Cryogenic Coupling Nozzle With Venting for Low-Force Reconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the transfer of cryogenic fluids, vaporization occurs, leading to gas accumulation in the nozzle and receptacle, which causes difficulty in reinsertion due to opposing forces when disconnecting and reconnecting, resulting in inefficient and physically challenging coupling processes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling nozzle with a low-force locking mechanism, automated filling process, and integrated venting system that vents trapped gas back to the source tank, ensuring easy disconnection and reconnection by minimizing pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional nozzle coupling design is used, then the nozzle can be connected to the receptacle, but the residual gas pressure makes the insertion process physically difficult and requires manual force
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle applies a preliminary venting action to reduce the residual gas pressure in the receptacle before the coupling insertion takes place. This preliminary anti-action (pressure reduction) prevents the harmful effect of high resistance during insertion, allowing the nozzle to be coupled without requiring excessive manual force.
2Productivity
If the nozzle is disconnected from the receptacle, then the coupling process is complete, but the remaining gas is vented into the ambient atmosphere causing safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary venting path that redirects the residual gas away from the ambient atmosphere. Instead of directly venting to the environment, the gas is channeled through a controlled path back to the source tank or to a safe discharge location, eliminating the harmful effect of atmospheric contamination while maintaining fast filling operations.
3Extent of automation
If manual force is applied to overcome gas pressure, then the nozzle can be inserted, but the process requires operator training and reduces automation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system performs self-service by automatically venting the residual gas pressure through an integrated venting mechanism. This self-venting action eliminates the need for operators to apply manual force or undergo extensive training to overcome pressure resistance, thereby enabling full automation of the filling process while improving ease of operation.
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 a quick, secure, and automated filling process for cryogenic fluids, reducing operator training requirements and ensuring safe, efficient tank filling without manual force exertion.
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 nozzle for cryogenic fluid includes a flow body, a flow control assembly, a first linear actuator, and a locking actuator. The flow body defines a conduit. The flow control assembly is at least partially disposed in the conduit of the flow body. The flow control assembly is configured to transition between an open position and a closed position to permit and prevent, respectively, the cryogenic fluid to flow through the flow body. The first linear actuator includes an actuator body and a first shaft. The first shaft is configured to slide between an extended position and a contracted position to transition the flow control assembly between the open position and the closed position, respectively. The locking actuator is for locking the nozzle to a receptacle in an automated manner.