Claims:
1. A clamping system (10), comprising:
a cam cover portion (20) disposed in a locked state with a fuel injector assembly (30) that comprises a fuel injector head (40) and a fuel injector body (50), wherein the cam cover portion (20) comprises a plurality of protrusions (90) positioned at a corresponding proximal end (25);
a clamp (60) positioned within the cam cover portion (20) and mounted on a proximal end (70) of the fuel injector body (50), wherein the clamp (60) comprises at least one locking member (140A and 140B) that is clamped in between at least two of the plurality of protrusions (90); and
an unlocking sleeve (80) at least partially positioned within the cam cover portion (20) and between the clamp (60) and the fuel injector head (40), wherein the unlocking sleeve (80) comprises at least one notch (150) that houses a projection (120) extending from a distal end (130) of the fuel injector head (40) to couple the unlocking sleeve (80) with the fuel injector head (40).

2. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a collar (170) that is coupled immovably to the proximal end (70) of the fuel injector body (50), and
an elastic member (180) disposed in a released state in between the clamp (60) and the collar (170) when the cam cover portion (20) is disposed in the locked state with the fuel injector assembly (30).

3. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member (140A and 140B) comprises two locking members.

4. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a shape and a size of the plurality of protrusions (90) corresponds to a shape and a size of the at least one locking member (140A and 140B) so as to clamp the at least one locking member (140A and 140B) in between at least two of the plurality of protrusions (90).

5. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cam cover portion (20) comprises at least one slot (100) at the corresponding proximal end (25), and wherein the unlocking sleeve (80) comprises at least one groove (160) adapted to allow unidirectional rotation of the unlocking sleeve (80) in a selected direction upon application of a specified force along the at least one groove (160), the rotation of the unlocking sleeve (80) causing the projection (120) extending from the fuel injector head (40) to ride over and out of the notch (150), pushing the unlocking sleeve (80) and the clamp (60) downwards, and thereby compressing the elastic member (180) to release the at least one locking member (140A and 140B) from the at least two of the plurality of protrusions (90).

6. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a shape and a size of the at least one notch (150) and the projection (120) are selected such that the projection (120) rides over and out of the at least one notch (150) only upon rotation of the unlocking sleeve (80) in the selected direction.

7. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cam cover portion (20) further comprises at least one stopper (110) that is disposed at the corresponding proximal end (25) at a selected distance from the at least two of the plurality of protrusions (90), and is adapted to stop rotation of the clamp (60) following release of the at least one locking member (140A and 140B) from the at least two of the plurality of protrusions (90) such that stopping application of the specified force along the at least one groove (160) returns the elastic member (180) to the released state, thereby uncoupling the fuel injector assembly (30) from the cam cover portion (20) via the at least one slot (100).

8. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least two of the plurality of protrusions (90) and the at least one stopper (110) are disposed at opposite ends of the at least one slot (100) within the cam cover portion (20) at a lower level than the at least one slot (100).

9. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamp (60) and the unlocking sleeve (80) are fabricated as a single unit.

10. A fuel injector assembly (30), comprising:
a fuel injector head (40), wherein the fuel injector head (40) comprises a projection (120) extending from a distal end of the fuel injector head (40);
a fuel injector body (50);
a clamp (60) mounted on a proximal end of the fuel injector body (50), wherein the clamp (60) comprises at least one locking member (140A and 140B); and
an unlocking sleeve (80) positioned between the clamp (60) and the fuel injector head (40), wherein the unlocking sleeve (80) comprises at least one notch (150) that houses the projection (120) to couple the unlocking sleeve (80) with the fuel injector head (40).

11. The fuel injector assembly (30) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a shape and a size of the at least one notch (150) and the projection (120) are selected such that the projection (120) rides over and out of the notch (150) only upon rotation of the unlocking sleeve (80) in the selected direction.

12. The fuel injector assembly (30) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the clamp (60) and the unlocking sleeve (80) are fabricated as a single unit.

13. The fuel injector assembly (30) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fuel injector assembly (30) comprises one of a direct fuel injector system and a port fuel injector system.

