Automatic sealing detection and drainage device and method for integrated pressure refueling connector

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic sealing detection and drainage device and method for an integrated pressure refueling connector, and belongs to the technical field of aviation ground support equipment. According to the device, a detection and drainage function module is highly integrated in a pressure refueling joint body, and the device mainly comprises an overturning covering and sealing module, an embedded detection and gas circuit module and a control and logic module; the core of the device is that a detection cover which can be movably overturned automatically covers the end part of the joint before refueling to form a closed detection cavity, then inflation and pressure maintaining are carried out through a built-in micro gas circuit, the sealing performance is automatically judged according to pressure attenuation or flow change, and the interior of the joint is purged and drained by utilizing detected gas pressure. According to the invention, rapid and automatic self-examination and maintenance of the pressure refueling joint before use are realized, operation with diseases is fundamentally avoided, the safety and reliability of aviation fuel refueling operation are remarkably improved, and meanwhile, digital management of the equipment state is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aviation ground support equipment technology, and in particular to a safety testing device for aviation pressure refueling joints. Specifically, it is an intelligent device and method integrated inside the joint that can automatically perform sealing performance testing and internal drainage functions. Background Technology

[0002] Pressure refueling connectors are key equipment connecting underground refueling pipelines or refueling trucks to aircraft refueling ports. Their sealing performance directly affects the safety and efficiency of aviation fuel refueling operations. If the connector fails to seal, it will lead to aviation fuel leakage, causing not only economic waste and environmental pollution, but also creating an extremely dangerous flammable and explosive gas environment in the apron area, seriously threatening the safety of aircraft and personnel. Currently, the sealing of pressure filling joints mainly relies on two methods: one is visual inspection and manual shaking by the operator before connection. This method is highly subjective and cannot detect early hidden dangers such as micro-cracks or failure of the elasticity of the sealing ring; the other is to periodically remove the joint and send it to a special testing station for offline air tightness testing. This method is time-consuming and cumbersome, affects the normal use of equipment, and cannot confirm the condition of the joint before each filling. In addition, due to its structural characteristics, pressure refueling connectors are prone to accumulating moisture inside after rain or cleaning. If not drained in time, this moisture may enter the aircraft fuel tank with the aviation fuel, causing microbial growth, corrosion of the aircraft fuel system, and even affecting flight safety. Currently, removing internal water mainly relies on manual use of oil-absorbing pads or compressed air to blow it out, which is inefficient and the effect is difficult to guarantee. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for an innovative solution that can be integrated into the pressure refueling connector itself to achieve automated and rapid self-inspection and drainage, so as to fundamentally improve the safety level of aviation fuel refueling operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The primary objective of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a highly integrated, fully automated pressure filling joint sealing performance testing and drainage device, enabling it to perform "self-checks" and "self-cleaning". Another objective of this invention is to provide an automatic sealing performance testing and drainage method that is compatible with the device, thereby achieving intelligent testing, traceable data, and active isolation of faulty joints.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides an integrated automatic sealing detection and drainage device for pressure oiling connectors. The device is integrated within the body of the pressure oiling connector and includes: The flip-top and sealing module includes a detection cover movably mounted on the side wall of the connector, a flip-top drive mechanism for driving the detection cover to flip to close or open the main sealing surface at the end of the connector, and a detection cover sealing ring disposed on the detection cover. When the detection cover is closed, the detection cover sealing ring fits against the end face of the connector to form a sealed detection cavity. The embedded detection and air circuit module includes a miniature air circuit disposed inside the connector body, a miniature air pump or external air source interface connected to the miniature air circuit, a solenoid valve group disposed on the miniature air circuit, a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure of the detection chamber, and a flow sensor for monitoring the leakage flow. The control and logic module includes an embedded controller, which is electrically connected to the flip drive mechanism, solenoid valve group, pressure sensor, and flow sensor. The embedded controller is used to control the entire detection and drainage process and determine the sealing status based on sensor data.

[0005] Furthermore, this application provides an integrated pressure filling connector automatic sealing detection and drainage device, wherein the flipping drive mechanism is a linkage-hinge mechanism driven by a micro servo motor or stepper motor. The mechanism can drive the detection cover to flip 90 degrees to 180 degrees, ensuring that the detection cover can accurately cover the main sealing surface of the connector end.

[0006] Furthermore, this application provides an integrated pressure filling connector automatic sealing detection and drainage device, wherein the micro air circuit further includes an exhaust / drainage branch, the outlet of which is located at the lowest point of the detection cavity formed when the detection cover is closed, and a one-way valve is provided at the outlet for draining the accumulated liquid during the air pressure purging stage.

