Patent Description:
A typical gas turbine engine includes an array of fuel injectors. The fuel injectors are operable to inject fuel into a chamber of a combustor for combustion. The fuel injectors are located radially within an engine casing. Each fuel injector may be L-shaped with a radially extending support arm and an axially extending nozzle at an inner end of the support arm. The support arm is secured to the engine casing and the nozzle is mated with a respective opening in a bulkhead of the combustor. While such known fuel injectors have various benefits, these fuel injectors may be cumbersome to install and may require significant engine disassembly for fuel injector inspection, maintenance and/or replacement.

A fuel injector may be formed with a surrounding engine casing as a unitary body. While such an integral fuel injector configuration may simplify engine assembly, the fuel injector cannot be replaced without also replacing or modifying the engine casing.

There is a need in the art for a modular / replaceable fuel injector which, for example, can simplify fuel injector installation, inspection and/or replacement. There is also a need in the art for a fuel injector which can provide improved fuel dispersion and/or atomization.

A prior art assembly is disclosed in <CIT>.

According to the present invention, an assembly is provided for an engine, as claimed in claim <NUM>.

The fuel injector includes a splash plate. The fuel injector is configured to receive fuel from the fuel supply passage within the nozzle passage. The fuel injector is configured to direct the fuel out of the nozzle passage through the nozzle orifice to impinge against the splash plate.

The fuel injector includes a base and a head connected to the base. The base may project longitudinally along the centerline into the injector receptacle. The head may be abutted longitudinally against a surface of the engine structure.

The injector receptacle may include an injector aperture and a protrusion aperture. The base may project longitudinally along the centerline into injector aperture. The fuel injector may include a protrusion projecting laterally out from the base into the protrusion aperture.

The splash plate may include a planar splash plate surface. The fuel nozzle may be configured to direct the fuel out of the fuel injector to impinge against the planar splash plate surface.

The fuel nozzle may be configured to direct the fuel out of the fuel injector along a trajectory to impinge against a surface of the splash plate. The surface of the splash plate may be angularly offset from the trajectory by an obtuse angle.

The engine structure may also include a fuel supply passage extending laterally within the engine structure to the injector receptacle. The fuel injector may include a nozzle passage and a nozzle orifice in the fuel nozzle. The nozzle passage may extend longitudinally along the centerline within the fuel injector to the nozzle orifice. The nozzle passage may be fluidly coupled with the fuel supply passage.

The injector receptacle extends longitudinally through the engine structure along the centerline between a first end and a second end. The fuel supply passage may extend laterally within the engine structure to an intermediate region of the injector receptacle located longitudinally along the centerline between the first end and the second end.

The fuel injector may be configured to be installed with and/or be removed from the engine structure completely from an exterior of the engine structure.

The fuel injector may be configured to translate longitudinally along, without rotation about, the centerline when received by the injector receptacle.

The fuel injector may include a clip received within the injector receptacle. The clip may secure the fuel injector to the engine structure.

The fuel injector may include an anti-rotation feature configured to prevent rotation of the fuel injector about the centerline within the injector receptacle.

The fuel injector may also include a protrusion projecting laterally out from the base into an aperture in the engine structure.

The engine structure may also include a fuel supply passage extending laterally to the injector receptacle. The fuel injector also includes a fuel coupler within the injector receptacle adjacent the fuel supply passage. The fuel coupler may be configured to fluidly couple the fuel supply passage with a nozzle passage in the fuel injector.

The fuel coupler may include a tubular sidewall and a chamber within the tubular sidewall. A port may extend laterally through the tubular sidewall. The port may be at least partially aligned with an orifice to the fuel supply passage. The chamber may be fluidly coupled with and between the port and the nozzle passage.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an engine comprising the apparatus of any of the above aspects.

The engine may be configured as or otherwise include a gas turbine engine. The engine structure may be configured as a case of the gas turbine engine.

<FIG> and <FIG> are sectional illustrations of an assembly <NUM> for an internal combustion (IC) engine. For ease of description, this engine may be described below as a gas turbine engine. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to gas turbine engine applications. For example, the engine may alternatively be configured as a reciprocating piston engine, a rotary engine, or any other type of engine where fuel is continuously or periodically injected into chamber or another internal volume (e.g., an open space) for combustion.

