypass across a turbine and/or compressor of a turbocharger for an engine. The method comprises: determining whether the control valve may require cleaning; adjusting the duty cycle of the shuttle so as to increase a flow of fluid through the control valve and clean the control valve; and adjusting a throttle position of the engine and thus the engine torque output to compensate for the adjustment in the amount of boost provided by the turbocharger.

Abstract: A fuel injection control device includes a fuel injection control unit and a pump control unit. The fuel injection control unit controls a fuel injection amount of a fuel injection valve. The pump control unit calculates a pump control amount based on feedforward and feedback terms and controls a fuel pump based on the pump control amount. The fuel injection control unit includes a first injection control unit for performing fuel injection by the valve at a starting injection amount in a starting period after commencement of starting of an engine by its starting unit until a predetermined rotation increase of the engine is produced in association with fuel combustion. The pump control unit includes a starting control unit for calculating the feedforward term based on the starting injection amount in the starting period and for calculating the pump control amount using this feedforward term.

Abstract: In a method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine, with at least one cylinder (Z1-Z4) having a combustion chamber (26), fuel is injected into the cylinder and a logic value (LV_FCUT) is set, in particular for stopping the injection of fuel into the cylinder, The method furthermore has the following steps: depending on a course of the highly time-resolved measurement signal of a rotational speed (N_FAST) of the internal combustion engine, a local maximum value (N_FAST_MAX) of the rotational speed is determined, a rotational speed difference (N_FAST_DIF) between the local maximum value (N_FAST_MAX) and a current measured value (N_FAST_MES) of the rotational speed is determined, and, depending on the determined rotational speed difference (N_FAST_DIF), the logic value (LV_FCUT) is set.

Abstract: A difference module determines a difference between an engine speed and a transmission input shaft speed. A state control module sets a signal to a first state when a driver releases an accelerator pedal and selectively transitions the signal from the first state to a second state when the difference is less than zero. An immediate torque request module decreases an engine torque request when the signal is in the first state and selectively increases the engine torque request when the signal is in the second state. At least one of: a spark control module that selectively adjusts spark timing based on the engine torque request; and a fuel control module that selectively adjusts fueling based on the engine torque request.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a vibration level module and an engine operation control module. The vibration level module estimates a first level of vibration in a vehicle due to contact between tires of the vehicle and a road surface as the vehicle travels over the road surface. The vibration level module estimates a second level of vibration in the vehicle due to an engine in the vehicle. The engine operation control module selectively adjusts at least one of a speed of the engine and a load on the engine when the second vibration level is less than the first vibration level.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a fuel pressure in a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine. A setpoint fuel pressure is initially set in the fuel injection system. Next, a first fuel injection and a subsequent second fuel injection are executed at a time interval shorter than a decay time of a pressure wave in the fuel injection system, triggerable by the first fuel injection. In an additional step, a monitored fuel injection quantity, which is injected via the second fuel injection, is ascertained. An action is executed if the monitored fuel injection quantity differs from a setpoint fuel injection quantity, which is predefinable for the setpoint fuel pressure, by more than a limiting value. The invention also relates to a computer program product for executing the method and to a device for monitoring a fuel pressure in a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A classification method for an injector may include: actuating the injector by means of a predefinable test control signal, detecting a quantity of liquid dispensed by the injector on the basis of the test control signal, classifying the injector as a function of the detected dispensed quantity of liquid, and determining a required control signal on the basis of the classification of the injector considering a reduced injector stroke. A calibration method for a characteristic map of an injector, and a test bench device for performing the injector classification method are also provided.

Abstract: Controlling combustion in a spark-ignition direction-injection internal combustion engine includes providing an initial injected fuel mass timing and an initial spark ignition timing. A combustion phasing error is monitored and compared with each of the initial injected fuel mass timing and the initial spark ignition timing. An adjusted injected fuel mass timing and an adjusted desired spark ignition timing is determined based on the comparing for maintaining a desired combustion phasing.