[0007] Furthermore, this application provides an integrated pressure filling connector automatic sealing detection and drainage device, wherein the embedded detection and air circuit module further includes a humidity sensor, which is disposed in the detection chamber and connected to the embedded controller, for detecting the initial humidity in the chamber and optimizing the purging and drainage logic.

[0008] Furthermore, this application provides an integrated pressure filling connector automatic sealing detection and drainage device, wherein the control and logic module further includes a wireless communication unit, which is connected to the embedded controller and is used to wirelessly transmit the detection results, pressure curve, connector identification code and timestamp information to a remote monitoring system.

[0009] Furthermore, this application provides an integrated automatic sealing and drainage device for pressure refueling connectors, wherein the device further includes a connector status indicator connected to the embedded controller. When the detection result is unqualified, the embedded controller drives the connector status indicator to issue an audible and visual alarm, and can receive remote commands through the wireless communication unit to logically lock the connector and prevent it from entering the refueling process.

[0010] This application provides an automatic sealing test and drainage method for an integrated pressure oiling connector automatic sealing test and drainage device, which includes the following steps: S1: Standby and Command Trigger: The device is in standby mode, and the detection cover is in the open position; it receives a start command from the refueling system or the operator. S2: Flipping and closing: The embedded controller drives the flipping drive mechanism to flip the detection cover and tightly close it to the end of the connector, forming the sealed detection cavity; S3: Sealing test: The embedded controller controls the solenoid valve group and the micro air pump or external air source interface to fill the test chamber with test gas to a preset pressure; during the pressure holding stage, the pressure decay value or leakage flow is monitored by the pressure sensor and / or the flow sensor. S4: Result determination and drainage: The embedded controller compares the monitored data with a preset threshold to determine whether the sealing is qualified; regardless of whether it is qualified or not, it performs an exhaust operation, and during the exhaust process, it uses gas flow to purge the inside of the detection chamber and the connector, and discharges the accumulated liquid from the exhaust / drainage branch. S5: Reset and Report: After the test is completed, the embedded controller drives the flip drive mechanism to open and reset the test cover to the standby position; a test report is generated and sent to the remote monitoring system through the wireless communication unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the automatic sealing detection and drainage method provided in this application, wherein in step S3, the sealing detection adopts a dual-mode detection method: firstly, a low-pressure precision detection is performed, by filling the gas with a first preset pressure value and monitoring for minor leaks; then, a high-pressure holding detection is performed, by raising the pressure to a second preset pressure value and holding the pressure for a predetermined time and monitoring the pressure decay.

[0012] Furthermore, in the automatic sealing detection and drainage method provided in this application, if the sealing is determined to be unqualified in step S4, the embedded controller, in addition to performing exhaust purging, immediately triggers the joint status indicator alarm and generates a locking signal to prevent the joint from being used for refueling operations.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages: 1. True integration and concealment: The detection function is transformed from a bulky external device into the connector's inherent "instinct" without changing the connector's main body shape and operating procedures, achieving a perfect unity of function and form; 2. Fully automated and highly efficient: It simplifies complex manual inspections into a rapid self-inspection process that can be triggered by a single click or automatically, greatly improving the efficiency and coverage of pre-operation safety checks. 3. Accurate and reliable detection: High-precision sensors and standard pressure drop / flow rate methods are used to eliminate human subjective error, and the detection results are objective, accurate and quantifiable; 4. Proactive prevention and intelligent operation and maintenance: Shifting from passive response to proactive prevention, ensuring that the equipment is in good condition before each use, and combining wireless data transmission, realizing health management and big data analysis of the entire life cycle of the connector group, providing a data foundation for predictive maintenance; 5. Integrated Functionality: Innovatively integrates sealing detection with drainage function, using the exhaust process after detection for purging, cleverly solving the drainage problem without the need for additional complex suction devices, with a simple structure and outstanding efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated pressure oiling connector automatic sealing detection and drainage device of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Diagram of the structure with changing angles.