The engine assembly <NUM> includes a static engine structure <NUM>; see also <FIG>. The engine assembly <NUM> also includes a removable / modular fuel injector <NUM> with a longitudinal centerline <NUM>; e.g., a straight centerline axis.

The engine structure <NUM> may be configured as any stationary part of the engine that is proximate the fuel injector <NUM>. The engine structure <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, may be configured as an engine casing such as, but not limited to, a combustor section case, a diffuser case and/or a combustor wall (e.g., a liner wall, a bulkhead wall, etc.). The engine structure <NUM> of <FIG> includes a case wall <NUM>, a fuel conduit <NUM>, a fuel injector boss <NUM> and a fuel injector receptacle <NUM>.

The case wall <NUM> may be configured as an arcuate or tubular member. The case wall <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends axially along a centerline axis <NUM> of the engine structure <NUM>, which engine structure centerline axis <NUM> may be coaxial with a centerline axis and/or a rotational axis of the engine. The case wall <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., partially or completely around) the engine structure centerline axis <NUM>. The case wall <NUM> extends radially between a first (e.g., exterior, outer) side <NUM> of the case wall <NUM> and a second (e.g., interior, inner) side <NUM> of the case wall <NUM>, which case wall second side <NUM> is radially opposite the case wall first side <NUM>.

The fuel conduit <NUM> of <FIG> is configured as, or may be part of, a fuel supply for the fuel injector <NUM> (see <FIG>). The fuel conduit <NUM>, for example, may be or may be part of a fuel supply tube, a fuel inlet manifold and/or a fuel distribution manifold. The fuel conduit <NUM> is arranged at and/or is connected to the case wall first side <NUM>. The fuel conduit <NUM> is configured with an internal fuel supply passage <NUM>. This supply passage <NUM> may be formed by an internal bore and/or channel within the fuel conduit <NUM>. The supply passage <NUM> extends within and/or through the fuel conduit <NUM> along a (e.g., curved and/or straight) centerline <NUM> of the supply passage <NUM> (laterally relative to the centerline <NUM>) to a supply passage orifice <NUM>, which supply passage centerline <NUM> may also be a centerline of the fuel conduit <NUM>.

The injector boss <NUM> is configured for mounting the fuel injector <NUM> with the engine structure <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The injector boss <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, is a tubular member configured to receive the fuel injector <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The injector boss <NUM> is arranged at and/or is connected to the case wall first side <NUM>. The injector boss <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, projects longitudinally out from the case wall <NUM> and its first side <NUM> along the centerline <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> of the injector boss <NUM>.

The injector receptacle <NUM> may be formed by an internal aperture within the engine structure <NUM>. The injector receptacle <NUM> extends longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> through the engine structure <NUM> between and to a first (e.g., exterior, outer) end <NUM> of the injector receptacle <NUM> and a second (e.g., interior, inner) end <NUM> of the injector receptacle <NUM>, which receptacle second end <NUM> is longitudinally opposite the receptacle first end <NUM>. The receptacle first end <NUM> is arranged at the injector boss distal end <NUM>. The receptacle second end <NUM> is arranged at the case wall second side <NUM>. The injector receptacle <NUM> of <FIG> thereby extends longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> from the injector boss distal end <NUM>, through the injector boss <NUM> and the case wall <NUM>, to the case wall second side <NUM>.

The injector receptacle <NUM> may include a receptacle counterbore <NUM> and a receptacle bore <NUM>. The receptacle counterbore <NUM> is an untapped (e.g., smooth, cylindrical) portion of a sidewall <NUM> of the injector receptacle <NUM>. The receptacle counterbore <NUM> is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent or proximate) the receptacle first end <NUM>. The receptacle counterbore <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> into the engine structure <NUM> from the injector boss distal end <NUM> to the receptacle bore <NUM>. The receptacle bore <NUM> is an untapped (e.g., smooth, cylindrical) portion of the receptacle sidewall <NUM>. The receptacle bore <NUM> is disposed at the receptacle second end <NUM>. The receptacle bore <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> into the engine structure <NUM> from the case wall second side <NUM> to the receptacle counterbore <NUM>. An annular shelf is formed at an interface between the receptacle counterbore <NUM> and the receptacle bore <NUM>.