Abstract: By driving a fuel pump suitably to an amount of fuel according to an amount of fuel consumed by an engine and by monitoring an actual motor speed of the fuel pump, F/B control is carried out according to a target motor speed and the actual motor speed of the fuel pump. Meanwhile, by learning and storing a duty value comparable to a deviation between the target and actual motor speeds, duty driving of the fuel pump is corrected to suit an engine condition. It thus becomes possible to provide a fuel pump control apparatus of an engine capable of promoting power saving by suppressing a wasteful energy loss including a current consumption and making an internal circuit of an ECU simpler by enhancing fuel supply accuracy.

Abstract: In a method for carrying out a number of injections for at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine, a reference point in time for a control application onset of an injection is ascertained for the at least one cylinder, and a target point in time for the control application onset is determined from the reference point in time plus a delay time.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock tolerance, in particular when rapidly ramping in LP-EGR from low levels of EGR. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection to compensate for the transport delay in EGR filling the intake system. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.

Abstract: A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle includes a drive source control unit adapted to output a command for automatically stopping a drive source when a first predetermined condition is satisfied and output a command for restarting the drive source when a second predetermined condition is not satisfied after the command for automatically stopping the drive source is output, a drive source restart determination unit adapted to determine that the drive source has restarted when a third predetermined condition is satisfied after the command for restarting the drive source is output, and a restart determination prohibition unit adapted to prohibit a restart determination by the drive source restart determination unit at least until the third predetermined condition is no longer satisfied when the third predetermined condition is satisfied and the command for restarting the drive source is output.

Abstract: Provided is an engine combustion chamber structure. Also provided is an inner wall structure for a through channel, through which exhaust gas or intake gas of the engine passes. An engine combustion engine structure is provided with a heat-insulating member on the inner wall of an engine constituent member which constitutes an engine combustion chamber, the heat-insulating member containing a heat-insulating porous layer formed from ceramics, and a surface dense layer formed on the surface of the heat-insulating porous layer and formed from ceramics. The surface dense layer of the heat-insulating member has an open porosity of 5% or less, and preferably the heat-insulating porous layer has a larger open porosity than the open porosity of the surface dense layer.

Abstract: A cover structure of a plug hole provided to a cylinder head cover of an engine includes: a plug cap detachably attached to the plug hole; an outer cover covering at least an upper side of the plug cap; and a seal member provided on an upper face of the cylinder head cover and surrounding a periphery of the plug hole. In the cover structure, the outer cover has a projection portion projected toward the cylinder head cover, and the seal member is pressed to the upper face of the cylinder head cover by the projection portion.

Abstract: There is provided a metal gasket that is at low cost yet with high sealing performance. A metal gasket 1 includes at least one metal gasket substrate 2 having a circumferential bead 14 formed circumferentially around a cylinder hole 6. The circumferential bead 14 includes a first bead portion 20 formed of a pair of inclined walls 20a, 20b each extending from the gasket substrate to a tip end, the tip ends of the pair of the inclined walls being spaced from each other, and a second bead portion 21 extending from the tip ends of the inclined walls 20a, 20b in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the inclined walls. The following relationships are satisfied: Fh1>Fh2, and W1>W2, where Fh1 is a height of the first bead portion 20, Fh2 is a height of the second bead portion 21, W1 is a half of a width of the circumferential bead 14, and W2 is a width of the second bead portion 21.

Abstract: A variable geometry (2) structure comprising: an flexural element (4); a tensioning element (6) connected to the flexural element (8); and an actuator (12) for adjusting the tensioning element (6) to change the load placed on the flexural element (4), thereby changing the geometry of the structure (2).