14. A vehicle (210), comprising:
a fuel injector assembly (30), wherein the fuel injector assembly (30) comprises:
a fuel injector head (40), wherein the fuel injector head (40) comprises a projection (120) extending from a distal end (130) of the fuel injector head (40); and
a fuel injector body (50), and
a clamping system (10), wherein the clamping system (10) comprises:
a cam cover portion (20) disposed in a locked state with the fuel injector assembly (30), wherein the cam cover portion (20) comprises a plurality of protrusions (90) positioned at a corresponding proximal end (25);
a clamp (60) positioned within the cam cover portion (20) and mounted on a proximal end (70) of the fuel injector body (50), wherein the clamp (60) comprises at least one locking member (140A and 140B) that is clamped in between the plurality of protrusions (90); and
an unlocking sleeve (80) positioned within the cam cover portion (20) and between the clamp (60) and the fuel injector head (40), wherein the unlocking sleeve (80) comprises at least one notch (150) that houses the projection (120) to couple the unlocking sleeve (80) with the fuel injector head (40).

15. The vehicle (210) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the fuel injector assembly (30) and the clamping system (10) are placed in a designated position with respect to an engine (220) of the vehicle (210).

, Description:

BACKGROUND

[0001] Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to a clamping system. More particularly the present disclosure related to a clamping system for a fuel injector and method for operating the same.
[0002] A fuel injector is a device that is used to introduce fuel into a high-pressurized combustion chamber of a vehicle engine. Conventionally, the fuel injector is secured to the vehicle engine using a dedicated clamping assembly while the fuel injector remains substantially fixed to a surrounding structure. The surrounding structure may include an engine block, a cylindrical head, a cam cover, a frame, or other similar structures. Further, the clamping assembly includes a first section that has a pair of jaws for holding the fuel injector in a desired locked position and a second section for securing the clamping assembly to the surrounding structure via a fastening mechanism such as a nut and bolt mechanism.
[0003] A conventional clamping assembly used for holding the fuel injector is made up of expensive and heavy cast iron. Present-day vehicles employ multiple fuel injectors that require multiple such clamping assemblies, thus increasing engine’s weight. In addition, usage of multiple clamping assemblies occupies a lot of space under the hood of the vehicle, which otherwise could be used for packing other engine components. Furthermore, as noted previously, these clamping assemblies are fixed to the engine using various components such as fastening mechanisms. Use of such components increases the complexity, assembly and disassembly time, and the cost of the engine.
[0004] Hence, there is a need for an improved clamping system for holding the fuel injector that addresses the aforementioned issues.

