A CYLINDER BLOCK

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates generally to systems and methods for coupling components of an internal combustion engine.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Internal combustion engines typically include a cylinder head and a cylinder block. The cylinder head may be attached to the cylinder block through the use of fasteners. Such internal combustion engines include pistons positioned within the cylinder block. These pistons are used to convert chemical energy from fuel into mechanical energy (e.g., at a crankshaft, etc.).

SUMMARY

[0003] In one embodiment, an internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder block and a liner. The cylinder block comprises a first end and an opposing second end, the cylinder block defining a cylinder including a mid-stop shelf and a first through hole. The liner is positioned within the cylinder, the liner including a seat supported on the mid-stop shelf. The first through hole has at least one threaded portion positioned farther from the first end than the mid-stop shelf.

[0004] In another embodiment, an internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder block, a liner, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The cylinder block comprises a first end and an opposing second end, the cylinder block defining a cylinder including a mid-stop shelf, a first through hole, and a first cylinder block conduit extending between the first end and the first through hole, the first through hole having at least one threaded portion positioned farther from the first end than the mid-stop shelf. The liner is positioned within the cylinder, where the liner includes a seat supported on the mid-stop shelf. The first fastener extends through the first end of the cylinder block and is engaged with the at least one threaded portion of the first through hole, and the second fastener extends though the second end of the cylinder block and is engaged with the at least one threaded portion of the first through hole. [0005] In yet another embodiment, a method comprises providing a cylinder block having a first end and an opposing second end, the cylinder block defining a cylinder including a mid-stop shelf positioned nearer the first end than the second end, the cylinder block defining a first cylinder block conduit extending between the first end and a transition surface. The method further comprises drilling a through hole in the cylinder block starting at the second end and extending through the transition surface. The method also comprises inserting a tapping tool from the first end, through the first cylinder block conduit and into the through hole to form at least one threaded region in the through hole, the at least one threaded region positioned farther from the first end than the mid-stop shelf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an internal combustion engine according to an example embodiment;

[0008] Figure 2 is another cross-sectional view of a portion of the internal combustion engine shown in Figure 1; and

[0009] Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a method for coupling a cylinder head and a main cap to a cylinder block according to an example embodiment.

[0010] It will be recognized that some or all of the figures are schematic representations for purposes of illustration. The figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations with the explicit understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems for coupling a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine to a cylinder block of the internal combustion engine. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0012] An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head and a cylinder block. The cylinder block can define a combustion cavity within which a cylinder liner can be disposed. The cylinder liner can include a seat that can rest against a mid-stop shelf formed within the cylinder block. The cylinder liner can be secured within the combustion cavity by positioning the cylinder head over the cylinder block such that the cylinder head pushes the liner seat against the mid-stop shelf in the cylinder block. The cylinder head can be coupled to the cylinder block by way of fasteners that threadably engage with the cylinder block. In some engines, the threaded portion of the cylinder block (with which the fasteners engage) is positioned near the mid-stop shelf. For example, the threaded portion of the cylinder head may be positioned above the mid-stop shelf along a longitudinal axis of the cylinder block. The relative positions of the threaded portion of the cylinder block and the mid-stop shelf can cause distortion in the cylinder block. Specifically, the threaded portion of the cylinder block can experience an upward force exerted by the fasteners, while the mid-stop shelf can experience a downward force exerted by the liner seat. These forces can deform or distort the portion of the cylinder block near the mid-stop shelf. Further, these forces, combined with repeated loading and unloading caused by combustion cycles during operation, can cause severe fatigue within portions of the cylinder block. Distortion at the mid-stop shelf and the liner seat interface can also result in excessive wear or deformation of the piston

reciprocating within the liner. As a result, the stability of the engine can get compromised.

