Cryogenic Nozzle Coupling With Redundant Locking and State Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transferring cryogenic fluids, such as liquid hydrogen, face challenges in securely and efficiently coupling nozzles to receptacles, leading to potential emissions and safety concerns due to the extreme cold temperatures and complex coupling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A low-emission nozzle and receptacle coupling system is designed with a locking assembly and sensor assembly to securely couple and decouple the nozzle from the receptacle, utilizing coupling arms and slots, and a redundant locking mechanism to prevent unintended decoupling, while a sensor assembly detects the coupling state to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex coupling mechanism is used to securely connect nozzle to receptacle, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: coupling arms (222, 224) that engage with coupling slots (122, 124), a separate locking assembly (1010) with locking teeth (1015), and a sensor assembly (280). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arms and slots are designed to automatically engage in a predetermined sequence during the coupling process. The coupling arms (222, 224) are positioned to enter coupling slots (122, 124) first, establishing the basic connection before the locking assembly engages. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and reduces the risk of improper coupling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to prevent unintended decoupling, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly (280) provides real-time feedback on the coupling state by detecting whether the coupling arms (222, 224) are properly engaged with the coupling slots (122, 124). This feedback mechanism allows the system to confirm secure connection without requiring complex manual verification procedures, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly (1010) with locking teeth (1015) is designed to automatically engage and lock the coupling arms (222, 224) in place once they are inserted into the coupling slots (122, 124). This self-locking mechanism prevents unintended decoupling without requiring continuous manual intervention or complex control systems, thereby maintaining operational simplicity.
3Productivity
If rapid coupling and decoupling is enabled for efficient fluid transfer, then productivity is improved, but risk of emissions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism maintains a continuous sealed connection between the nozzle and receptacle throughout the fluid transfer process. The coupling arms (222, 224) engaged with coupling slots (122, 124) and the locking assembly (1010) ensure that the fluid pathway remains continuously sealed, preventing emissions even during rapid coupling and decoupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-coupling design allows the coupling arms (222, 224) to rapidly engage with the coupling slots (122, 124) in a single swift motion, minimizing the time during which the connection is open or unstable. This rapid engagement reduces the window of opportunity for emissions while maintaining transfer efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a low-emission nozzle and receptacle coupling for cryogenic fluid. An example nozzle includes a body defining a chamber through which cryogenic fluid is to flow. The body includes an outer shell that includes an outer shell surface. The nozzle includes a locking assembly configured to securely couple the nozzle to a receptacle. The locking assembly includes an inner sleeve fixedly coupled to the outer shell surface and an outer sleeve extending over and rotatably coupled to the inner sleeve. One or more locking teeth are fixedly coupled to the outer sleeve and configured to be slidably received by respective one or more coupling slots of the receptacle. The one or more locking teeth are configured to rotatably slide within the respective one or more coupling slots to couple the nozzle to the receptacle as the outer sleeve rotates relative to the inner sleeve.