BREIF DESCRIPTION

[0005] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide a clamping system for a fuel injector. The clamping system includes a cam cover portion disposed in a locked state with a fuel injector assembly. The fuel injector assembly includes a fuel injector head and a fuel injector body. The cam cover portion includes a plurality of protrusions positioned at a corresponding proximal end. The clamping system also includes a clamp positioned within the cam cover portion and mounted on a proximal end of the fuel injector body. The clamp includes at least one locking member, which is clamped in between at least two of the plurality of protrusions. The clamping system further includes an unlocking sleeve at least partially positioned within the cam cover portion and between the clamp and the fuel injector head. The unlocking sleeve includes at least one notch, which houses a projection extending from a distal end of the fuel injector head to couple the unlocking sleeve with the fuel injector head.
[0006] The clamping system may further include a collar and an elastic member. The collar may be coupled immovably to the proximal end of the fuel injector body. The elastic member may be disposed in a released state in between the clamp and the collar when the cam cover portion is disposed in the locked state with the fuel injector assembly. The locking member may include two locking members. A shape and a size of the plurality of protrusions may correspond to a shape and a size of the at least one locking member so as to clamp the at least one locking member in between at least two of the plurality of protrusions.
[0007] The cam cover portion may include at least one slot at the corresponding proximal end. The unlocking sleeve may include at least one groove adapted to allow unidirectional rotation of the unlocking sleeve in a selected direction upon application of a specified force along the at least one groove. The rotation of the unlocking sleeve may cause the projection extending from the fuel injector head to ride over and out of the notch, and subsequently, the unlocking sleeve and the clamp may be pushed downwards. The downward movement of the clamp may compress the elastic member to release the at least one locking member from the at least two of the plurality of protrusions.
[0008] A shape and a size of the at least one notch and the projection may be selected such that the projection rides over and out of the at least one notch only upon rotation of the unlocking sleeve in the selected direction. The cam cover portion may further include at least one stopper that is disposed at the corresponding proximal end at a selected distance from the at least two of the plurality of protrusions. The stopper may be adapted to stop rotation of the clamp following release of the at least one locking member from the at least two of the plurality of protrusions such that stopping application of the specified force along the at least one groove returns the elastic member to the released state. The fuel injector assembly may be uncoupled from the cam cover portion via the at least one slot upon the elastic member returns to the released state.
[0009] The at least two of the plurality of protrusions and the at least one stopper may be disposed at opposite ends of the at least one slot within the cam cover portion at a lower level than the at least one slot. The clamp and the unlocking sleeve may be fabricated as a single unit.
[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a fuel injector assembly is provided. The fuel injector assembly includes a fuel injector head. The fuel injector head includes a projection extending from a distal end of the fuel injector head. The fuel injector assembly also includes a fuel injector body. The fuel injector assembly further includes a clamp mounted on a proximal end of the fuel injector body. The clamp includes at least one locking member. The fuel injector assembly further includes an unlocking sleeve positioned between the clamp and the fuel injector head. The unlocking sleeve includes at least one notch, which houses the projection to couple the unlocking sleeve with the fuel injector head.
[0011] A shape and a size of the at least one notch and the projection may be selected such that the projection rides over and out of the notch only upon rotation of the unlocking sleeve in the selected direction. The clamp and the unlocking sleeve may be fabricated as a single unit. The fuel injector assembly may include one of a direct fuel injector system and a port fuel injector system.
[0012] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an engine having a fuel injector assembly and a clamping system. The fuel injector assembly includes a fuel injector head. The fuel injector head includes a projection extending from a distal end of the fuel injector head. The fuel injector assembly also includes a fuel injector body. The clamping system includes a cam cover portion disposed in a locked state with the fuel injector assembly. The cam cover portion includes a plurality of protrusions positioned at a corresponding proximal end. The clamping system also includes a clamp positioned within the cam cover portion and mounted on a proximal end of the fuel injector body. The clamp includes at least one locking member, which is clamped in between at least two of the plurality of protrusions. The clamping system further includes an unlocking sleeve positioned within the cam cover portion and between the clamp and the fuel injector head. The unlocking sleeve includes at least one notch, which houses the projection to couple the unlocking sleeve with the fuel injector head. The fuel injector assembly and the clamping system may be placed in a designated position with respect to an engine of the vehicle.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a clamping system for a fuel injector assembly;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cam cover portion associated with the clamping system of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation depicting an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the fuel injector assembly of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4A is a schematic representation depicting an exemplary position of the fuel injector assembly within the cam cover portion of FIG. 2 via one or more slots associated with the cam cover portion;