[0013] As discussed herein, the cylinder block can include a through hole that has at least one threaded portion. The threaded portion of the through hole is positioned in relation to a first end of the cylinder block such that the mid-stop shelf is positioned nearer to the first end than the threaded portion of the through holes. A cylinder head is positioned at the first end of the cylinder block and a main cap is positioned at a second end, opposing the first end, of the cylinder block. A first fastener mates the cylinder head to the cylinder block. The first fastener extends through the cylinder head and into the through hole, engaging with the threaded portion of the through hole. In addition, a second fastener mates the main cap to the second end of the engine block. The second fastener extends through the main cap and into the through hole, also engaging with the threaded portion of the through hole. [0014] By positioning the threaded portion of the through hole away from the mid-stop shelf, the stresses on the portion of the cylinder block near the mid-stop shelf can be reduced. As a result, the risk of distortion in the mid-stop shelf and the risk of fatigue can be reduced. Consequently, the stability of the engine can be improved.

[0015] Figure 1 shows the cross-sectional view of an engine 100 including a cylinder head 102, a cylinder block 104, and a main cap 106. While not shown in Figure 1, and discussed further in relation to Figure 2, the cylinder block 104 can define a combustion cavity 122, which can house a liner, within which a piston can move. The cylinder block 104 has a first end 108 and a second end 110 opposing the first end 108. The cylinder head 102 is disposed at the first end 108 of the cylinder block 104, while the main cap 106 is disposed at the second end 110 of the cylinder block 104. The cylinder block 104 defines a first through hole 112 and a second through hole 114. The cylinder block 104 also defines a first cylinder block conduit 116 and a second cylinder block conduit 118. The first cylinder block conduit 116 extends between the first end 108 of the cylinder block 104 and a first transition surface 120, where the first cylinder block conduit 116 ends and the first through hole 112 begins.

The first through hole 112 extends between the first transition surface 120 and the second end 110 of the cylinder block 104. Similarly, the second cylinder block conduit 118 extends between the first end 108 of the cylinder block 104 and a second transition surface 124, while the second through hole 114 extends between the second transition surface 124 and the second end 110 of the cylinder block 104.

[0016] Each of the first through hole 112 and the second through hole 114 can include at least one threaded portion. For example, the first through hole 112 includes a first threaded portion 126 and a second threaded portion 128. Similarly, the second through hole 114 includes a first threaded portion 130 and a second threaded portion 132. The first threaded portion 126 and the second threaded portion 128 of the first through hole 112 are separated by a first non-threaded portion 134, while the first threaded portion 130 and the second threaded portion 132 of the second through hole 114 can be separated by a second non- threaded portion 136. The first threaded portion 126 of the first through hole 112 can extend up to the first transition surface 120. In some examples, the first through hole 112 can include another non-threaded portion between the first threaded portion 126 and the first transition surface 120. In some examples, the second through hole 114 can include a non- threaded portion between the first threaded portion 130 and the second transition surface 124. In some instances, the first through hole 112 (the second through hole 114) may not include the first non-threaded portion 134 (the second non-threaded portion 136). In some examples, the first threaded portion 126 of the first through hole 112 can be finely threaded, and the second threaded portion 128 of the first through hole 112 may be coarsely threaded.

[0017] In some examples, the lengths of the first threaded portion 126 and the second threaded portion 128 of the first through hole 112 and the first threaded portion 130 and the second threaded portion 132 of the second through hole 114 can have values between 50 mm and 100 mm. Having the first threaded portion 126 separated from the second threaded portion 128 by a first non-threaded portion 134 can advantageously allow the first threaded portion 126 and the second threaded portion 128 to have different configurations. For example, the first threaded portion 126 and the second threaded portion 128 can have threads of different diameters and/or threads of different pitches. Moreover, having separated first and second threaded portions 126 and 128 can provide machining ease and flexibility by needing shorter tapping tool length and ease of inserting tapping tool from either end of the through hole.

