Cryogenic Coupling with Automatic Check Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for cryogenic liquefied media require separate shut-off valves and are prone to icing and uncontrolled leakage during decoupling, especially when used for refueling cryogenic vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a coupling socket and plug with built-in check valves that automatically seal and a magnetic connection mechanism, allowing for quick connection and disconnection while preventing uncontrolled outflow, using a permanent magnet to hold the ferromagnetic sections together and sealing rings for gas-tightness, with a bayonet catch or union nut for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate shut-off valves are used for flow lines, then the coupling can control flow, but the device complexity increases and the valves are not vacuum-insulated causing icing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shut-off valve function directly into the coupling socket and plug structures. The coupling socket includes a ball valve integrated into its body, and the coupling plug includes a ball valve in its body, eliminating the need for separate external shut-off valves. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining flow control reliability and enables vacuum insulation of the valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling socket and plug are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide the coupling connection, contain integrated ball valves for flow control, and maintain vacuum insulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated shut-off valves and reduces the overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If the coupling is designed for quick connection and disconnection, then refueling speed increases, but protection against uncontrolled leakage during decoupling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates ball valves in both the coupling socket and plug that are positioned to automatically seal the flow paths before the physical separation of the coupling components. This preliminary sealing action prevents uncontrolled leakage during the decoupling process while maintaining quick connection and disconnection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball valves are designed to automatically respond to the decoupling motion and seal the flow paths without requiring external control or additional safety mechanisms. The coupling structure itself provides the leakage protection through its integrated valve design, making the system self-protecting during decoupling operations.
3Ease of operation
If ball valves are exposed to cryogenic liquid during decoupling, then the valve mechanism can operate, but the valves freeze causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The ball valves are integrated into the coupling socket and plug structures, which are designed to maintain vacuum insulation. This integration allows the valves to operate within the insulated structure, protecting them from direct exposure to cryogenic liquid during decoupling while maintaining their operational capability.
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
Enables rapid and secure refueling with reduced flow resistance and high protection against uncontrolled escape of cryogenic liquids, preventing icing and ensuring a gas-tight connection.
Implementation Method 1
A permanent magnet imparts a holding force to a corresponding ferromagnetic area of the other coupling section
Implementation Method 2
each of which is equipped with a check valve which, in the uncoupled state, seals a throughflow opening arranged in the respective coupling part against the ingress of ambient air
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Couplings for cryogenic liquefied media for connecting vacuum-insulated lines have a coupling socket (10) and a coupling plug (30), each equipped with a check valve (15, 35) which, in the uncoupled state, seals a flow opening (18, 38) located in the respective coupling part (10, 30) against the ingress of ambient air. According to the prior art, such couplings are only inadequately protected against a sudden tensile stress, in which case the lines may break and cryogenic fluid may escape uncontrolled.According to the invention, such a coupling is characterized in that the coupling socket (10) comprises a front section (11) having means for connecting to the coupling plug (30) and a rear section (12) having the check valve (15), and the front section (11) is firmly, but detachably, connected to the rear section (12) by applying a predetermined tensile stress, and the check valves (15, 35) move automatically into the closed position when the front section (11) is separated from the rear section (12).