Cryogenic Coupler Anti-Icing via Severed Bushing and Self-Purge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cryogenic fluid transfer systems face issues with ice formation at the coupler/nipple interface due to temperature differences, and existing solutions require an external purge medium, which is not efficient.

Innovation Solution

A quick disconnect coupler with a laterally severed tubular bushing acting as an anti-freezing lining and utilizing the internal gaseous phase of the cryogenic fluid as a purging medium to prevent ice formation and remove moisture during transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an external purge medium (e.g., compressed air) is used to prevent ice formation at the coupler/nipple interface, then ice formation is reduced, but device complexity and operational dependency on external supplies increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice formation at coupler interfaceVSAvoiddependency on external purge medium supply

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses its own gaseous phase to purge moisture and prevent ice formation at the coupler interface, eliminating the need for external purge medium supplies. The gas phase already present in the cryogenic storage vessel is redirected through the coupler assembly to perform the purging function, making the system self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The gaseous phase of the cryogenic fluid serves multiple functions: it acts as both the stored product (when in liquid form) and as the purge medium to prevent ice formation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external purge systems and simplifies the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a thermal break angle is incorporated in the coupler sleeve to prevent ice freezing, then ice formation is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice formation at coupler interfaceVSAvoidcoupler sleeve construction with thermal break angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes the inherent thermal properties of the materials and the natural phase difference between the cryogenic fluid and ambient air to create thermal breaks, eliminating the need for complex engineered thermal break features in the coupler sleeve construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If conventional coupler design is used without internal purge capability, then device simplicity is maintained, but ice formation occurs requiring external intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupler design simplicityVSAvoidice formation at coupler interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gaseous phase of the cryogenic fluid serves dual purposes: as the stored product (when condensed to liquid) and as the purge medium to prevent ice formation, eliminating the need for separate external purge systems while maintaining design simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively prevents ice formation and facilitates efficient moisture removal without the need for an external purge medium, ensuring reliable fluid transfer operations.

Implementation Method 1

One known method of reducing such icing is to utilize a thermal break angle, between the nipple and coupler, by incorporating, in the sleeve of the coupler, of an about 10 degree change in its inlet diameter, thereby allowing a thermal break during the noted refill process.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal break: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

Another known way for reducing ice formation between the two coupling halves is the use of a purge mechanism, such as a purging medium, e.g., an external purge gas, such as compressed air.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPurging: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS7469718B2Quick disconnect cryogenic coupler

Publication Date: 2008.12.30 PARKER HANNIFIN CORP

AI summary

A generally cylindrical quick disconnect female cryogenic coupler, interconnected with a cryogenic fluid transfer apparatus, includes a coupler body with a first cavity housing a laterally severed tubular bushing, an adaptor having one end attached to the coupler body and another end to the apparatus, a normally closed-biased valve between the coupler body and the adaptor, a coupling sleeve, attached to the coupler body having, a frusto-conical inlet portion, and a vent fitting having one end connected with a coupling sleeve radial aperture and another end in operative connection with a cryogenic fluid storage vessel, associated with the noted apparatus, to permit the inlet purging by using the vessel's own gaseous phase as a purging medium during liquid fluid transfer operation. The severed bushing inhibits ice formation, at an inlet/male nipple interface during the noted transfer. A method for purging moisture at the noted interface is also set forth.