[0018] FIG. 4B is a schematic representation depicting the fuel injector assembly disposed in a locked state with respect to the cam cover portion of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 5A is another schematic representation depicting the fuel injector assembly disposed in a locked state with respect to the cam cover portion of FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 5B is a schematic representation depicting the fuel injector assembly disposed in an unlocked state with respect to the cam cover portion of FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 5C is a schematic representation depicting the fuel injector assembly having a clamp adapted to rotate in a desired direction during uncoupling of the fuel injector assembly from the cam cover portion of FIG. 2; and
[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation depicting an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle having an engine that includes the fuel injector assembly that is disposed in a locked state with respect to the cam cover portion of FIG. 2.
[0023] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Additionally, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0025] The terms "comprises", "comprising," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, reference to one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by the term "comprises" or a variation thereof does not preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Additionally, appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.
[0027] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a clamping system for a fuel injector assembly. The clamping system includes a customized cam cover portion adapted to hold the fuel injector assembly in a locked state. In particular, the customized cam cover portion includes a plurality of protrusions, a clamp, and an unlocking sleeve. The clamp, in turn, includes one or more locking members that are adapted to be secured in between the plurality of protrusions for coupling the fuel injector assembly with the cam cover portion. Embodiments of the clamping system described herein use a modified cam cover portion proximal to an engine for holding the fuel injector assembly in the locked state. Additionally, the clamping system includes a reduced number of components as compared to conventional clamping systems, thereby decreasing the complexity, assembly and disassembly time, and the cost of the engine. In addition, the clamping system allows easy locking and unlocking of the fuel injector assembly from the chassis of the vehicle for aiding in vehicle maintenance activities. Certain exemplary embodiments of the present clamping system are described in detail with reference to FIGs. 1-6.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a clamping system (10), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. More particularly, FIG. 1 depicts the clamping system (10) for a fuel injector assembly (30) that is disposed in a locked state with respect to a portion (20) of a cam cover (herein afterwards referred to as cam cover portion (20)) that is used to cover a cam portion of an engine (not shown) associated with a vehicle. In one embodiment, the engine is of a diesel engine type and is suitable for use in a wide range of vehicles, for example, automobiles, cars, trucks, drones, cruises, and airplanes.
[0030] In one embodiment, the cam cover portion (20) is configured to hold the fuel injector assembly (30) in a locked state in order to enable the fuel injector assembly (30) to introduce fuel into the engine of the vehicle as desired. To that end, a proximal end of the cam cover portion (20) is provided with at least one slot and a plurality of protrusions as described in detail with respect to FIG. 2. Though, the FIG. 1 depicts a single fuel injector assembly (30) that is disposed in the locked state with the cam cover portion (20), it is to be understood that the engine can have any number of fuel injector assemblies and each of the fuel injector assemblies may be disposed in the locked state with a corresponding cam cover portion (20). An exemplary embodiment of the customized cam cover portion (20) used to immovably secure or lock the fuel injector assembly (30) in a designated position with respect to the engine is described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a bottom perspective view of a cam cover portion (20) of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cam cover portion (20) includes at least one slot (100) that is disposed at a proximal end (25) of the cam cover portion (20). In certain embodiments, the slot (100) includes an opening through which the fuel injector assembly (30) is placed within the cam cover portion (20) for locking the fuel injector assembly (30) with the cam cover portion (20). Further, the cam cover portion (20) includes a plurality of protrusions (90) that is disposed at a left end (35) of the slot (100) within the cam cover portion (20) at a lower level than the slot (100). The plurality of protrusions (90) are configured to clamp the fuel injector assembly (30) with the cam cover portion (20) when the fuel injector assembly (30) is placed within the cam cover portion (20) and is subsequently rotated in a specific direction, for example in a clockwise direction, thereby disposing the fuel injector assembly (30) in a locked state.
[0032] In one embodiment, the cam cover portion (20) further includes at least one stopper (110) that is disposed at a selected distance from the plurality of protrusions (90) and at a right end (45) of the slot (100) within the cam cover portion (20) at the lower level than the slot (100). The stopper (110) is configured to engage with one or more locking members (140A and 140B) (shown in FIG. 3) of a clamp (60) (shown in FIG. 3) so as to prevent rotation of the clamp (60) in a desired direction beyond the stopper (110) when disassembling the fuel injector assembly (30) from the cam cover portion (20). FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary first set of components such as the slot (100), the plurality of protrusions (90), and the stopper (110) disposed at the proximal end (25) of the cam cover portion (20). It is to be understood that the cam cover portion (20) may also include another second set of similar components (not shown in FIG. 2) such as a slot similar to the slot (100), protrusions similar to the plurality of protrusions (90), and a stopper similar to the stopper (110). The second set of components, for example, may be disposed at a location (55) that is diagonally opposite to the first set of components that are located at the proximal end (25) for convenient assembling and disassembling of the fuel injector assembly (30), as described in detail with respect to FIG. 3.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation depicting an exploded view of the fuel injector assembly (30) of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the fuel injector assembly (30) may be of a direct fuel injector type or a port fuel injector type. In certain embodiments, the fuel injector assembly (30) includes a fuel injector head (40) and a fuel injector body (50). The fuel injector head (40) includes a projection (120) that extends out from a distal end (130) of the fuel injector head (40).
