Fluid Coupling Low Engagement Force Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial refueling systems face challenges with high engagement loads and safety risks due to high-speed approaches and high drag drogues, which can lead to hose breakage during disengagement in fluid couplings.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling design featuring an inlet and outlet housing member with a regulator assembly, main and pilot poppet configuration, and axial rotation prevention features, allowing for low engagement force and secure fluid communication between aircraft, minimizing the risk of hose breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a high drag drogue is used in the fluid coupling, then the coupling strength is improved, but the hose is more prone to breaking during disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional components: a drogue assembly that can be detached from the hose assembly. This segmentation allows the drogue to provide coupling strength while the hose connects to a separate engagement mechanism, reducing stress concentration and breakage risk during disengagement
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by engaging the drogue coupling mechanism before full fluid flow establishment, and by providing a staged disengagement process where the coupling separates before the hose fully disconnects. This preliminary engagement and controlled separation prevents sudden stress spikes that could cause hose breakage
2Productivity
If the receiving aircraft approaches at high speed, then the refueling operation efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through spring-loaded components and movable engagement surfaces that adapt to varying approach speeds. The system can accommodate a range of approach velocities while maintaining secure engagement, allowing faster approaches without compromising safety
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement parameters of the coupling system are designed to change based on operational conditions. The spring pressure, engagement force, and sealing characteristics can vary to optimize performance at different approach speeds, enabling both high-speed efficiency and safety
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex regulator assembly is added to control fluid flow, then fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator assembly utilizes pneumatic and hydraulic principles to control fluid flow automatically based on pressure differentials and flow rates. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical control mechanisms while achieving precise flow regulation through fluid pressure-based control
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 design reduces engagement force and enhances safety by allowing controlled fluid flow and preventing axial rotation, thereby minimizing the risk of hose damage and ensuring reliable refueling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a pilot poppet configured to selectively permit fluid flow through the main poppet
Implementation Method 2
an outlet housing member rotatably connected with the inlet housing member
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupling includes an inlet housing member, an outlet housing member rotatably connected with the inlet housing member to define a chamber, a regulator assembly disposed in the chamber and connected to the outlet housing member, a main poppet configured to control fluid flow between the inlet housing member and the outlet housing member, and/or a pilot poppet configured to selectively permit fluid flow through the main poppet. The outlet housing member may be configured to mate with and at least partially receive a nozzle. The regulator assembly may include a regulator housing and a regulator.