Rapid automatic butt joint mechanism of LNG loading and unloading arm

By designing grooves, slots, and electromagnetic rings on the LNG loading and unloading arm, and utilizing magnetic force and tension springs, the ship end flange and the injection arm flange can be quickly and automatically docked, solving the problem of slow docking speed in existing technologies and improving operational efficiency and safety.

CN224201508UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-05JIANGSU DENGXIN FLUID TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
JIANGSU DENGXIN FLUID TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-12
Publication Date
2026-05-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing LNG loading arm has difficulty in quickly positioning itself when docking with the ship end flange and the refueling arm flange, requiring manual operation and resulting in a slow docking speed.

Method used

The design employs a combination of grooves, slots, and electromagnetic rings. The electromagnetic rings generate magnetic force to attract permanent magnet blocks, which in turn drive the positioning blocks to slide and achieve rapid docking. The positioning blocks are then reset by the tension of a spring.

Benefits of technology

It enables rapid and automated docking of LNG loading and unloading arms, reducing manual operation and improving docking efficiency and safety.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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  • Figure CN224201508U_ABST
    Figure CN224201508U_ABST
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Abstract

The rapid automatic docking mechanism of the LNG loading and unloading arm comprises a ship end flange, an injection arm flange is arranged above the ship end flange, a groove is formed in the bottom face of the injection arm flange, a cavity is formed in the inner wall of the ship end flange, and two sets of first inserting grooves are formed in the inner wall of the cavity. According to the device, through cooperation of a groove and a ship end flange, the ship end flange and an injection arm flange can be in preliminary butt joint, through cooperation of an electromagnetic ring and a permanent magnet block, after the electromagnetic ring is powered on to generate magnetic force, the permanent magnet block is attracted, the permanent magnet block can drive a positioning block to move, and the positioning block slides in a first inserting groove; according to the butt joint device for the ship end flange and the injection arm flange, the positioning block enters the second inserting groove, the ship end flange and the injection arm flange are positioned, the positioning block can be pulled to move after power failure through the pulling force of the tension spring, the positioning block can be contained in the cavity, positioning of the injection arm flange is relieved, and the butt joint device can be conveniently and rapidly butt-jointed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of LNG loading and unloading arm technology, and in particular to a rapid automatic docking mechanism for an LNG loading and unloading arm. Background Technology

[0002] LNG (liquefied natural gas) loading and unloading arms are a type of equipment specifically designed for loading and unloading liquefied natural gas. They are mainly used for the transfer of LNG between ships and shore-based facilities. Their function is to safely transport LNG from ships to shore storage tanks or vice versa. The operation must ensure safety, accuracy, and efficiency, so loading and unloading arms are required when loading and unloading liquefied natural gas.

[0003] Referring to patent publication number CN220623117U, a rapid automatic docking mechanism for an LNG loading / unloading arm includes a loading arm flange. A docking assembly is mounted on the surface of the loading arm flange, and auxiliary components are provided on both sides of the docking assembly. These auxiliary components can assist in locking the LNG loading / unloading arm, reducing the risk of LNG loading / unloading arm malfunctions and facilitating better LNG loading / unloading. Simultaneously, the sealing assembly on the loading arm flange provides auxiliary sealing between the LNG loading / unloading arm and the ship's end flange, improving the sealing and tightness of the LNG loading / unloading arm and reducing leakage. The docking assembly on the loading arm flange facilitates faster and automatic docking of the LNG loading / unloading arm with the ship's end flange. Furthermore, the protective assembly on the docking assembly protects the LNG loading / unloading arm, reducing the risk of damage during docking.

[0004] While the above solution can be used for docking, it still has some shortcomings. For example, after the ship end flange is inserted into the filling arm flange, it is difficult to quickly position the connection, which requires manual operation by staff and results in a slow docking speed.

[0005] To address these issues, we propose a rapid automatic docking mechanism for LNG loading and unloading arms. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a rapid automatic docking mechanism for LNG loading and unloading arms to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A rapid automatic docking mechanism for an LNG loading / unloading arm includes a ship-end flange, an injection arm flange located above the ship-end flange, a groove formed on the bottom surface of the injection arm flange, a cavity formed on the inner wall of the ship-end flange, two sets of first slots formed on the inner wall of the cavity, an annular groove formed on the inner wall of the groove, two sets of second slots formed on the inner wall of the annular groove, an electromagnetic ring fixedly installed on the inner wall of the annular groove, two sets of positioning blocks slidably connected to the inner wall of each of the first slots, the ends of the two sets of positioning blocks extending away from each other extending into the interior of the two sets of second slots, a permanent magnet fixedly installed on the ends of the two sets of positioning blocks, and the sides of the two sets of permanent magnets attracting the inner wall of the electromagnetic ring.

