Vacuum-Jacketed Cryogenic Coupling for Fast Sealed Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple, quick-connect coupling for transferring cryogenic liquid fluids such as liquid hydrogen, as existing solutions are complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum jacketed quick connect coupling is developed, featuring a nozzle with a bayonet design and a receptacle with a poppet valve system, which allows for efficient and insulated transfer of cryogenic fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a quick connect coupling is designed for cryogenic fluid transfer, then the refueling process efficiency is improved, but the thermal insulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling employs a nested tube structure where an inner tube containing the cryogenic fluid pathway is positioned within an outer tube, creating annular insulation spaces. This nesting arrangement provides thermal insulation while maintaining a compact, quick-connect design that does not require complex external insulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary insulation medium (vacuum or insulating material) in the annular space between the inner and outer tubes. This intermediary layer acts as a thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer to the cryogenic fluid while allowing the coupling to maintain simple external dimensions for quick connection.
2Loss of time
If a bayonet-style quick connect design is used, then the connection speed is improved, but the seal reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design incorporates preliminary sealing action during the insertion process. As the inner tube is inserted into the outer tube in a bayonet-style motion, the seals are engaged and compressed in advance of full connection, ensuring reliability is established before the coupling is fully locked in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs localized sealing elements positioned at specific critical points within the bayonet coupling mechanism. These localized seals concentrate the sealing function at key interfaces where thermal and fluid barriers are most needed, rather than requiring extensive sealing throughout the entire coupling structure.
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 coupling enables efficient and insulated transfer of cryogenic fluids, reducing complexity and improving the refueling process for vehicles powered by liquid hydrogen.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle inner tube and a nozzle outer tube with a bayonet insulation space defined therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle includes a nozzle bayonet with a warm seal positioned at a distal end and a nose seal positioned at a proximal end so that a distal passage is defined between the warm and nose seals. The nozzle also includes a nozzle poppet valve. Purge and vent lines are in fluid communication with the distal passage. A receptacle includes a receptacle poppet valve, a receptacle inner tube and a receptacle outer tube with a receptacle insulation space defined therebetween. A coupling space is defined between an outer casing and the receptacle outer tube. The receptacle coupling space receives the nozzle bayonet. The receptacle sequentially engages the warm seal and the nose seal of the nozzle during insertion of the nozzle bayonet into the receptacle coupling space with the nozzle and receptacle poppets engaging to open the nozzle and receptacle poppet valves when the nozzle bayonet is fully inserted into the receptacle coupling space.