[0018] The first cylinder block conduit 116 can have a width Wc that is greater than the diameter Dt of the first through hole 112. For example, the first cylinder block conduit 116 can have a width Wc between 22 mm and 30 mm. The diameter Dt of the first through hole 112 can depend on the specification of the threads used for a fastener that engages with the threaded portions in the first through hole 112. As an example, the diameter Dt can be a pilot drill diameter for the smallest thread diameter among the threaded regions in the first through hole 112. The pilot drill diameter may also depend upon the thread pitch and thread fit of the threaded region of the first through hole 112. The first cylinder block conduit 116 and the second cylinder block conduit 118 can be devoid of threads.

[0019] The cylinder head 102 can define a first cylinder head conduit 138 and a second cylinder head conduit 140. The first cylinder head conduit 138 and the second cylinder head conduit 140 can have uniform diameter or width. In some instances, the first cylinder head 138 and the second cylinder head 140 may have non-uniform diameter or width. For example, a diameter or width of the first cylinder head conduit 138 and the second cylinder head conduit 140 nearer a top surface 148 of the cylinder head 102 can be less than a diameter or a width nearer an opposing surface that faces the cylinder block 104. In some examples, a width or diameter of at least a portion of the first and second cylinder head conduits 138 and 140 can be greater than the diameter of the first and second through holes 112 and 114. The first cylinder head conduit 138 can be positioned to align with the first cylinder block conduit 116, while the second cylinder head conduit 140 can be positioned to align with the second cylinder block conduit 118 when the cylinder head 102 is disposed over the first end 108 of the cylinder block 104. The first cylinder head conduit 138 can also be aligned with the first through hole 112, and the second cylinder head conduit 140 can be aligned with the second through hole 114. In some examples, being aligned can refer to the central axes of the conduits (or a conduit and a through hole) being coaxial. In other examples, being aligned can refer to the conduits (or a conduit and a through hole) allowing a fastener of a specified diameter to pass through form one conduit to the corresponding conduit (or to the corresponding through hole).

[0020] A first fastener 142 extends through the first cylinder head conduit 138 and into the first through hole 112. In particular, the first fastener 142 extends through the first cylinder head conduit 138, through the first cylinder block conduit 116 and into the first through hole 112. The first fastener 142 includes a first fastener head 144 and a first fastener body 146. The first fastener head 144 contacts a top surface 148 of the cylinder head 102, and a portion of the first fastener body 146 threadingly engages with the first threaded portion 126 of the first through hole 112. In some instances, one or more washers can be disposed between the first fastener head 144 and the top surface 148.

[0021] A third fastener 150 extends through the second cylinder head conduit 140 and into the second through hole 114. In particular, the third fastener 150 extends through the second cylinder head conduit 140, through the second cylinder block conduit 118 and into the second through hole 114. The third fastener 150 includes a third fastener head 152 and a third fastener body 154. The third fastener head 152 contacts the top surface 148 of the cylinder head 102, and a portion of the third fastener body 154 threadingly engages with the first threaded portion 130 of the second through hole 114. In some instances, one or more washers can be disposed between the third fastener head 152 and the top surface 148.

[0022] The main cap 106 can define a first main cap conduit 156 and a second main cap conduit 158. The first main cap conduit 156 can be positioned to align with the first through hole 112 and the second main cap conduit 158 can be positioned to align with the second through hole 114. In some examples, being aligned can refer to the central axes of the conduits and the through hole being coaxial. In other examples, being aligned can refer to the conduits and through holes allowing a fastener of a specified diameter to pass through form one conduit to the corresponding conduit (or to the corresponding through hole).

[0023] A second fastener 160 extends through the first main cap conduit 156 and into the first through hole 112. The second fastener 160 includes a second fastener head 162 and a second fastener body 164. The second fastener head 162 contacts a bottom surface 166 of the main cap 106, and a portion of the second fastener body 164 threadingly engages with the second threaded portion 128 of the first through hole 112. In some instances, one or more washers can be disposed between the second fastener head 162 and the bottom surface 166.

[0024] A fourth fastener 168 extends through the second main cap conduit 158 and into the second through hole 114. The fourth fastener 168 includes a fourth fastener head 170 and a fourth fastener body 172. The fourth fastener head 170 contacts the bottom surface 166 of the main cap 106, and a portion of the fourth fastener body 172 threadingly engages with the second threaded portion 132 of the second through hole 114. In some instances, one or more washers can be disposed between the fourth fastener head 170 and the bottom surface 166.