[0015] The components include: 1. Detection cover; 2. Detection cover sealing ring; 3. Tilting drive mechanism; 4. Exhaust / drainage branch; 5. Miniature air circuit; and 6. Solenoid valve assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0018] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides an integrated automatic sealing detection and drainage device for pressure oiling connectors, comprising: The flip-top and sealing module includes a detection cover 1 movably mounted on the side wall of the connector, a flip-top drive mechanism 3 for driving the detection cover 1 to flip and close or open the main sealing surface at the end of the connector, and a detection cover sealing ring 2 disposed on the detection cover 1. When the detection cover 1 is closed, the detection cover sealing ring 2 fits against the end face of the connector to form a sealed detection cavity. The flip-top drive mechanism 3 is a linkage-hinge mechanism driven by a micro servo motor or stepper motor. The mechanism can drive the detection cover 1 to perform a flip-top movement of 90 degrees to 180 degrees, ensuring that the detection cover 1 can accurately close onto the main sealing surface at the end of the connector. The specific structure is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the outer side of the refueling connector is hinged to one side of the detection cover 1 via a hinge shaft. The detection cover 1 can rotate around the hinge shaft to cover the end face of the refueling connector or flip to a state flush with the end face. A two-bar linkage mechanism is provided between the end face of the detection cover and the outer wall of the refueling connector. One end of the two-bar linkage is hinged to the end face of the detection cover, and the other end is hinged to the bearing seat via the hinge shaft. The bearing seat is fixed to the outer wall of the refueling connector. The output shaft of the flipping drive mechanism 3 and the aforementioned hinge shaft are connected by a coupling. The embedded detection and air path module includes a miniature air path 5 disposed inside the connector body, a miniature air pump or external air source interface connected to the miniature air path 5, a solenoid valve group 6 disposed on the miniature air path 5, a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure of the detection chamber, and a flow sensor for monitoring the leakage flow rate; the miniature air path 5 also includes an exhaust / drainage branch 4, the outlet of which is located at the lowest point of the detection chamber formed when the detection cover 1 is closed, and a one-way valve is provided at the outlet for discharging accumulated liquid during the air pressure purging stage; the embedded detection and air path module further includes a humidity sensor, which is disposed inside the detection chamber and connected to the embedded controller for detecting the initial humidity inside the chamber and optimizing the purging and drainage logic; The control and logic module includes an embedded controller, which is electrically connected to the flip drive mechanism 3, the solenoid valve group 6, the pressure sensor, and the flow sensor. The embedded controller is used to control the entire detection and drainage process and determine the sealing status based on the sensor data. The control and logic module also includes a wireless communication unit, which is connected to the embedded controller and is used to wirelessly transmit the detection results, pressure curve, connector identification code, and timestamp information to the remote monitoring system.

[0019] A connector status indicator is provided, which is connected to the embedded controller. When the detection result is unqualified, the embedded controller drives the connector status indicator to issue an audible and visual alarm, and can receive remote commands through the wireless communication unit to logically lock the connector and prevent it from entering the refueling process. Example

[0020] Its core design concept is to integrate detection and drainage functions as an inherent, embedded functional module of the connector; the device mainly includes three core modules: a flip-top and sealing module, an embedded detection and air circuit module, and a control and logic module; 1. Flip-top cover and sealing module This module is the basic mechanical structure for realizing integrated self-testing functions. It includes a test cover 1, a flipping drive mechanism 3, and a test cover sealing ring 2.

[0021] Test Cover 1: This is not a simple cover, but a meticulously designed miniature pressure vessel component with an internal air passage. It is movably mounted on the side wall or under the pressure filler connector body via a hinge or pivot, and is normally in the open position without affecting the normal connection function of the connector.

[0022] The flipping drive mechanism 3 uses a micro servo motor or stepper motor as the power source, in conjunction with a linkage-hinge mechanism. This mechanism, precisely calculated and designed, drives the detection cover 1 to perform a smooth and precise flipping motion (typically 90-180 degrees), ensuring it fits tightly onto the main sealing surface of the pressure filling connector. The motor's torque and control precision guarantee sufficient and constant clamping force during closing.

[0023] Test cover sealing ring 2: Made of oil-resistant and aging-resistant elastic material (such as fluororubber), it is embedded in the contact edge between the test cover 1 and the connector end face. When the test cover 1 is closed, this sealing ring fits tightly against the connector end face, thus forming a "temporary sealed test cavity" that is completely isolated from the outside world between the internal channel of the connector and the end face. This cavity is the object of subsequent sealing tests.

[0024] 2. Embedded detection and pneumatic circuit module This module is the device's "circulatory system" and "sensing system," all integrated within the limited internal space of the connector.

[0025] Miniature gas path 5: A network of miniature gas channels constructed inside the connector body using precision machining technology. These channels connect the gas source, detection chamber, and sensor.

[0026] Air source: An ultra-compact, low-noise micro air pump can be integrated into the internal cavity of the connector housing. Alternatively, a quick-connect interface can be designed to connect to a clean, dry compressed air source provided by a surface refueling truck or well system.