Abstract: An exhaust mixer for a gas turbine engine includes an annular wall having upstream end adapted to be fastened to an engine case and a downstream end forming a plurality of inner and outer mixer lobes. A support member interconnects at least a number of the inner lobes, and includes a circumferentially extending stiffener ring located radially inwardly from the inner lobes and a series of circumferentially spaced apart mixer struts radially extending from the inner lobes to the stiffener ring. The mixer struts have a radial length at least equal to a width of a main gas path defined between the inner lobes and the exhaust cone such that the mixer struts extend entirely through the main gas path. The stiffener ring being fixed solely to the mixer struts such as to float with respect to the exhaust cone and permit relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: In a method for operating a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine having internal exhaust gas energy recuperation, a cylinder head recuperator is heated up during an exhaust cycle by hot exhaust gas flowing through the cylinder head recuperator prior to being exhausted from the cylinder via an exhaust valve. During an intake cycle, fresh charge flows into the power chamber of the cylinder by passing around a cylinder head recuperator. During the subsequent compression stroke, the cylinder head recuperator is moved out of a recess formed in the cylinder head such that some of the compressed charge can flow into the recess. Near the end of the compression stroke, the cylinder head recuperator is moved back into the recess so that compressed charge located in the recess is forced to flow through the hot cylinder head recuperator and thereby be heated up immediately before ignition of the compressed charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas distribution manifold (3) in the cylinder head (4) of a heat engine of a motor vehicle, said manifold (3) comprising a manifold housing (31) provided with an inflow face for the inflow of an admission gas (G) and an outflow face (3B) entering the cylinder head of the engine, in such a way as to enable the circulation of the admission gas flow in the downstream direction in the manifold housing (31); and means for injecting a recirculated exhaust gas flow (H) of the engine into the admission gas flow (G). Said injection means are formed in the manifold in such a way that the recirculated exhaust gas flow is injected in a counter-flow to the admission gas flow.

Abstract: A hybrid exhaust gas turbocharger is provided, which is capable of preventing the supercharger from being damaged due to a rotary shaft being moved to a large extent in an axial direction by vibration generated from the internal combustion engine and a rotary portion in contact with a stationary portion in the supercharger when the supercharger is mounted on an internal combustion engine. A restraint mechanism (35) including a thrust collar (41) attached to a shaft end of a rotary shaft (19a) of a generator positioned on a side opposite to a flexible coupling and two thrust bearings (42) disposed to oppose both end surfaces forming a flange portion (44) of the thrust collar (41) is accommodated in a recess (51) formed on a front surface side of a shell housing positioned on a side opposite to the casing.

Abstract: A fluid temperature stabilization system may employ an exterior casing defining an internal cavity, one or more phase change material may be located within the internal cavity. A fluid inlet may be located at a first end of the casing providing access into the internal cavity, and an outlet may be located at a second end of the casing providing fluid access from the internal cavity.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including a DEGR system during start-stop and DFSO conditions. In one example, the DEGR cylinder may be deactivated prior to deactivating the non-DEGR cylinder group and stopping the engine, to purge EGR from the intake system.

Abstract: Various methods and systems may be used to provide recirculated engine exhaust to an engine of a hybrid powertrain. It is assumed that the engine is equipped with a dedicated EGR loop. At least one cylinder is operated as a dedicated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cylinder, such that all exhaust of that cylinder is recirculated to the fresh air intake of the engine via the EGR loop. One or more cylinders are operated as main cylinders, such that exhaust from those cylinders exits the engine to the atmosphere. The engine itself is operable for at least part of its operation in a decoupled mode in which the dedicated EGR cylinder is mechanically decoupled from the engine crankshaft. During this decoupled mode, the dedicated EGR cylinder powers a generator. The main cylinders are operable exclusively to provide power to the crankshaft.

Abstract: A method for a vehicle having a fuel vapor canister coupled between a fuel tank and an engine intake manifold via an electronically controlled purge valve, comprises initiating a vapor leak test under predetermined conditions and in response to the initiation, fully opening the purge valve from a closed position to a fully open position for a predetermined time, and then fully closing the purge valve after the predetermined time and commencing the leak test.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery apparatus to be mounted on a vehicle having a fuel tank has an adsorbent canister capable of adsorbing and desorbing fuel vapor vaporized in the fuel tank, a vapor path providing communication between the fuel tank and the adsorbent canister, a purge path providing communication between the adsorbent canister and an intake path of an internal combustion engine, a purge valve configured to open and close the purge path, a blocking valve configured to open and close the vapor path and having a valve body, and a regulator for controlling the purge valve and the blocking valve. The fuel tank is sealed when the blocking valve is closed. The fuel tank is configured to be depressurized by opening the blocking valve. The blocking valve is composed of a motor valve that has a driving motor and can adjust an opening amount by controlling a stroke of the valve body.