The injector receptacle <NUM> of <FIG> also includes one or more receptacle apertures <NUM>; e.g., keyways, slots, channels, notches, etc. These receptacle apertures <NUM> are disposed about the centerline <NUM>; e.g., to opposing sides of the injector receptacle <NUM>. Each of the receptacle apertures <NUM> projects longitudinally into the engine structure <NUM> (e.g., along an outer portion of the receptacle counterbore <NUM>) from the injector boss distal end <NUM> / the receptacle first end <NUM> to a longitudinal end <NUM> of the respective receptacle aperture <NUM>. Each of the receptacle apertures <NUM> of <FIG> projects laterally (e.g., radially relative to the centerline <NUM>) into the engine structure <NUM> from the receptacle counterbore <NUM> to a lateral end <NUM> of the respective receptacle aperture <NUM>. Each of the receptacle apertures <NUM> of <FIG> extends circumferentially within the engine structure <NUM> between opposing circumferential sides <NUM> of the respective receptacle aperture <NUM>.

The passage orifice <NUM> is disposed along an intermediate region of the injector receptacle <NUM>. The passage orifice <NUM>, for example, is located longitudinally (e.g., midway) between the receptacle first end <NUM> and the receptacle second end <NUM> along the centerline <NUM>. The passage orifice <NUM> of <FIG>, in particular, is disposed in a portion of the receptacle sidewall <NUM> along the receptacle bore <NUM>. The supply passage <NUM> is thereby fluidly coupled with the injector receptacle <NUM> and its receptacle bore <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fuel injector <NUM> may be configured as a fuel injector plug. The fuel injector <NUM> of <FIG>, in particular, extends longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> between and to a first (e.g., exterior, outer) end <NUM> of the fuel injector <NUM> and a second (e.g., interior, inner) end <NUM> of the fuel injector <NUM>, which injector second end <NUM> is longitudinally opposite the injector first end <NUM>. The fuel injector <NUM> of <FIG> includes a fuel injector head <NUM>, a fuel injector base <NUM> and a splash plate <NUM>, where the injector head <NUM> may be a head of the fuel injector plug and the injector base <NUM> (and the splash plate <NUM>) may be a shank of the fuel injector plug.

The injector head <NUM> is connected to the injector base <NUM> and arranged at the injector first end <NUM>. The injector base <NUM> projects longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> from the injector head <NUM> to the splash plate <NUM> at the injector second end <NUM>. The injector base <NUM> of <FIG> includes a fuel injector mount <NUM>, a fuel injector fuel coupler <NUM> and a fuel injector fuel nozzle <NUM>.

The injector mount <NUM> is longitudinally between and connected to the injector head <NUM> and the fuel coupler <NUM>. The injector mount <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> between and to the injector head <NUM> and the fuel coupler <NUM>. The injector mount <NUM> may be a solid portion of the fuel injector <NUM>; see also <FIG>. The injector mount <NUM>, for example, may be configured without any pathways through which fluid (e.g., fuel) may to travel (e.g., laterally and/or longitudinally) thereacross. More particularly, the fuel injector <NUM> of <FIG> is configured without any apertures, bores, channels, etc. extending laterally and/or longitudinally through the injector mount <NUM>.