[0027] Solenoid valve group 6: Composed of multiple miniature solenoid valves, it is used to precisely control the flow of gas and switch between different working conditions such as inflation, pressure holding, and deflation.

[0028] Sensor system: Pressure sensor: A high-precision (e.g., ±0.1%FS) miniature pressure sensor that monitors pressure changes in the detection chamber in real time and is the core sensor for judging the sealing performance.

[0029] Flow sensor (optional): In more demanding versions, a miniature thermal mass flow sensor can be connected in series in the gas path to directly monitor the minute flow rate of leaked gas during the pressure holding phase. This method is more sensitive and faster than the pressure decay method.

[0030] Humidity sensor (optional): Installed inside the detection chamber to sense the humidity level inside the connector before detection. The controller can dynamically adjust the gas flow rate and duration of subsequent purging and drainage based on the initial humidity value, achieving intelligent and energy-saving operation.

[0031] 3. Control and Logic Module This module is the "brain" of the device, responsible for coordinating all actions and making intelligent decisions.

[0032] Embedded controller: It uses a highly integrated microcontroller (MCU) as the main control chip, along with necessary peripheral circuits, to form a small PCB board. The controller has a complex control algorithm embedded in it.

[0033] Wireless communication unit: Integrates wireless modules such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or LoRa, enabling each smart connector to become an IoT node. After testing, the complete test data packet (including connector ID, test time, pressure curve, leakage rate calculation result, and final status) can be wirelessly sent to the well control system, refueling truck terminal, or cloud management platform.

[0034] Connector status indicator: This can be a multi-color LED and / or a miniature buzzer. A green light illuminates when the test is passed; a flashing red light and a buzzer sound immediately when the test fails, providing a visual local alarm.

[0035] The specific workflow is as follows: S1: Standby and Command Trigger: After the well operator clicks "Start Oiling" via a handheld terminal (PDA) or well control panel, the system sends a "self-test command" to the LoRa module at the designated connector. At this time, the detection cover 1 is in the open state, and the LED light ring is in the sleep state.

[0036] S2: Flip and Close: After receiving the command, the embedded controller immediately drives the stepper motor to smoothly flip the detection cover 1 110 degrees through the double linkage mechanism, tightly closing it on the connector end face. After the pressure sensor reading stabilizes, it is confirmed that the detection cavity has been formed.

[0037] S3: Sealing test (dual mode): Low-pressure precision detection: The controller opens solenoid valves V1 and V2, filling the detection chamber with clean, dry air at 0.15 MPa. After reaching the target pressure, V1 and V2 close, and the system enters a 1-second stabilization period. Subsequently, a 5-second precision detection period begins. During this period, the flow sensor directly reads the mass flow rate of the leaking gas. If the average leakage flow rate exceeds a preset threshold (e.g., 0.05 L / min), it is immediately deemed unqualified, and the process jumps to S4b.

[0038] High-pressure holding test: If the low-pressure test passes, the controller reopens V1 and V2, raising the pressure in the test chamber to the rated working pressure of the connector, 0.55 MPa. The pressure is held for 10 seconds, during which the pressure sensor collects pressure data at a frequency of 100 Hz. After the pressure holding period, the pressure decay value ΔP is calculated. If ΔP exceeds a preset threshold (e.g., 0.02 MPa), it is considered unqualified.

[0039] S4: Result Determination and Drainage: S4a: Pass: If the high-pressure test also passes, the controller determines the connector sealing to be "excellent". Immediately, the exhaust valve V3 is opened. During the exhaust process, the controller will keep V1 briefly open for about 1-2 seconds, using a continuous flow of clean gas to powerfully purge the detection chamber and the inside of the connector. At this time, the humidity sensor data is retrieved; if the initial humidity is higher than 70%RH, the purging time is automatically extended to 3 seconds. Accumulated liquid and gas are discharged from the drain port through the one-way valve. The LED ring lights up a solid green.

[0040] S4b: Failure: If any stage of the test fails, the controller immediately determines it as "failure". It will still perform the purging process (to prevent structural damage), but at the same time, it will drive the LED ring to flash red and activate the buzzer to emit an intermittent alarm sound. Simultaneously, it sends a "connector fault lock" signal to the well control system via the LoRaWAN network, and the system will prevent the connector from performing subsequent "valve opening" operations at the software level, achieving hard isolation.

