Fluid Transfer Coupler with Pressure Equilibrium Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid transfer couplings for re-fueling vehicles, particularly in racing applications, result in significant fuel spillage during decoupling, posing health risks to pit crew members and environmental concerns, and can lead to vapor lock issues due to inadequate pressure management in fuel tanks.
Innovation Solution
A coupler system with a spring-biased quasi-cylindrical sleeve that allows countercurrent transfer of vapor and liquid, featuring separate passages for vapor and liquid flow, ensuring efficient and safe transfer with minimal spillage and preventing vapor lock by maintaining pressure equilibrium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a traditional fluid transfer coupling is used for refueling, then the refueling operation can be completed, but significant fuel spillage occurs during decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device applies preliminary anti-action by using spring-loaded poppets that automatically close the liquid passage before the coupling halves separate. The springs pre-load the poppets in a position that seals the passage, preventing fuel spillage that would otherwise occur during decoupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device performs preliminary action by establishing pressure equilibrium between the headspaces of connected vessels through a dedicated vapor passage before liquid transfer begins. This preliminary pressure balancing prevents sudden pressure differentials that could cause spillage during subsequent decoupling.
2Reliability
If a traditional fluid transfer coupling is used, then liquid transfer is achieved, but vapor lock issues occur due to inadequate pressure management
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device segments the fluid transfer function into separate vapor and liquid passages. The vapor passage allows independent pressure equalization between headspaces, while the liquid passage handles fuel transfer. This segmentation prevents pressure management issues that lead to vapor lock by decoupling the pressure balancing function from the liquid transfer function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device introduces a vapor passage as an intermediary channel that mediates pressure balance between the headspaces of connected vessels. This intermediary vapor flow path allows pressure equalization without requiring liquid to bridge the connection, preventing vapor lock conditions.
3Productivity
If rapid refueling is performed, then productivity increases, but fuel spillage and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device implements self-service by using spring-loaded poppets that automatically seal the liquid passage upon decoupling without requiring manual intervention. The springs provide the self-actuating force to close the passage rapidly, enabling fast refueling while preventing spillage and reducing health risks to operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device converts the potentially harmful rapid decoupling action into a beneficial sealing mechanism. The spring force, which could be seen as excessive during connection, becomes the precise mechanism that rapidly seals the passage during decoupling, turning what might cause spillage into the very mechanism that prevents it.
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 coupler system significantly reduces fuel spillage during transfer operations, enhances safety by minimizing exposure to hazardous fumes, and maintains optimal fuel pressure, leading to faster and more efficient refueling processes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased quasi-cylindrical sleeve that is slidably disposed within a cover
Data Source
AI summary
Complementary couplers useful in providing a coupling through which liquids may be transferred from a first storage reservoir or tank to a second storage reservoir or tank, which can be an on-board fuel tank of a motorized vehicle. There is a first coupling which is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of a receiving vessel, fuel tank, etc. and a second coupling which is intended to be in fluid communication with the contents of a storage reservoir containing a chemical, liquid fuel, etc. The disclosure also includes a process for charging a fuel reservoir on board of a motorized vehicle from a remote reservoir, wherein the vapor in the fuel reservoir is displaced by an equal volume of fuel delivered from said remote reservoir, and wherein the vapor in said fuel reservoir is simultaneously caused to be transferred to said remote reservoir, thus permitting no escape of the vapor from said fuel reservoir to the surrounding atmosphere. Through use of the present disclosure, more rapid liquid transfer through individual couplers occurs with reduced losses of liquid chemicals, fuel, etc. versus prior art couplers. A remote reservoir useful for recharging fuel to a motorized vehicle, having a two way pressure equilibrium valve is also provided.