Filling Nozzle Clutch Release Under Freezing Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling nozzles for gaseous fuel face issues where the clutch becomes difficult to disengage due to freezing or similar conditions, leading to the nozzle being unable to be removed from the receptacle.
Innovation Solution
The filling nozzle incorporates an urging means, such as a spring or elastic spacer, to urge the clutch inwardly, and a drainage channel to prevent freezing, allowing disconnection even when the clutch is frozen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clutch engages with the receptacle to secure the connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the clutch becomes difficult to disengage due to freezing or other factors
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch is designed with dynamic movement capability along the connection direction. The lever can move the clutch radially inward to disengage from the receptacle, providing a mechanical means to overcome freezing conditions that prevent normal disengagement
Solution Approach 2:
The lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's action and the clutch disengagement. By moving the lever, the clutch is pushed radially inward to release from the receptacle, providing a reliable disengagement method even when freezing occurs
2Ease of operation
If the clutch is held in a fixed radially outwardly open state, then the clutch can be easily disengaged, but the filling nozzle cannot be properly connected to the receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch transitions between two dynamic states: engaged with the receptacle during filling operation, and disengaged when the lever moves it radially inward. This dynamic capability allows the system to switch between connection and disconnection states as needed
3Ease of operation
If moisture freezes in the annular recess, then the clutch becomes stuck and cannot be removed, but providing drainage increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage channel extracts water from the annular recess and removes it from the system. By providing a dedicated drainage path, water is continuously removed before it can freeze and cause the clutch to become stuck
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage channel is designed to remove water from the annular recess before freezing can occur. This preliminary action of water removal prevents the harmful freezing condition from developing in the first place
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
Ensures reliable disconnection of the nozzle from the receptacle by overcoming clutch engagement issues caused by freezing, ensuring the nozzle can be easily detached after filling.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic repulsive force acting on the clutch (4) in a radial direction inward, by the ring-shaped elastic spacer (15)
Implementation Method 2
When a water accumulated in an annular recess 1D of the pipe joint body 1 freezes, the clutch 4 cannot be removed from the receptacle 20
Data Source
AI summary
A filling nozzle includes a pipe joint body provided at a tip of a filling hose and connected to a receptacle on a side to be filled; a clutch that extends on an outside of the pipe joint body in a connection direction in which the pipe joint body and the receptacle are connected and engages with the receptacle; a lever that extends on an outside of the clutch in the connection direction and restricts a movement of the clutch in the connection direction when the gaseous fuel is filled; and an urging means urging the clutch inward in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction to release the restriction in movement of the clutch in the connection direction when filling of the gaseous fuel is completed.