[0009] In a further embodiment, a support block is fixedly installed on the inner bottom wall of the cavity, and a tension spring is fixedly installed on the outer surface of each support block. The ends of the two sets of tension springs that are far apart from each other are respectively fixedly installed on the sides of the two sets of positioning blocks that are close to each other.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the bottom surface of the ship end flange is provided with two sets of insertion holes, and each insertion hole has an insertion rod slidably connected to its inner wall. The bottom end of each insertion rod is fixedly installed to the upper surface of the ship end flange.

[0011] In a further embodiment, a set of first pointing blocks is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the ship end flange, and a set of second pointing blocks is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the injection arm flange, with the set of first pointing blocks located directly above the set of second pointing blocks.

[0012] In a further embodiment, a protective gasket is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the ship end flange, and the upper surface of the protective gasket is in contact with the upper surface of the groove.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the outer surface of the injection arm flange is provided with a set of pull tabs, and the sides of the set of pull tabs that are close to each other are respectively fixedly installed on the outer surface of the injection arm flange.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] This application utilizes a groove and a ship end flange to allow for initial docking of the ship end flange and the injection arm flange. Furthermore, by employing an electromagnetic ring and a permanent magnet, the electromagnetic ring, when energized, attracts the permanent magnet, causing it to move a positioning block. This positioning block slides within the first slot and then enters the second slot, positioning the ship end flange and the injection arm flange. Finally, by using a tension spring, the positioning block can be pulled back into the cavity after power is cut off, releasing the positioning of the injection arm flange and facilitating rapid docking of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the rapid automatic docking mechanism for the LNG loading and unloading arm.

[0017] Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the rapid automatic docking mechanism for LNG loading and unloading arms, shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0018] Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the rapid automatic docking mechanism for LNG loading and unloading arms, shown in a top sectional view.

[0019] Figure 4 Rapid automatic docking mechanism for LNG loading and unloading arms Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Ship end flange; 2. Injection arm flange; 3. Pull tab; 4. Second pointing block; 5. First pointing block; 6. Insertion hole; 7. Insert rod; 8. Support block; 9. Cavity; 10. Groove; 11. Tension spring; 12. Electromagnetic ring; 13. Positioning block; 14. Permanent magnet block; 15. Protective pad; 16. First slot; 17. Second slot; 18. Annular groove. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0023] Please see Figure 1-4In this utility model, a rapid automatic docking mechanism for an LNG loading and unloading arm includes a ship end flange 1. A set of first pointing blocks 5 are fixedly installed on the outer surface of the ship end flange 1, and a set of second pointing blocks 4 are fixedly installed on the outer surface of the loading arm flange 2. The set of first pointing blocks 5 are located directly above the set of second pointing blocks 4. The device can be easily pointed through the second pointing blocks 4 and the first pointing blocks 5, so as to align the first slot 16 and the second slot 17.

[0024] The bottom surface of the ship end flange 1 is provided with two sets of insertion holes 6. Each insertion hole 6 has a sliding rod 7 connected to its inner wall. The bottom end of each insertion rod 7 is fixedly installed with the upper surface of the ship end flange 1. By providing the insertion rod 7 and the insertion hole 6, the insertion hole 6 can be reset to limit the position of the ship end flange 1. The top of the ship end flange 1 is provided with an injection arm flange 2. The outer surface of the injection arm flange 2 is provided with a set of pull tabs 3. The sides of the pull tabs 3 that are close to each other are fixedly installed with the outer surface of the injection arm flange 2. The pull tabs 3 can be used to easily control the injection arm flange 2. The bottom surface of the injection arm flange 2 is provided with a groove 10.

[0025] A protective gasket 15 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the ship end flange 1. The upper surface of the protective gasket 15 is in contact with the upper surface of the groove 10. The protective gasket 15 can protect the injection arm flange 2 and prevent the injection arm flange 2 from colliding with the ship end flange 1. A cavity 9 is opened in the inner wall of the ship end flange 1. A support block 8 is fixedly installed on the inner bottom wall of the cavity 9. A tension spring 11 is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the support block 8. The ends of the two sets of tension springs 11 that are far apart from each other are fixedly installed on the sides of the two sets of positioning blocks 13 that are close to each other. By providing the support block 8 and the tension spring 11, a pulling force can be applied to the positioning block 13 so as to reset the positioning block 13. Two sets of first slots 16 are opened in the inner wall of the cavity 9.

