Fluid Nozzle Contact Sensor for Connection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid nozzle designs often fail to accurately determine if a nozzle and a receptacle are properly connected, leading to potential damage to the nozzle, receptacle, and other components.
Innovation Solution
The fluid nozzle incorporates a contact sensor system with a poppet, actuation rod, rolling member, and push rod to detect sufficient contact between the nozzle and receptacle, and a connection sensor with a switch to verify latch movement, providing an indication of a secure connection through an electronic control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fluid nozzle designs are used without sensors, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of connection detection is insufficient leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical connection verification systems with electronic sensor systems. Specifically, contact sensors detect poppet position and connection sensors detect latch position, substituting mechanical verification methods with electronic detection to improve reliability while managing complexity through electronic rather than mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor intermediaries (contact sensors and connection sensors) between the physical connection components and the control system. These sensors act as mediators that detect the connection status and transmit this information to the electronic control unit, enabling reliable detection without direct mechanical interaction
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to detect connection status accurately, then the measurement precision of connection status is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection detection function into separate sensor modules: contact sensors for detecting poppet contact and connection sensors for detecting latch position. This segmentation allows each sensor to perform a specific detection function with high precision while the overall system complexity is managed through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple detection functions using integrated components. The electronic control unit receives signals from both contact sensors and connection sensors, enabling a single sensor system to verify both poppet contact and latch position, achieving comprehensive detection without proportionally increasing complexity
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 accurate detection of connection status, preventing damage and enabling safe and efficient fluid transfer by activating the contact and connection switches when sufficient contact is made, facilitating reliable aerial refueling operations.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation rod spring configured to apply a biasing force to the actuation rod
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid nozzle includes a housing, a poppet configured to move within the housing, and a contact sensor disposed in the housing and configured to sense a position of the poppet. A contact sensor may include an actuation rod configured to move in response to contact with the poppet, an actuation rod spring configured to apply a biasing force to the actuation rod, a push rod, a rolling member disposed between the actuation rod and the push rod, and a switch actuated via movement of the push rod. In a connected position of the poppet, the actuation rod may push the rolling member, the rolling member may push the push rod, and the push rod may activate the switch to indicate a connection.