The injector mount <NUM> of <FIG> includes an (e.g., cylindrical) injector mount base <NUM> and one or more injector mount protrusions <NUM> (see also <FIG>); e.g., tabs, flanges, locators and/or anti-rotation features. The mount base <NUM> extends longitudinally between and is connected to the injector head <NUM> and the fuel coupler <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the mount protrusions <NUM> are arranged circumferentially about the mount base <NUM> and the centerline <NUM>; e.g., to opposing sides of the fuel injector <NUM>. Each of the mount protrusions <NUM> is connected to the mount base <NUM>. Each of the mount protrusions <NUM> extends circumferentially between opposing circumferential sides <NUM> of the respective mount protrusion <NUM>. Each of the mount protrusions <NUM> projects laterally (e.g., radially relative to the centerline <NUM>) out from an (e.g., cylindrical) outer surface of the mount base <NUM> to a distal lateral end <NUM> of the respective mount protrusion <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, each of the mount protrusions <NUM> is further connected to the injector head <NUM>, and projects longitudinally out from the injector head <NUM> (e.g., along the mount base <NUM>) to a distal longitudinal end <NUM> of the respective injector mount <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fuel coupler <NUM> is longitudinally between and connected to the injector mount <NUM> and the fuel nozzle <NUM>. The fuel coupler <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> between and to the injector mount <NUM> and the fuel nozzle <NUM>. The fuel coupler <NUM> is configured with a lateral width <NUM> (e.g., a diameter) that is less than a lateral width <NUM> (e.g., a diameter) of the injector mount <NUM> and its mount base <NUM>.

The fuel coupler <NUM> includes one or more ports <NUM> (e.g., apertures, windows, pass-throughs, etc.) and an internal volume <NUM> (e.g., a plenum, a chamber, etc.). Referring to <FIG>, the ports <NUM> are arranged circumferentially about the centerline <NUM>. Each port <NUM> provides a flowpath from an exterior of the fuel coupler <NUM> into the internal volume <NUM>. Each port <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, projects laterally (e.g., radially relative to the centerline <NUM>) into the fuel coupler <NUM> from the exterior of the fuel coupler <NUM> to the internal volume <NUM>. The internal volume <NUM> is laterally and longitudinally within the fuel coupler <NUM>. The internal volume <NUM>, for example, may be an internal bore within the fuel coupler <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fuel nozzle <NUM> is connected to the fuel coupler <NUM>. The fuel nozzle <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, projects longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> from the fuel coupler <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> (e.g., a tip) of the fuel nozzle <NUM> proximate the injector second end <NUM>. The fuel nozzle <NUM> is configured with a lateral width <NUM> (e.g., a diameter) that is different (e.g., less) than the coupler lateral width <NUM> at the distal end <NUM>; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The fuel nozzle <NUM> is configured with a nozzle passage <NUM> (e.g., a fuel passage) and a nozzle orifice <NUM>. An internal bore of the fuel injector <NUM> at least partially (or completely) forms the nozzle passage <NUM>. The nozzle passage <NUM> and its internal bore extend longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> from the internal volume <NUM> within the fuel coupler <NUM> to the nozzle orifice <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> (e.g., tip) of the fuel nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle passage <NUM> may thereby extend longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> out of the fuel coupler <NUM> and then through the fuel nozzle <NUM> to the nozzle orifice <NUM>. The nozzle orifice <NUM> provides an outlet from the nozzle passage <NUM> and, more generally, from the fuel injector <NUM> and its fuel nozzle <NUM>.

The splash plate <NUM> of <FIG> has a lateral width <NUM>. This lateral width <NUM> may be equal to or different (e.g., less) than the coupler lateral width <NUM>. The splash plate <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> is configured to redirect (e.g., disperse) fuel directed out of the fuel injector <NUM> and its fuel nozzle <NUM> into a disperse (e.g., a widespread) pattern <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>. The splash plate <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, is arranged proximate and laterally overlaps the nozzle orifice <NUM>. The splash plate <NUM> is longitudinally spaced from the fuel nozzle <NUM> and its nozzle orifice <NUM> by a longitudinal distance <NUM> along the longitudinal centerline <NUM>. This longitudinal distance <NUM> may be equal to or different (e.g., greater or less) than a width <NUM> (e.g., diameter) of the nozzle passage <NUM> and/or the nozzle orifice <NUM>. The longitudinal distance <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, is between one-half times (<NUM>. 5x) and ten times (10x) a width (e.g., a diameter) of the nozzle passage <NUM> and its nozzle orifice <NUM>. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to the foregoing exemplary dimensional relationship between the splash plate <NUM> and the fuel nozzle <NUM>.