[0026] The inner wall of the groove 10 is provided with an annular groove 18, and the inner wall of the annular groove 18 is provided with two sets of second slots 17. An electromagnetic ring 12 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the annular groove 18. Two sets of positioning blocks 13 are slidably connected to the inner wall of each first slot 16. The ends of the two sets of positioning blocks 13 that are far apart from each other extend into the interior of the two sets of second slots 17. A permanent magnet block 14 is fixedly installed on the ends of the two sets of positioning blocks 13 that are far apart from each other. The sides of the two sets of permanent magnet blocks 14 that are far apart from each other are attracted to the inner wall of the electromagnetic ring 12.

[0027] The working principle of this application is:

[0028] In use, the ship end flange 1 is inserted into the injection arm flange 2, so that the injection arm flange 2 enters the groove 10. Then, the electromagnetic ring 12 is activated, so that the electromagnetic ring 12 is energized and generates magnetic force. The magnetic force generated by the electromagnetic ring 12 attracts the permanent magnet block 14, so that the permanent magnet block 14 can drive the positioning block 13 to slide, so that the positioning block 13 is inserted into the second slot 17, positioning the ship end flange 1 and the injection arm flange 2. When disassembly is required, the electromagnetic ring 12 is de-energized. As the electromagnetic ring 12 is de-energized, the magnetic force of the electromagnetic ring 12 disappears. At this time, the tension of the tension spring 11 can be used to pull the positioning block 13 to move, so that the positioning blocks 13 are close to each other, and thus contact the positioning of the injection arm flange 2.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A rapid automatic docking mechanism for an LNG loading / unloading arm, characterized in that: The system includes a ship end flange (1), an injection arm flange (2) above the ship end flange (1), a groove (10) on the bottom surface of the injection arm flange (2), a cavity (9) on the inner wall of the ship end flange (1), two sets of first slots (16) on the inner wall of the cavity (9), an annular groove (18) on the inner wall of the groove (10), two sets of second slots (17) on the inner wall of the annular groove (18), an electromagnetic ring (12) fixedly installed on the inner wall of the annular groove (18), two sets of positioning blocks (13) slidably connected to the inner wall of each first slot (16), the ends of the two sets of positioning blocks (13) that are far apart from each other extend into the interior of the two sets of second slots (17), a permanent magnet (14) fixedly installed on the ends of the two sets of positioning blocks (13) that are far apart from each other, and the sides of the two sets of permanent magnets (14) that are far apart from each other attract the inner wall of the electromagnetic ring (12).

2. The rapid automatic docking mechanism for an LNG loading / unloading arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner bottom wall of the cavity (9) is fixedly installed with a support block (8), and the outer surface of the support block (8) is fixedly installed with a tension spring (11). The ends of the two sets of tension springs (11) that are far apart from each other are fixedly installed with the sides of the two sets of positioning blocks (13) that are close to each other.

3. The rapid automatic docking mechanism for an LNG loading / unloading arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the ship end flange (1) is provided with two sets of insertion holes (6), and each insertion hole (6) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the inner wall of the insertion hole (6). The bottom end of each insertion rod (7) is fixedly installed to the upper surface of the ship end flange (1).

4. The rapid automatic docking mechanism for an LNG loading / unloading arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: A set of first pointing blocks (5) are fixedly installed on the outer surface of the ship end flange (1), and a set of second pointing blocks (4) are fixedly installed on the outer surface of the injection arm flange (2). The set of first pointing blocks (5) are located directly above the set of second pointing blocks (4).

5. The rapid automatic docking mechanism for an LNG loading / unloading arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: A protective gasket (15) is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the ship end flange (1), and the upper surface of the protective gasket (15) is in contact with the upper surface of the groove (10).

6. The rapid automatic docking mechanism for an LNG loading / unloading arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the injection arm flange (2) is provided with a set of pull tabs (3), and the sides of the set of pull tabs (3) that are close to each other are fixedly installed on the outer surface of the injection arm flange (2).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Rapid automatic butt joint mechanism of LNG loading and unloading arm

    CN220623117U