Cryo Coupling Valve Secondary Tensile Force Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic refueling systems face the challenge of preventing damage to coupling devices and receiver connectors due to excessive tensile forces during refueling operations, which can lead to mechanical stress and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a secondary control mechanism that automatically closes the valve when a predetermined tensile force is exceeded, utilizing a signal transmitter and switch to disconnect the coupling device from the receiver connector, thereby preventing excessive force transmission and ensuring safe disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the coupling device is designed to withstand high tensile forces, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device automatically detects excessive tensile forces through the second control mechanism and closes the valve without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and taking corrective action, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while maintaining strength requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The second control mechanism is pre-configured to detect tensile forces before they reach dangerous levels. By establishing predetermined force thresholds and having the valve ready to close automatically, the system prepares in advance for potential overload conditions, preventing damage before it occurs
2Productivity
If the valve remains open during refueling, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of damage from excessive tensile force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second control mechanism continuously monitors tensile forces during refueling and provides feedback to the valve control system. When excessive force is detected, the system automatically closes the valve, creating a closed-loop control that maintains both high productivity during normal operation and safety when limits are approached
Solution Approach 2:
The valve state transitions from static (always open or always closed) to dynamic (automatically adjusting based on real-time tensile force conditions). The system remains open during normal refueling for high productivity but dynamically closes when tensile forces exceed predetermined thresholds, balancing speed and safety
3Reliability
If a secondary control mechanism is added to prevent excessive tensile force, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second control mechanism is designed as a self-monitoring system that automatically detects excessive tensile forces and triggers valve closure without requiring external control systems or complex intervention mechanisms. The system monitors and protects itself, adding reliability while minimizing complexity through autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The second control mechanism acts as an intermediary between the tensile force loading and the valve control system. It translates mechanical force conditions into control signals, providing a simple bridge that protects the system without requiring complex direct coupling between force application and valve actuation
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device (1) for a cryogenic refuelling arrangement (3), having a valve (9), which is arranged between an inlet (5) and an outlet (7) of the coupling device (1), a primary drive mechanism (11) for opening and closing the valve (9), and a secondary drive mechanism (13) separate from the primary drive mechanism (11), wherein the primary drive mechanism (11) has a switch (10) which is connected upstream of the valve (9), and wherein the secondary drive mechanism (13) opens the switch (10) in order to close the valve (9) as soon as a pulling force (F) acting on the coupling device (1) exceeds a predetermined value.