Injection pressure sensor sealing mechanism

Details Injection pressure sensor sealing mechanism Injection pressure sensor sealing mechanism

2000-01-21

2001-11-27

Rivell, John (Department: 3753)

Fluid handling

Destructible or deformable element controlled

Destructible element

C137S038000, C137S067000, C137S068110, C073S114220, C073S756000, C123S1980DA

Reexamination Certificate

active

06321769

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to an injection pressure sensor sealing mechanism and more particularly to improvements to an injection pressure sensor sealing mechanism to prevent fuel leakage in the event of a crash.
BACKGROUND ART
Injection pressure sensors (IPS) are well known in the automotive industry. Injection pressure sensors are commonly mounted directly to the fuel rail. IPS devices are used to monitor the pressure of the fuel within the fuel rail relative to the manifold pressure to assist in the regulation and control of the fuel injectors.
Performance issues alone, however, should not govern the design of IPS devices. The modern automotive design is not only driven by cost and performance concerns, but by failure considerations as well. Systems within the automobile are often designed such that they will not create excessive cost or collateral damage issues for the consumer if they fail or if the vehicle is involved in a crash.
Since IPS devices are commonly attached to the fuel rail, they have the potential to create cost and collateral damage issues if they are affected during a vehicle accident. An accident that damages or breaks the IPS device has the potential to allow fuel to leak from the fuel rail, where the IPS is attached, into the engine compartment. An IPS design that can sustain impact damage during an accident and yet minimize or prevent fuel from leaking from the fuel rail would be highly desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an injection pressure sensor that minimizes fuel leakage from the fuel rail when the injection pressure sensor experiences impact loading.
In accordance with the object of this invention, a injection pressure sensor is provided which includes a sensor element for measuring the pressure of fluid within a fluid source. A tube member with a collapsible portion provides a fluid connection pathway between the fluid source and the sensor element. The collapsible portion generally closes the fluid connection pathway when the tube member is bent or damaged due to impact loading, such as from a vehicle crash.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims.


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