Abstract: Embodiments for detecting fuel events are presented. In an embodiment, a method comprises performing an action responsive to a fuel event indicated based on output from a hydrocarbon sensor positioned between a fuel tank and a fuel vapor canister. In this way, the hydrocarbon sensor may be used to detect fuel events and engine operation may be adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A flat filter element (34), a filter (10), and a support/positioning body (72, 74, 76) are disclosed. The flat filter element (34) includes a filter medium (64) with an inflow-side raw side (62) and an outflow-side clean side (58). An element sealing section (77) surrounds, circumferentially closed, the filter medium (64) on the raw side (62), the clean side (58), or between the raw side (62) and the clean side (58). The element sealing section (77) serves for supporting a sealing device (78) for sealing the raw side (62) relative to the clean side (58) upon arrangement of the flat filter element (34) in a filter housing (12) of the filter (10). At least one support/positioning body (72, 74, 76) can be supported, for positioning and holding at least the sealing device (76) in the filter housing (12), on the one hand at least on the sealing device (78) and on the other hand on the filter housing (12).

Abstract: Straddle type vehicle takes traveling wind into a space between paired left and right main frames. Air is introduced to an air cleaner arranged between the paired left and right main frames. The paired main frames include left and right U-shaped portions having U-shaped cross sections opened inward in the vehicle width direction and constituting a part of an air cleaner case. Hollow left and right frame portions are provided below the left and right U-shaped portions, and the air cleaner is arranged between the left and right U-shaped portions.

Abstract: An engine; an air cleaner which filtrates fuel air; a turbocharger which compresses intake fuel air; an intake pipe which connects the air cleaner and the turbocharger; and an intake passage which induces the fuel air taken from an intake port at an end part to the air cleaner, are included. The turbocharger is located at a front side lower part of the engine, and the air cleaner is located under a crankcase. The intake passage extends rearward from a rear part of the air cleaner, and thereafter, bends upward.

Abstract: A fuel injector (10) for liquid phase injection of liquefied gaseous fuels for combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector (10) comprises a nozzle portion (15) having an end (30) from which gaseous fuel can be delivered through an outlet (21), the end (30) being configured to prevent or at least inhibit formation of ice thereon upon delivery of gaseous fuel through the outlet.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injection valve includes: a valve element which closes a fuel passage by coming into contact with a valve seat and opens the fuel passage by going away from the valve seat; an electromagnet which includes a coil and a magnetic core formed as a drive portion for driving the valve element; a movable element which is held by the valve element in a state where the movable element is displaceable in the direction of a drive force of the valve element relative to the valve element; a first biasing portion for biasing the valve element in the direction opposite to the direction of a drive force generated by the drive portion; a second biasing portion for biasing the movable element in the direction of the drive force with a biasing force smaller than the biasing force generated by the first biasing portion; and a restricting portion for restricting the displacement of the movable element in the direction of the drive force relative to the valve element.

Abstract: A combined injector and fuel pump suitable for high pressure direct injection of heavy fuels into Diesel engines, in particular small light weight Diesel engines. The injector utilizes a piezoelectric actuator driving a piston assembly comprising an inlet reed check valve disposed thereon. The piston may house an injection needle valve component spring loaded against the piston on one end of the needle component and a valve seat on the other end of the needle component. Fuel enters an inlet port coupled to an inlet passage within the piston. Piezoelectric actuator contraction transfers fuel from the inlet passage through the reed valve to a pressurization chamber. Piezoelectric actuator expansion drives the piston to pressurize the fuel in the pressurization chamber, which forces open the needle valve and nozzle assembly, injecting a finely atomized mist of fuel into a cylinder. A poppet injection valve embodiment is described.

