Combined Pressure Gravity Refuelling Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refuelling systems for vehicles are expensive, bulky, and introduce a weight penalty, particularly in aircraft, as they often require separate components for pressure and gravity refuelling, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A combined pressure and gravity refuelling coupling with a displaceable dry-break member and an annular member, allowing for seamless transition between pressure and gravity refuelling modes, featuring a subsidiary displaceable member that pivots to accommodate both types of nozzles and includes an air vent system with a float and airflow restrictor for efficient fueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate pressure and gravity refuelling couplings are provided, then both refuelling types can be supported, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure refuelling and gravity refuelling capabilities into a single coupling unit. The coupling includes a dry-break member with a sealed aperture that can accommodate both pressure nozzles (which displace the dry-break member) and gravity nozzles (which pass through the aperture). This merging eliminates the need for separate coupling units for different refuelling types, directly reducing weight and complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is designed as a universal interface that can accept both pressure refuelling nozzles and gravity refuelling nozzles. The dry-break member with its sealed aperture serves multiple functions: it seals the coupling for pressure refuelling, allows gravity nozzle insertion, and provides a barrier that can be displaced by pressure nozzles. This multi-functionality allows a single coupling to replace what would traditionally require two separate couplings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate pressure and gravity refuelling couplings are provided, then both refuelling types can be supported, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate pressure and gravity couplings into a single integrated unit. The dry-break member integrates sealing, displacement, and aperture functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate coupling structures. This reduction in component count directly simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to support both refuelling types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dry-break member with sealed aperture is used, then gravity nozzle insertion is enabled, but sealing reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The dry-break member acts as an intermediary element between the coupling body and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface that can be sealed when not in use and can be selectively opened or passed through for refuelling operations. The member includes a barrier that seals the aperture during normal operation, maintaining reliability, while allowing gravity nozzles to pass through or be displaced by pressure nozzles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective refuelling system that can handle both pressure and gravity refuelling, ensuring reliable sealing and efficient fuel flow while minimizing weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the main and subsidiary members are adapted for sealing of the subsidiary member to the main member, whereby full dry-break operation is available when pressure refuelling
Implementation Method 2
an air vent having a float arranged to close as the tank fills for causing back-pressure in the connector when the tank is full
Implementation Method 3
a so-called 'gravity' refuelling nozzle to which fuel is pumped under pressure, but from which the fuel flows under gravity into a vehicle's filler neck or refuelling coupling
Data Source
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AI summary
A refuelling coupling has an annular fitting (1) having a bore (2), bayonet lugs (3) and slots (4) suiting it for connection to a pressure filling nozzle (50). A dry-break member (5) is provided within the annular fitting, normally sealing to it with the aid of an O-ring seal (6). When the pressure filling nozzle is fitted, the dry-break member is depressed allowing fuel to flow. The dry-break member has a central aperture (11), normally closed by a side pivoted flap (12). The pivot (14) is at a pin (15) carried in lugs (16) on the underside of a central disc (17) having the aperture (11). The flap has a finger (17) projecting between the lugs and having the pin passing through it. A spring (18) is carried on the pin and normally biases the flap into its closed position parallel with the disc. An O-ring (19) is carried on the flap whereby should unusual forces displace fuel against the flap it does not leak. For gravity nozzle fuelling, a gravity fuelling nozzle (52) is placed against the flap and pushed in against its spring. Refuelling can now occur.