[0034] In certain embodiments, the clamping system (10) for the fuel injector assembly (30) includes the cam cover portion (20) and the clamp (60) that is configured to be mounted on a proximal end (70) of the fuel injector body (50) when various components of the fuel injector assembly (30) are assembled together. In certain embodiments, the clamp (60) is a circular shaped component that is made up of the same material as the fuel injector head (40) and the fuel injector body (50). Examples of the material constituting the clamp (60) include cast iron or any alloy material.
[0035] In one embodiment, the clamp (60) includes at least one locking member (140A and 140B) that protrudes out from a peripheral wall (65) of the clamp (60). In an exemplary embodiment, the clamp (60) includes two such locking members (140A and 140B) that are used to clamp the fuel injector assembly (30) with the cam cover portion (20). However, it is to be understood that the clamp (60) can have any number of locking members (140A and 140B) depending upon a number of sets of protrusions (90) provided within the cam cover portion (20). For example, if the cam cover portion (20) includes two sets of protrusions including a first set of protrusions and a second set of protrusions, the clamp (60) may also contain two locking members including a first locking member and a second locking member. In the present example, when the fuel injector assembly (30) is disposed in the locked state, the first locking member is secured between the first set of protrusions and the second locking member is secured between the second set of protrusions.
[0036] Further, the clamping system (10) for the fuel injector assembly (30) includes an unlocking sleeve (80) positioned between the clamp (60) and the fuel injector head (40). The unlocking sleeve (80) includes at least one notch (150) that houses the projection (120) extending out from the distal end (130) of the fuel injector head (40) to couple the unlocking sleeve (80) with the fuel injector head (40). In one embodiment, a corresponding shape and size of the notch (150) and the projection (120) may be selected such that the unlocking sleeve (80) can be rotated only in a specific direction (e.g., an anti-clockwise direction) with respect to the fuel injector head (40) for disassembling the fuel injector assembly (30) from the cam cover portion (20). The projection (120) rides over and out of the notch (150) upon rotation of the unlocking sleeve (80) in the selected direction. In one embodiment, the unlocking sleeve (80) includes at least one groove (160) adapted to allow unidirectional rotation of the unlocking sleeve (80) in the selected direction upon application of a specified force along the groove (160). In certain embodiments, the clamp (60) and the unlocking sleeve (80) may be fabricated together as a single unit.
[0037] In some embodiments, the clamping system (10) for the fuel injector assembly (30) may include a collar (170) that is coupled immovably to the proximal end (70) of the fuel injector body (50). In one embodiment, the clamping system (10) for the fuel injector assembly (30) includes an elastic member (180) that is disposed in between the clamp (60) and the collar (170). An example of the elastic member (180) includes a spring. More specifically, the elastic member (180) is disposed in a released state between the clamp (60) and the collar (170 when the fuel injector assembly (30) is disposed in the locked state with the cam cover portion (20) as described in greater detail with reference to FIGs. 4A and 4B.
[0038] FIGs. 4A and FIG. 4B are schematic representations of a portion of the fuel injector assembly (30) that is disposed in a locked state with the cam cover portion (20). In order to clamp the fuel injector assembly (30) with the engine, the fuel injector assembly (30) is positioned within the cam cover portion (20), as shown in FIG. 4A. The first locking member (140A) passes through the slot (100) disposed at the proximal end (25) of the cam cover portion (20). Further, the second locking member (140B) (shown in FIG. 3) passes through another slot (100) disposed at the location (55) at the proximal end (25) when the fuel injector assembly (30) is positioned within the cam cover portion (20). Subsequently, the fuel injector assembly (30) is rotated in a desired direction such that the first and second locking members (140A and 140B) are locked between the plurality of protrusions (90). As previously noted, in one embodiment, the protrusions (90) are disposed at location (55) and a location that is diagonally opposite the location (55) at the proximal end (25) of the cam cover portion (20), respectively, as shown in FIG. 4B. Thus, the cam cover portion (20) holds the fuel injector assembly (30) in the locked state. In one embodiment, the desired direction may include a clock-wise direction. In certain embodiments, one of the protrusions (90) that is depicted to be bigger in size than the other protrusion in FIG. 2 acts as a locking stopper. The protrusion (90) that acts as the locking stopper stops continuous rotation of the fuel injector assembly (30) in the clock-wise direction and enables the locking members (140A and 140B) to fit in between the corresponding plurality of protrusions (90).
[0039] In some embodiments, shapes and sizes of the plurality of protrusions (90) correspond to shapes and sizes of the locking members (140A and 140B) to cause the locking members (140A and 140B) to be locked in between the plurality of protrusions (40). For example, if the plurality of protrusions (90) correspond to rectangle-shaped components and a gap existing between the plurality of protrusions (90) is also rectangle shaped, then the locking member (140A) is also configured as a rectangle shaped component such that the locking member (140A) fits tightly in between the plurality of protrusions (90).