[0025] As the first fastener 142 and the second fastener 160 are threadingly engaged with the same through hole, a first longitudinal axis 182 of the first fastener can be coaxial with a second longitudinal axis 184 of the second fastener 160. Similarly, a third longitudinal axis 186 of the third fastener 150 can be coaxial with a fourth longitudinal axis 188 of the fourth fastener 168. In some instances, the longitudinal axes of the first, second, third, and the fourth fasteners 142, 160, 150, and 168 can be parallel to a longitudinal axis 190 of the cylinder block 104.

[0026] Figure 2 shows additional details of the cross-section of the engine 100 shown in Figure 1. In particular, Figure 2 shows additional details of the combustion cavity 122. The combustion cavity 122 defines a cylinder 212 that includes a mid-stop shelf 202. The cylinder 212 can extend between the first end 108 and the second end (not shown in Figure 2) of the cylinder block 104. A liner 204 is positioned within the cylinder 212. The liner 204 is sized and shaped to nestably mate with the cylinder 212. Accordingly, the liner 204 includes a generally cylindrical-shaped tube with an exterior surface substantially matching the interior surface of the cylinder 212. A piston 210 is disposed within the liner 204. The interior surface of the liner 204 is sized to substantially match (e.g., be slightly less than an interference with) the exterior surface of the piston 210. Movement of the piston 210 within the liner 204 is driven by combustion events within the combustion cavity above the piston 210. A connecting rod 208 extends from the piston 210 into the crank case (not shown in Figure 2). The movement of the piston 210 is transferred to a crankshaft in the crank case through the connecting rod 208.

[0027] The mid-stop shelf 202 extends circumferentially about the cylinder 212 and separates the cylinder 212 into an upper section and a lower section, with the upper section having a diameter that is greater than the lower section. The mid-stop shelf 202 extends radially into the combustion cavity and includes a support surface configured to support a mating surface of a seat 206 of the liner. The seat 206 of the liner extends circumferentially about the exterior surface of the liner 204. The seat 206 rests on and is supported by the mid stop shelf 202. Accordingly, the mid-stop shelf 202 and the seat 206 each include mating surfaces.

[0028] The engine 100 can include a gasket 214 positioned between the cylinder head 102 and the cylinder block 104. The gasket 214 is disposed along the first end 108 of the cylinder block 104 and at a cylinder head-block interface and separates at least a portion of the cylinder head 102 from at least a portion of the cylinder block 104. In some

embodiments, the gasket 214 is disposed along the cylinder head-block interface to entirely separate the cylinder head 102 from the cylinder block 104. The gasket 214 may include a plurality of rings, each of the rings being configured to be disposed around the cylinder 212 of the internal combustion engine 100. The gasket 214 may be constructed from, for example, composite material (e.g., graphite, etc.), ceramics, metals (e.g., aluminum, copper, titanium, stainless steel, multi-layered steel, etc.), Viton, and other similar materials.

[0029] The mid-stop shelf 202 is positioned in relation to the first threaded portions 126 and 130 of the first through hole 112 and the second through hole 114 such that the first threaded portions 126 and 130 are positioned farther from the first end 108 of the cylinder block 104 than the mid-stop shelf 202. For example, the first threaded portions 126 and 130 of the first through hole 112 and the second through hole 114 are positioned at a distance D1 from the first end 108 of the cylinder block 104. The mid-stop shelf 202 is positioned at a distance D2 from the first end 108 of the cylinder block 104. D1 and D2 are measured along a longitudinal axis of the cylinder 212. As shown in Figure 2, D1 is greater than D2.