The splash plate <NUM> of <FIG> is configured with a (e.g., circular) puck-like body. The splash plate <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends axially along a centerline axis <NUM> of the splash plate <NUM> between a frontside splash plate surface <NUM> and a backside splash plate surface <NUM>, which backside splash plate surface <NUM> is axially opposite the frontside splash plate surface <NUM>. Each of these splash plate surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may have a generally circular shape. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the splash plate surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may each have a non-circular (e.g., oval, polygonal, etc.) shape. Each of the splash plate surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured as a smooth and/or planar surface. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the splash plate surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may each be configured as a non-planar (e.g., concave, convex, etc.) surface and/or with one or more flow disruptions; e.g., apertures or projections. The splash plate <NUM> of <FIG> also includes at least one side perimeter surface <NUM> that extends axially between the opposing splash plate surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> and circumferentially about the centerline axis <NUM> of the splash plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the splash plate <NUM> and, more particularly, its frontside splash plate surface <NUM> is angularly offset from the longitudinal centerline <NUM> and/or fuel trajectory <NUM> (discussed below) by an angle <NUM> when viewed, for example, in the plane of <FIG>; e.g., a plane that laterally bisects one or more or each of the components <NUM> and <NUM> and/or is parallel with and coincident with the centerline <NUM> and the axis <NUM>. This angle <NUM> may be an obtuse angle. The angle <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, is between one-hundred degrees (<NUM>°) and one-hundred and fifty degrees (<NUM>°); e.g., substantially (e.g., +/- <NUM>°) or exactly equal to one-hundred and twenty degrees (<NUM>°). The present disclosure, however, is not limited to such exemplary angles. In other embodiments, for example, the angle <NUM> may be less than one-hundred degrees (<NUM>°) or greater one-hundred and fifty degrees (<NUM>°).

The splash plate <NUM> of <FIG> may be connected to the fuel nozzle <NUM> by at least (or only) one support member <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be configured as a beam and/or a pylon. The support member <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, has an elongated body that is connected to and extends between the fuel nozzle <NUM> and the splash plate <NUM>. Of course, in other embodiments, the splash plate <NUM> may be connected directly to the fuel nozzle <NUM> without any additional members.

Referring to <FIG>, the fuel injector <NUM> is mated with, inserted into and/or otherwise received by the injector receptacle <NUM>. For example, during assembly, the splash plate <NUM> and the fuel nozzle <NUM> are inserted longitudinally into the injector receptacle <NUM> at the receptacle first end <NUM>. The splash plate <NUM> and the fuel nozzle <NUM> are moved (e.g., translated) longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> through the receptacle counterbore <NUM> and into the receptacle bore <NUM>. Each of the mount protrusions <NUM> is mated with, inserted into and/or otherwise received by a respective one of the receptacle apertures <NUM>. The splash plate <NUM> and the fuel nozzle <NUM> are further moved (e.g., translated) longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> through and out of the receptacle counterbore <NUM> into a plenum <NUM>. This plenum <NUM> may be within the engine structure <NUM> and adjacent the case wall second side <NUM>. The fuel injector <NUM> may be moved (e.g., translated) along the centerline <NUM> until, for example, the injector head <NUM> longitudinally engages (e.g., contacts) the boss distal end <NUM> directly (or indirectly through an intermediate member; e.g., a spacer). In this position, referring now to <FIG>, the fuel injector <NUM> may be secured to the engine structure <NUM> and, more particularly, the injector boss <NUM> via at least (or only) one fastener <NUM>; e.g., a bolt, a set screw, etc. The fastener <NUM> of <FIG> projects laterally through the sidewall <NUM> of the injector boss <NUM> and into a fastener aperture <NUM> (e.g., a blind hole) in the injector mount <NUM> and its mount base <NUM>. The fuel injector <NUM> is thereby removably attached to the engine structure <NUM>.