Abstract: A method of pressuring fuel for a direct injection fuel system via a fuel pump in an engine is provided. The method includes, during a first mode, adjusting a magnetic solenoid valve (MSV) to control pump outlet pressure and during a second mode, deactivating the MSV and controlling pump outlet pressure via a noise-reducing valve assembly on an inlet side of the fuel pump.

Abstract: A fuel injector mounting structure may employ a flat bottom, a first (e.g. exterior) vertical wall that meets flat bottom, a second (e.g. interior) vertical wall that meets flat bottom, and a top wall. The top wall may define a flat surface transitioning into a curved surface. The top wall, flat bottom, first vertical wall and second vertical wall may be in the shape of a circular ring with a center hole through the center of the ring. An engine cylinder head may contact the bottom wall and a fuel injector may contact the curved surface of the top wall. Fuel injector and flat surface of top wall may define an air gap between them to inhibit vibration transmission from the fuel injector into the cylinder head. A powder metal material or an elastomer may occupy a cavity within the circular ring.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle includes an axial fuel circuit having a converging front surface with an axial fuel outlet formed therein, an air swirler surrounding the axial fuel circuit and having a converging front wall, a swirl chamber bounded by the converging front surface of the axial fuel circuit and the converging front wall of the air swirler, and an air cap surrounding the air swirler, such that an air circuit is defined between the air cap and the air swirler. A plurality of circumferentially disposed discrete jet passages extend through the converging front wall of the air swirler for directing atomizing air from the air circuit to the swirl chamber.

Abstract: A press molded product 1 that includes fitting portions 13 and 15, which can be fitted to another component 3, wherein the fitting portions include protruded portions 19 that can be contacted to the fitted other component 3, and the portions 19 are molded by press working.

Abstract: A warm-up apparatus for a vehicle including a system which charges a battery by using an external power supply is provided. The warm-up apparatus includes a heater for warming up, a current detector, a voltage detector and a resistance changer. The heater is mounted in the vehicle and produces heat by receiving electric power from the external power supply. The current detector detects an allowable current value of the external power supply. The voltage detector detects an output voltage value of the external power supply. The resistance changer changes an electric resistance value of the heater based on the allowable current value detected by the current detector and the output voltage value detected by the voltage detector.

Abstract: A method for setting an exhaust gas recirculation rate in an engine system having an internal combustion engine, the exhaust gas recirculation rate indicating the portion of the exhaust gas recirculated into one cylinder of the internal combustion engine with regard to the total gas quantity present in the cylinder, including: operating the internal combustion engine according to an input for the exhaust gas recirculation rate, an ignition of an air/fuel mixture being carried out in the cylinder at a certain ignition timing; adjusting the ignition timing in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine; correcting the input for the exhaust gas recirculation rate as a function of a change in an operating behavior of the internal combustion engine due to the ignition timing adjustment.

Abstract: A cover has an aperture through which an accessory gains access to the interior side of the cover and a cavity. The accessory may be any kind of sensor or actuator. To secure the accessory to the cover, an adapter coupled to the cover is provided. In one example, the adapter has a cylindrical connection section that is spin welded into place in the cavity. In another example, the adapter has self-tapping threads that engage with the surface surrounding the cavity. The adapter also has tabs extending outwardly from the cover, the tabs having a proximate section and an engagement section. The accessory has a retaining orifice that couples with the tabs in a snap-fit relationship to secure the accessory to the cover.

Abstract: A glow plug (1) has a housing (2) and a heater (3). The housing (2) includes a thread portion (5), a tool engagement portion (6), a press contact portion (7) brought into press contact with a plug seat surface of an engine upon screwing the thread portion (5) into a mounting hole of the engine, a front body portion (9) located between the press contact portion (7) and the thread portion (5) and a rear body portion (8) located between the tool engagement portion (6) and the thread portion (5). At least one of the front body portion (9) and the rear body portion (8) has a thickness smaller than or equal to a predetermined value and includes a plurality of reinforcing parts (9A, 8A) provided intermittently in a circumferential direction of the housing (2) in the form of protrusions or recesses extending in the direction of an axis CL1.