[0041] S5: Reset and Report: Regardless of the result, after the venting is completed, the controller drives the stepper motor to flip and open the detection cover 1, returning to the standby state. A complete set of detection data (including connector ID, time, pressure curve, leakage flow, final result, and humidity history) is packaged and uploaded to the airport's smart apron management platform database via LoRaWAN, generating an electronic maintenance work order.

[0042] Any aspects of this invention not described in detail are well-known to those skilled in the art.

[0043] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An integrated automatic sealing detection and drainage device for pressure oiling connectors, characterized in that, include: The flip-top and sealing module includes a detection cover movably mounted on the side wall of the connector, a flip-top drive mechanism for driving the detection cover to flip to close or open the main sealing surface at the end of the connector, and a detection cover sealing ring disposed on the detection cover. When the detection cover is closed, the detection cover sealing ring fits against the end face of the connector to form a sealed detection cavity. The embedded detection and air circuit module includes a miniature air circuit disposed inside the connector body, a miniature air pump or external air source interface connected to the miniature air circuit, a solenoid valve group disposed on the miniature air circuit, a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure of the detection chamber, and a flow sensor for monitoring the leakage flow. The control and logic module includes an embedded controller, which is electrically connected to the flip drive mechanism, solenoid valve group, pressure sensor, and flow sensor. The embedded controller is used to control the entire detection and drainage process and determine the sealing status based on sensor data.

2. The integrated pressure oiling connector automatic sealing detection and drainage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flipping drive mechanism is a linkage-hinge mechanism driven by a micro servo motor or stepper motor. The mechanism can drive the detection cover to flip from 90 degrees to 180 degrees, ensuring that the detection cover can accurately cover the main sealing surface of the connector end.

3. The integrated pressure lubrication connector automatic sealing detection and drainage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The micro air circuit also includes an exhaust / drainage branch, the outlet of which is located at the lowest point of the detection cavity formed when the detection cover is closed, and a one-way valve is provided at the outlet for discharging the accumulated liquid during the air pressure purging stage.

4. The integrated pressure lubrication connector automatic sealing detection and drainage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The embedded detection and air path module further includes a humidity sensor, which is disposed in the detection chamber and connected to the embedded controller, for detecting the initial humidity in the chamber and optimizing the purging and drainage logic.

5. The integrated pressure lubrication connector automatic sealing detection and drainage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control and logic module also includes a wireless communication unit, which is connected to the embedded controller and is used to wirelessly transmit the detection results, pressure curve, connector identification code and timestamp information to the remote monitoring system.

6. The integrated pressure lubrication connector automatic sealing detection and drainage device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device also includes a connector status indicator connected to the embedded controller. When the detection result is unqualified, the embedded controller drives the connector status indicator to issue an audible and visual alarm and can receive remote commands through the wireless communication unit to logically lock the connector and prevent it from entering the refueling process.

7. An automatic sealing detection and drainage method based on the integrated pressure oiling connector automatic sealing detection and drainage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Standby and Command Trigger: The device is in standby mode, and the detection cover is in the open position; it receives a start command from the refueling system or the operator. S2: Flipping and closing: The embedded controller drives the flipping drive mechanism to flip the detection cover and tightly close it to the end of the connector, forming the sealed detection cavity; S3: Sealing test: The embedded controller controls the solenoid valve group and the micro air pump or external air source interface to fill the test chamber with test gas to a preset pressure; during the pressure holding stage, the pressure decay value or leakage flow is monitored by the pressure sensor and / or the flow sensor. S4: Result determination and drainage: The embedded controller compares the monitored data with a preset threshold to determine whether the sealing is qualified; regardless of whether it is qualified or not, it performs an exhaust operation, and during the exhaust process, it uses gas flow to purge the inside of the detection chamber and the connector, and discharges the accumulated liquid from the exhaust / drainage branch. S5: Reset and Report: After the test is completed, the embedded controller drives the flip drive mechanism to open and reset the test cover to the standby position; a test report is generated and sent to the remote monitoring system through the wireless communication unit.

8. The automatic sealing detection and drainage method according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step S3, the sealing test adopts a dual-mode test method: first, a low-pressure precision test is performed, in which gas at a first preset pressure value is introduced and a small leak is monitored; then, a high-pressure holding test is performed, in which the pressure is increased to a second preset pressure value and the pressure is held for a predetermined time before monitoring the pressure decay.

9. The automatic sealing detection and drainage method according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step S4, if the sealing is deemed unqualified, the embedded controller, in addition to performing exhaust purging, immediately triggers the joint status indicator alarm and generates a locking signal to prevent the joint from being used for refueling operations.

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