Cryogenic Nozzle-Receptacle Coupling for Low-Emission Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic fluids, such as liquid hydrogen, are difficult to transfer comfortably and securely between storage tanks due to their low temperatures, often leading to emissions into the atmosphere during coupling and decoupling processes.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle and receptacle design featuring complementary coupling arms and slots, along with internal components like poppets and check valves, that securely couple and decouple while preventing emissions by maintaining a sealed environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional nozzle and receptacle designs are used for cryogenic fluid transfer, then the coupling and decoupling processes are simple, but emissions occur during these processes due to the low temperatures making secure transfer difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is nested within the receptacle during coupling, with the nozzle body inserted into the receptacle body. The coupling arms and slots provide a nested structural relationship that ensures secure connection while preventing emissions during the coupling and decoupling processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling arms and slots act as intermediary mechanical elements that mediate the connection between the nozzle and receptacle. These intermediaries provide a controlled interface that prevents direct exposure of cryogenic fluid to the atmosphere during coupling operations.
2Loss of substance
If secure coupling is implemented to prevent emissions, then emissions are minimized, but the ease of operation during coupling and decoupling may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arms and slots are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide secure mechanical engagement. The complementary shapes ensure proper alignment and secure connection while maintaining operational ease through intuitive coupling motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into separate coupling arms and slots that can independently engage and disengage. This segmentation allows for controlled coupling and decoupling operations that maintain security while improving ease of operation through modular engagement.
3Loss of substance
If a sealed environment is maintained during transfer, then emissions are prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional sealing components
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the coupling arms and slots structure. The mechanical coupling elements simultaneously provide both the structural connection and the sealing barrier, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arms and slots serve multiple functions: mechanical connection, alignment, and emission prevention. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, maintaining the sealed environment without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A low-emission nozzle and receptacle coupling for cryogenic fluid is disclosed. A nozzle includes a body, a shaft, a poppet eat, and a poppet. The body includes an outer shell, body segment(s), and interior walls sealingly coupled together. At least one of the interior walls is coupled to the outer shell. The interior walls extend longitudinally back-and-forth in a zig-zag pattern to define an elongated conduction path between the chamber and an exterior of the nozzle to impede a heat leak between the chamber and the exterior. The shaft is housed within and slidably extends through the chamber. The poppet is coupled to the shaft and is configured to engage a receptacle poppet when the receptacle is coupled to the nozzle. The poppet is configured to engage the poppet seat in a closed position and be disengaged from the poppet seat in an open position.