Cryogenic Coupling Nozzle Venting for Low-Force Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in the difficulty of coupling cryogenic fluid nozzles to receptacles due to residual vaporized gas, which causes physical resistance and makes the insertion process cumbersome, as the remaining gas from previous filling sessions pressurizes the receptacle, opposing the nozzle's insertion.
Innovation Solution
The coupling nozzle employs a low-force locking mechanism, a thermally isolated design, an integrated cleaning mechanism, and a venting system that vents trapped liquid back to the source tank, reducing pressure and facilitating easy nozzle disconnection by equalizing pressure within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional nozzle coupling mechanism is used, then the nozzle can be securely connected to the receptacle, but the residual vaporized gas creates physical resistance that makes insertion difficult and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the residual vaporized gas from the receptacle using a venting system before nozzle insertion. This eliminates the physical resistance caused by pressurized gas, allowing easy nozzle insertion while maintaining secure connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary venting of trapped gas and pressure equalization before the nozzle coupling operation. This preliminary action removes the harmful pressurized gas that would otherwise resist nozzle insertion, enabling both easy insertion and secure connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the receptacle is pressurized by residual gas from previous filling, then the gas can be contained, but this pressurization creates opposition to nozzle insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of pressurized residual gas into a beneficial venting action. The venting system uses the pressurized gas to drive itself out through a controlled pathway, transforming the resistance force into a self-venting mechanism that clears the receptacle for easy nozzle insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a venting system as an intermediary mechanism between the pressurized gas and the external environment. This intermediary provides a controlled pathway for gas release, allowing pressure equalization without direct confrontation that would resist nozzle insertion.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If manual venting of remaining gas is performed, then the gas can be released, but this process is time-consuming and requires additional操作步骤
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service venting system where the pressurized residual gas automatically vents itself through a dedicated pathway without requiring external intervention or manual operations. This eliminates time-consuming manual venting steps while effectively releasing the harmful gas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs automatic venting as a preliminary action that occurs immediately after filling completion and before nozzle insertion. This preliminary gas release eliminates the need for separate manual venting operations, saving time and simplifying the overall process.
4Device complexity
If a simple nozzle design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot effectively handle the pressurized gas issue during coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling system into distinct functional components: a venting subsystem for gas removal, a pressure equalization mechanism, and the primary nozzle coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, maintaining overall simplicity while solving the pressurized gas problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a venting pathway as an intermediary element that mediates between the pressurized gas and the coupling operation. This intermediary component is simple in design but effectively resolves the gas pressure issue, enabling easy nozzle coupling without complex mechanisms.
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
This solution enables a secure, automated, and intuitive filling process for cryogenic fluids, minimizing operator training requirements and ensuring safe, efficient operation by reducing physical resistance and pressure issues during nozzle coupling and decoupling.
Implementation Method 1
a venting system that vents trapped liquid back to the source tank, reducing pressure
Implementation Method 2
a thermally isolated design
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid. A coupling nozzle includes a flow body. The coupling nozzle includes a mount, a flow control assembly, and a pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder body and a shaft. The shaft is coupled to and configured to actuate the flow body. The coupling nozzle includes a first locking mechanism coupled to the mount and configured to secure the coupling nozzle to a receptacle in a locked position. When the first locking mechanism is in the locked position, the shaft is configured to actuate the flow control assembly. The coupling nozzle includes a redundant locking mechanism including one or more feet and a lock. The one or more feet are configured to engage the lock to prevent the first locking mechanism from transitioning from the locked position when the shaft is in the extended position.