[0030] The distance between the first threaded portions 126 and 130 and the mid-stop shelf 202 is indicated by Dtm. Generally, the distance between the first threaded portions

126 and 130 and the mid-stop shelf 202 can be a based on the load exerted by the first fastener 142 on the cylinder block 104 at a portion referred to as a cylinder block fillet 216. The cylinder block fillet 216 is disposed between the mid-stop shelf 202 and the first threaded portions 126 and 130. The load exerted by the first fastener 142 and the third fastener 150 may cause deformation in the cylinder block fillet 216, which in turn can cause deformation or distortion in the mid-stop shelf 202 and fatigue in the cylinder block 104. As mentioned above, deformation or distortion in the mid-stop shelf 202 and fatigue can increase the risk of instability in the cylinder block 104. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the effect of the load or force, exerted by the first and third fasteners 142 and 150, on the cylinder block fillet 216 or the mid-stop shelf 202.

[0031] The greater the load exerted on the cylinder block fillet 216, the greater should the distance be between the mid-stop shelf 202 and the first threaded portions 126 and 130. The diameter of the first fastener 142 is typically determined based on the magnitude of the load that the first fastener 142 is expected to be subjected to. Therefore, the diameter of the first fastener 142 can be a good indicator of the load expected to be exerted on the cylinder block fillet 216. In some instances, the distance Dtm can be greater than at least twice a major diameter of the first fastener 142. In some instances, the distance Dtm can be greater than at least twice the greater of the major diameters of the first fastener 142 and the second fastener 160.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of a method 300 for coupling a cylinder head to a cylinder block. The method 300 includes providing a cylinder block having a cylinder head conduit at a first end (302). In particular, the method 300 includes providing the cylinder block having the first end and an opposing second end. The cylinder block can define a cylinder comprising a mid-stop shelf positioned nearer the first end than the second end. The cylinder block also defines the first cylinder head conduit extending between the first end and the second end and a transition surface. The cylinder block can be similar to the cylinder block 104 shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, the cylinder block 104 has a first end 108 and an opposing second end 110. The cylinder block 104 defines a cylinder 212 comprising a mid-stop shelf 202 positioned nearer the first end 108 than the second end 110. The cylinder block 104 also defines the first cylinder block conduit 116 extending between the first end 108 and the first transition surface 120. The cylinder block 104 can be as-cast or may undergo some finishing such as polishing the surfaces on the first end 108 and the second end 110. [0033] The method 300 further includes drilling a through hole in the cylinder block starting at the second end and extending through the transition surface (304). Referring to Figure 1, the cylinder block 104 includes the first cylinder block conduit 116 that extends between the first end 108 and the first transition surface 120. Drilling a through hole in the cylinder block 104 from the first end 108 would require a drilling tool with a drill bit long enough to not only be able to make contact with the drilling surface (the first transition surface 120) but to also drill through the body of the cylinder block 104 up to the second end 110. The long length of the drill bit increases the risk of the drilling tool tilting in relation to a direction normal to the drilling surface. The tilting of the drill bit may result in a through hole that is non-linear, which may in turn increase the risk of the through hole not being able to accommodate a fastener. To mitigate the risk of non-linear through holes, the method 300 drills the through hole from the second end 110 of the cylinder block 104. In particular, the drill bit can be positioned on a drilling surface that is coincident with the location where the through hole is desired. Further, as the drilling surface is exposed, the drill bit can be provided support to prevent tilting. As a result, a linear through hole, such as, for example, the first through hole 112 can be drilled in the cylinder block 104, where the first through hole 112 extends between the second end 110 and the first transition surface 120. The drilling processes breaches the first transition surface 120 such that there is fluid connection between the through hole 112 and the first cylinder block conduit 116.

