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 between storage tanks due to their low temperatures, leading to challenges in securely and comfortably transferring them without emission into the atmosphere during coupling and decoupling processes.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle and receptacle design that includes complementary coupling arms and slots, along with internal components like poppets and check valves, to securely couple and decouple while preventing emissions, using insulation and vacuum layers to maintain temperature integrity and control fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If conventional nozzles and receptacles are used for cryogenic fluid transfer, then the transfer process is simple, but emissions occur during coupling and decoupling

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveemissionsVSAvoidcoupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle is nested within the receptacle during coupling, with the nozzle body inserted into the receptacle interior. The coupling arm with locking tab engages with the slot to secure the nested position, creating a sealed connection that prevents emissions during transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A seal member is introduced as an intermediary component between the nozzle and receptacle interfaces. This seal prevents direct atmospheric exposure at the coupling interface, blocking emission pathways while allowing fluid transfer through the sealed connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If cryogenic fluid is transferred at low temperatures, then temperature integrity is maintained, but handling becomes difficult and unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature integrityVSAvoidhandling safety

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is designed to establish thermal isolation before fluid transfer begins. The insulation layers and sealed coupling are pre-configured to protect operators from cryogenic temperatures during the coupling and decoupling operations, making handling safer while maintaining temperature integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Insulation layers are incorporated into the nozzle and receptacle structures beforehand to provide thermal protection. This cushioning against extreme cold temperatures protects both the equipment and operators during handling operations while maintaining the cryogenic temperature of the fluid being transferred.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If secure coupling is implemented to prevent emissions, then emission prevention is improved, but coupling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemission preventionVSAvoidcoupling structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: coupling arms for mechanical connection, locking tabs for securing the connection, slots for engagement, and seal members for emission prevention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nested configuration of the nozzle within the receptacle creates multiple sealing surfaces and engagement points. This nested design inherently provides redundant sealing paths, improving emission prevention reliability while the modular segmented components keep the overall structure manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Facilitates safe and efficient transfer of cryogenic fluids by minimizing emissions and ensuring secure coupling, thereby maintaining temperature insulation and reducing atmospheric exposure during filling operations.

Implementation Method 1

using insulation and vacuum layers to maintain temperature integrity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

using insulation and vacuum layers to maintain temperature integrity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS12429153B2Low-emission nozzle and receptacle coupling for cryogenic fluid

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 ENGINEERED CONTROLS INT

AI summary

A low-emission nozzle and receptacle coupling for cryogenic fluid is disclosed. An example nozzle includes a body including a front end and a back end and defining a chamber through which the cryogenic fluid is to flow to the receptacle. The nozzle includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. The shaft is housed within and slidably extending through the chamber. The nozzle includes a poppet coupled to the first end of the shaft and an actuator including a stem coupled to the second end of the shaft. The stem is configured to linearly actuate to cause the shaft and the poppet to linearly actuate. The nozzle includes a coupling assembly coupling the actuator to the back end of the body. The coupling assembly includes insulating material to thermally isolate the actuator from the chamber through which the cryogenic fluid is to flow.