Following mating of the mount protrusions <NUM> of <FIG> with the receptacle apertures <NUM>, the mount protrusions <NUM> may guide the longitudinal movement (e.g., translation) of the fuel injector <NUM> along the centerline <NUM>. The mount protrusions <NUM> may also rotationally locate and lock a position of the splash plate <NUM> about the centerline <NUM>. The mount protrusions <NUM> may thereby prevent or otherwise restrict rotation of the fuel injector <NUM> about the centerline <NUM> as the fuel injector <NUM> moves (e.g., translates) longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> within the injector receptacle <NUM>.

In the assembled position of <FIG>, the passage orifice <NUM> is aligned with the fuel coupler <NUM> and at least one of its ports <NUM>. One of the ports <NUM> for example, may at least partially (or completely) longitudinally overlap and may at least partially (or completely) circumferentially overlap the passage orifice <NUM> to provide a (e.g., unobstructed, or only partially obstructed) fluid coupling between the supply passage <NUM> and the internal volume <NUM>.

The injector mount <NUM> and/or the fuel coupler <NUM> may be arranged completely within the injector receptacle <NUM>. The fuel nozzle <NUM> may be arranged (e.g., partially or completely) within and/or outside of the injector receptacle <NUM>. More particularly, the fuel nozzle <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> projects longitudinally out from the injector receptacle <NUM>, away from the case wall second side <NUM> and into the plenum <NUM> (e.g., an air passage) within the engine structure <NUM>.

With the above configuration, the fuel injector <NUM> may be installed with the engine structure <NUM> and removed from the engine structure <NUM> from an exterior of the engine structure <NUM>. Assembly personnel, maintenance personnel and/or inspection personnel may thereby install, replace and/or service the fuel injector <NUM> without requiring disassembly and/or removal of the engine structure <NUM> nor access to an interior of the engine structure <NUM>. Fuel injectors with, for example, different fuel coupler configurations, fuel nozzle configurations, etc. may be more easily swapped. The plug-and-play operation of the fuel nozzle <NUM> reduces complexity of the fuel delivery system. For example, a single step of mating the fuel injector <NUM> with the engine structure <NUM> may (A) fluidly couple the fuel injector <NUM> with the fuel conduit <NUM> as well as (B) position the fuel nozzle <NUM> and the splash plate <NUM> for operation. Configuring the fuel injector <NUM> as a single, unitary body (e.g., a monolithic body) may facilitate proper positioning (e.g., spacing, angling, etc.) of the splash plate <NUM> with respect to the nozzle orifice <NUM>. Furthermore, configuring the splash plate <NUM> as part of the fuel injector <NUM> facilitates inspection of the splash plate <NUM> by simply removing the fuel injector <NUM>; e.g., without use of a borescope and/or other inspection systems.

Referring to <FIG>, during turbine engine operation, fuel is directed into the supply passage <NUM> from a fuel source (not shown). At least a portion (or all) of the fuel within the supply passage <NUM> is directed into the nozzle passage <NUM>. This fuel flows through the nozzle passage <NUM> and out of the fuel nozzle <NUM> through the nozzle orifice <NUM> and into a spatial gap between the fuel nozzle <NUM> and the splash plate <NUM> as a fuel jet along a fuel jet trajectory <NUM>, which may be parallel (e.g., coaxial) with the centerline <NUM>. This fuel jet may be a linear concentrated flow / stream of fuel versus, for example, a spread-out pattern of fuel such as a conical film of fuel. The fuel jet flows through the spatial gap along its trajectory <NUM> and impacts (e.g., impinges against) the frontside splash plate surface <NUM> at a target area <NUM>; e.g., an impingement area. Referring to <FIG>, upon impacting the frontside splash plate surface <NUM>, the splash plate <NUM> redirects (e.g., disperses) the impinging fuel jet radially outward (relative to the fuel jet trajectory <NUM>) into a (e.g., uniform and/or symmetrical) disperse radiant pattern <NUM> (e.g., an arcuate and/or a generally planar film; schematically shown in <FIG> via discrete flow arrows). The fuel may thereby be more evenly dispersed / spread / mixed into fluid (e.g., air) flowing past the fuel nozzle <NUM> and the splash plate <NUM> within the plenum <NUM>. Providing such relatively even mixing of the fuel and the fluid may in turn increase fuel burn efficiency and/or reduce likelihood of carbon formation within the turbine engine.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the fuel injector <NUM> may be configured with one or more annular seal elements <NUM> and <NUM>. Each seal element <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured as a ring seal such as, but not limited to, an O-ring element, a C-seal element, a crush seal element, a washer, etc. The ports <NUM> and the passage orifice <NUM> of <FIG> are positioned longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> between the first (e.g., outer) seal element <NUM> and the second (e.g., inner) seal element <NUM>.