[0034] The method 300 further includes inserting a tapping tool from the first end to form a first threaded portion in the through hole (306). Specifically, the method 300 includes inserting a tapping tool from the first end, through the first cylinder block conduit and into the through hole to form at least one threaded region in the through hole. As mentioned above, the through hole 112 can be drilled in the cylinder block 104 between the second end 110 and the first cylinder block conduit 116. As the opening to the through hole 112 is present at the bottom of the first cylinder block conduit 116, the opening to the through hole 112 can support a bit of the tapping tool. Thus, unlike the lack of support for a drilling bit prior to the formation of the first through hole 112, the presence of the opening to the first through hole 112 can provide support to and prevent tilting of the bit of the tapping tool. As a result, the tapping tool can be operated from the first end 108 of the cylinder block 104 with reasonable expectation of forming linearly oriented threaded region in the through hole. The taping tool can be operated to form the first threaded portion 126 in the first through hole 112 [0035] The method 300 further includes inserting a tapping tool from the second end to form a second threaded portion in the through hole (308). For example, referring to Figure 1, the bit of the tapping tool can be positioned on the second end 110 of the cylinder block 104 at the opening of the first through hole 112. The tapping tool can then be operated to form the second threaded portion 128 in the firs through hole 112. The second end 110 of the cylinder block 104 and the opening of the fist through hole 112 at the second end 110 provide stability and support to the bit of the tapping tool to reduce the risk of forming a non-linear threaded portion at the second end 110 of the cylinder block 104.

[0036] The method 300 may further include providing a cylinder head having a first cylinder head conduit, and fastening the cylinder head to the first end of the cylinder block by a first fastener extending through the first cylinder head conduit and the first cylinder block conduit, the first fastener engaged with the at least one threaded portion of the first through hole. For example, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the cylinder head 102 having the first cylinder head conduit 138 can be provided. Thereafter, the cylinder head 102 can be fastened to the cylinder block by at least the first fastener 142 extending through the first cylinder head conduit 138 and the first cylinder block conduit 116 and engaging with the first threaded portion 126 of the first through hole 112. The first fastener 142 may be, for example, a hex head, a Phillips head, a regular head (e.g., to receive a regular screwdriver, etc.) a Torx head (e.g. an external Torx head, an internal Torx head, a security Torx head, etc.), an Allen head, and other similar fastener heads. Fastening the cylinder head 102 to the cylinder block 104 can include tightening the first fastener 142 to a target torque (e.g., one-hundred foot pounds, etc.).

[0037] The method 300 may further include providing a main cap having a first main cap conduit, and fastening the main cap to the second end of the cylinder block by a second fastener extending through the first main cap conduit, the second fastener engaged with the at least one threaded portion of the first through hole. For example, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the main cap 106 having at least a first main cap conduit 156 can be provided. Thereafter, the main cap 106 can be fastened to the second end 110 of the cylinder block 104 using at least the second fastener 160 having a second fastener head 162 and the second fastener body 164. The second fastener 160 can extend through the first main cap conduit 156 and threadingly engaging with the second threaded portion 128 of the first through hole 112. [0038] The method 300 discussed above forms a cylinder block with through holes, where each through hole is used to fasten both the cylinder head and the main cap. This is unlike some other cylinder blocks that utilize separate holes or cavities in the cylinder block for fastening the cylinder head and the main cap. Thus, by drilling a through hole that supports fastening both the cylinder head and the main cap reduces the number of holes, and therefore, the number of drilling operations needed. The reduction in the number of drilling operations in turn reduces the overall manufacturing time of the engine 100.

[0039] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0040] As utilized herein, the terms“substantially” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0041] The terms“coupled,”“attached,”“fastened,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, with the two components, or with the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to one another.

[0042] The term“in fluid communication with” and the like, as used herein, mean the two components or objects have a pathway formed between the two components or objects in which a fluid, such as air, oil, fuel, liquid reductant, gaseous reductant, aqueous reductant, gaseous ammonia, etc., may flow, either with or without intervening components or objects. Examples of fluid couplings or configurations for enabling fluid communication may include piping, channels, or any other suitable components for enabling the flow of a fluid from one component or object to another.

[0043] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system shown in the various example implementations is illustrative only and not restrictive in character.

All changes and modifications that come within the spirit and/or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be necessary, and implementations lacking the various features may be contemplated as within the scope of the application, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. When the language“a portion” is used, the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary. Also, the term“or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.