[0040] FIG. 5A, 5B, and FIG. 5C are schematic representations of a portion of the clamping system (10) depicting a schematic representation of the fuel injector assembly (30) as it appears at various stages when being unclamped from the cam cover portion (20), for example, for servicing or repairing a vehicle’s engine. FIG. 5A shows the fuel injector assembly (30) in a locked state with respect to the cam cover portion (20). As noted previously, the projection (120) of the fuel injector head (40) fits within the notch (150) of the unlocking sleeve (80) when the fuel injector assembly (30) is in the locked state. In order to unlock the fuel injector assembly (30), a specified force may be applied along a groove (160), for example using a disassembling tool such as a spanner to rotate the unlocking sleeve (80) in a selected direction, for example in the anti-clockwise direction. The rotation of the unlocking sleeve (80) in the selected direction causes the projection (120) extending out from the fuel injector head (40) to ride over and out of the notch (150), which further enables the projection (120) to push the unlocking sleeve (80) downwards similar to a conventional cam follower mechanism.
[0041] FIG. 5B depicts a schematic representation of the fuel injector assembly (30) as it appears post the downward movement of the unlocking sleeve (80) when being unclamped from the cam cover portion (20). The downward movement of the unlocking sleeve (80) pushes the clamp (60) down, thereby compressing the elastic member (180) to release the first and second locking members (140A and 140B) from the locked state with respect to the corresponding plurality of protrusions (90). Thus, the clamp (60) is released and is able to rotate freely.
[0042] Further, FIG. 5C depicts a schematic representation of the fuel injector assembly (30) as it appears upon a continuation of the rotation of the unlocking sleeve (80) after releasing the clamp (60), as previously noted with reference to the description of FIG. 5B. As the clamp (60) is released, the clamp (60) rotates along with the unlocking sleeve (80) in the selected direction. At a certain point during rotation of the clamp (60), the first and second locking members (140A and 140B) of the clamp (60) are stopped by the corresponding stopper (110) of the cam cover portion (20). Upon detecting a resistance to further rotation of the clamp (60), the specified force applied along the groove (160) using the disassembling tool may be removed such that the elastic member (180) releases its stored energy, thereby uncoupling the fuel injector assembly (30) from the cam cover portion (20) via the slot (100) of the cam cover portion (20). The easy coupling and decoupling of the fuel injector assembly (30) from the cam cover portion (20) allows for expedited service and maintenance of the vehicle.
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation of a vehicle (210) that includes an engine (220) having the fuel injector assembly (30) in a locked state with respect to the cam cover portion (20). In one embodiment, the engine (220) may include a cylinder head (not shown in FIG. 6), the clamping system (10) having the cam cover portion (20), a fuel rail assembly (not shown in FIG. 6), and the fuel injector assembly (30). In one embodiment, the cam cover portion (20) may be fixed to the cylinder head (not shown). In certain embodiments, the clamping system (10) including a clamp (60) that is positioned within the cam cover portion (20) to lock the fuel injector assembly (30) with the engine (220).
[0044] Various embodiments of the present clamping system (10) for the fuel injector assembly (30) described herein enable easy access for tooling for assembling or disassembling of the fuel injector assembly (30) for the engine (220). For assembling the fuel injector assembly (30) for the engine (220), the fuel injector assembly (30) is placed within the cam cover portion (20), and subsequently the fuel injector assembly (30) is rotated in a desired direction, for example in a clockwise direction, such that the locking members (140A and 140B) are secured between the plurality of protrusions (90). Disassembling of the fuel injector assembly (30) from the engine (220) is conveniently performed by rotating the unlocking sleeve (80) in a selected direction, for example in the anti-clockwise direction. The easy assembly and disassembly allows even low-skilled service personnel access to the engine (220) without causing any damage. Such ease also results in less tooling cost.
[0045] Furthermore, the clamping system (10) is simple in construction and does not require any external clamping assembly to clamp and stabilize the fuel injector assembly (30) with respect to the engine (220). Also, unlike conventional clamping assemblies that are fixed to the engine (220) using various components such as fastening mechanisms, the clamping system (10) does not require additional components for securing the clamping system (10) with respect to the engine (220), which reduces the demand for extra number of components.
[0046] In addition, owing to the reduced number of components, the clamping system (10) occupies lesser space under the hood portion of the vehicle (210) and results in a lower overall weight of the vehicle (210). Furthermore, the clamping system (10) provides better clearance with respect to other surrounding parts of the engine (220).
[0047] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of the embodiments of the present clamping system for a fuel injector device of a vehicle. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
[0048] Although specific features of various embodiments of the present systems and methods may be shown in and/or described with respect to some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. It is to be understood that the described features, structures, and/or characteristics may be combined and/or used interchangeably in any suitable manner in the various embodiments shown in the different figures.
[0049] While only certain features of the present systems and methods have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the claimed invention.