The first seal element <NUM> is seated in an annular first (e.g., outer) seal receptacle <NUM> (e.g., a notch, a groove, a channel, etc.) in the injector base <NUM>. The first seal receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, in particular, is located in an outer portion of the fuel coupler <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the first seal receptacle <NUM> may be located in an inner portion of the injector mount <NUM>, or in another portion of the fuel injector <NUM> and its injector base <NUM> longitudinally between the fuel coupler <NUM> and the injector mount <NUM>.

The first seal element <NUM> is laterally engaged with the injector base <NUM> and the receptacle sidewall <NUM> in the receptacle bore <NUM>. The first seal element <NUM> may thereby form a seal interface between the fuel injector <NUM> and the engine structure <NUM> such that the fuel, for example, does not leak (e.g., in an outward direction; vertically up in <FIG>) between the engine assembly elements <NUM> and <NUM> into an external plenum <NUM>.

The second seal element <NUM> is seated in an annular second (e.g., inner) seal receptacle <NUM> (e.g., a notch, a groove, a channel, etc.) in the injector base <NUM>. The second seal receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, in particular, is located in an inner portion of the fuel coupler <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the second seal receptacle <NUM> may be located in an outer portion of the fuel nozzle <NUM>, or in another portion of the fuel injector <NUM> and its injector base <NUM> longitudinally between the fuel coupler <NUM> and the fuel nozzle <NUM>.

The second seal element <NUM> is laterally engaged with the injector base <NUM> and the receptacle sidewall <NUM> in the receptacle bore <NUM>. The second seal element <NUM> may thereby form a seal interface between the fuel injector <NUM> and the engine structure <NUM> such that the fuel, for example, does not leak (e.g., in an inward direction; vertically down in <FIG>) between the engine assembly elements <NUM> and <NUM> into the internal plenum <NUM>.

The fuel injector <NUM> of <FIG> is described above as being secured to the engine structure <NUM> by the fastener <NUM>. The fuel injector <NUM>, of course, may also be secured to the engine structure <NUM> via one or more techniques. For example, the fuel injector <NUM> may also be welded, brazed and/or otherwise bonded to the engine structure <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the fuel injector <NUM> may also be secured to the engine structure <NUM> by one or more clips <NUM>. Each clip <NUM> of <FIG> is formed as an extension of a respective one of the mount protrusions <NUM>. More particularly, each clip <NUM> of <FIG> projects longitudinally out from and is cantilevered from the respective mount protrusion <NUM> at its longitudinal end <NUM>. When the fuel injector <NUM> is being mated with the injector receptacle <NUM>, each clip <NUM> may project into a clip receptacle <NUM>, where a barb <NUM> on the clip <NUM> may engage a catch <NUM>. Of course, various other securement devices may also be used for temporarily or permanently securing the fuel injector <NUM> to the engine structure <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the engine assembly <NUM> may include a plurality of the fuel injectors <NUM>. These fuel injectors <NUM> may be arranged circumferentially about the engine structure centerline axis <NUM> in, for example, an annular array. Each of the fuel injectors <NUM> may be configured as described above. The engine structure <NUM> may also be generally configured as described above. However, the engine structure <NUM> may include a plurality of the fuel conduits <NUM> and a plurality of the injector bosses <NUM>, where each injector boss <NUM> is configured to mount a respective one of the fuel injectors <NUM> with the engine structure <NUM>.

