Dana Corporation Demonstrates Innovation With Self-Dampening Fuel Rails

FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 11 -- Dana Corporation engineers today announced that they have developed a cost-effective self- dampening fuel-rail system designed to eliminate leaks and ease assembly requirements.

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Known as the GDFR(TM) system, this new fuel-rail system is available in number of configurations and features rail bodies that easily can be enlarged or reduced to fit many different engine packages.

By virtue of its shape and design, a self-dampening fuel rail eliminates the need for a damper -- a dynamic component that is prone to leak -- as well as the need for O-rings and diaphragms.

The stainless steel construction of Dana's GDFR system makes it highly resistant to corrosion. Additionally, the system offers weight savings over conventional rails, due to the elimination of the damper and related components.

"The potential for this unique product is tremendous, particularly in Europe," said Dana Chairman and CEO Joe Magliochetti. "Many of the premium European vehicles are moving toward using dampened fuel rails. We anticipated this trend and are offering an innovative, cost-effective, self-dampening product that can be easily integrated into most existing petrol engine packages."

In addition to reducing the potential for leaks, the GDFR system improves emissions by maintaining a consistent system pressure and reduces noise, vibration, and harshness. The durability of Dana's GDFR system is equivalent to a conventional round-tube design. It also eliminates hot-start issues by allowing a large portion of fuel to remain in the rail during vapor generation in hot-fuel-handling situations.

"Customers who are evaluating prototypes of this product are excited about its potential to improve vehicle performance while reducing costs," said Mike Laisure, president of Dana's Engine and Fluid Management Group. "Our customers have been interested to learn more about how the GDFR system can reduce their assembly costs."

Because the fuel-rail tubing serves as the damper, Dana's GDFR system eases assembly by reducing the amount of tooling needed. No external or internal dampers are needed, and no damper installation equipment is required.

Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. The company employs approximately 60,000 people worldwide. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates hundreds of technology, manufacturing, and customer service facilities in 30 countries. The company reported sales of $9.5 billion in 2002.

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