The fuel conduits <NUM> may be configured to collectively form a fuel supply (e.g., a manifold) for the fuel injectors <NUM>. Each fuel conduit <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, is arranged between a respective circumferentially adjacent pair of the fuel injectors <NUM>. Each injector boss <NUM> may be arranged circumferentially between and connected to respective circumferentially adjacent pair of the fuel conduits <NUM>. Thus, each injector receptacle <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) and the respective fuel injector <NUM> received therein is fluidly coupled with a respective pair of the supply passages <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each fuel injector <NUM> may be configured as a monolithic body. Each fuel injector <NUM> and its elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, for example, may be additively manufactured, cast, machined and/or otherwise forms as a single integral, unitary body. The engine structure <NUM> may also or alternatively be configured as a monolithic body. The engine structure <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, and each of its elements <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be additively manufactured, cast, machined and/or otherwise formed as a single integral, unitary body. By contrast, a non-monolithic body may include parts that are discretely formed from one another, where those parts are subsequently mechanically fastened and/or otherwise attached to one another.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a single spool, radial-flow turbojet turbine engine <NUM> with which the engine assembly <NUM> may be included. This turbine engine <NUM> may be configured for propelling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a drone, or any other manned or unmanned aircraft or self-propelled projectile. In the specific embodiment of <FIG>, the turbine engine <NUM> includes an upstream inlet <NUM>, a (e.g., radial) compressor section <NUM>, a combustor section <NUM> with a (e.g., annular) combustor <NUM> and a (e.g., annular) combustion chamber <NUM>, a (e.g., radial) turbine section <NUM> and a downstream exhaust <NUM> fluidly coupled in series. A compressor rotor <NUM> in the compressor section <NUM> is coupled with a turbine rotor <NUM> in the turbine section <NUM> by a shaft <NUM>, which rotates about the centerline / rotational axis <NUM> of the turbine engine <NUM>.

The engine assembly <NUM> may be configured for a gas turbine engine as described above. This gas turbine engine may be configured for propulsion and/or power generation. The gas turbine engine may be a geared turbine engine which includes a gear train connecting one or more shafts to one or more rotors in a fan section, a compressor section and/or any other engine section. Alternatively, the gas turbine engine may be a direct-drive turbine engine configured without a gear train. The gas turbine engine may be configured as a single spool or a multi-spool turbine engine. The gas turbine engine may be configured as a turbofan engine, a turbojet engine, a propfan engine, a pusher fan engine, a turboprop engine, a turboshaft engine, an open rotor engine, an auxiliary power unit (APU), an industrial turbine engine or any other type of gas turbine engine. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to any particular types or configurations of gas turbine engines. Furthermore, the engine assembly <NUM> may alternatively be configured with various other types of internal combustion engines. For example, the engine structure <NUM> may be configured as a case, a block, a head or another component of a reciprocating piston engine, a rotary engine, or any other type of engine where fuel is continuously or periodically injected into chamber or another internal volume for combustion.

Claim 1:
An assembly (<NUM>) for an engine (<NUM>), comprising:
an engine structure (<NUM>) comprising a case wall (<NUM>), a fuel conduit (<NUM>), a fuel injector boss (<NUM>) and an injector receptacle (<NUM>), the injector receptacle (<NUM>) extending longitudinally through the engine structure (<NUM>) along a centerline (<NUM>); and
a fuel injector (<NUM>) received by the injector receptacle (<NUM>), the fuel injector (<NUM>) including a fuel injector head (<NUM>), a fuel injector base (<NUM>) and a splash plate (<NUM>),
wherein the fuel injector base (<NUM>) includes a fuel injector mount (<NUM>) comprising a mount base (<NUM>) a fuel injector fuel coupler (<NUM>) and a fuel injector fuel nozzle (<NUM>),
wherein the fuel nozzle (<NUM>) is configured to direct fuel out of the fuel injector (<NUM>) to impinge against the splash plate (<NUM>),
wherein the assembly further comprises a fastener (<NUM>) projecting laterally through the sidewall (<NUM>) of the injector boss (<NUM>) and into a fastener aperture (<NUM>) in the injector mount (<NUM>) and its mount base (<NUM>), thereby removably attaching the fuel injector (<NUM>) to the engine structure (<NUM>).