Fuel Nozzle Automatic Cable Retraction and Valve Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Airfield refueling of smaller aircraft is complex and time-consuming due to the need to manually manage heavy dispensing valves, hoses, and loose cables or safety caps, which can interfere with handling and pose safety risks during overwing refueling.
Innovation Solution
An automatic retraction system for the earth cable and safety cap cord, combined with a progressive valve actuation mechanism and a kinematically variable coupler mechanism that reduces the actuating force required to open the main valve, allowing for easier handling and reduced interference during refueling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of earth cable and safety cap is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to interference and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The earth cable and safety cap cord are equipped with automatic retraction systems that allow them to retract themselves without manual intervention. The cable management system automatically winds the earth cable onto a spool, and the safety cap cord automatically retracts the safety cap into its storage position, eliminating the need for operators to manually manage these components during refueling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety cap is pre-positioned on the discharge pipe and automatically retracts into its protective position when not in use. The earth cable is pre-arranged with automatic retraction capability, so it is already in the correct position and configuration before refueling begins, eliminating the need for manual setup and management during the operation.
2Productivity
If heavy dispensing valve is manually positioned, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler mechanism automatically adjusts the valve actuation force based on the position of the main valve during opening. As the valve opens, the coupling point moves along the coupler, automatically reducing the actuating force required, which facilitates easier handling and positioning of the dispensing valve without requiring complex external assistance systems.
3Ease of operation
If high actuating force is used to open main valve, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler mechanism is designed with a variable coupling point that moves dynamically as the main valve opens. This dynamic adjustment automatically modifies the actuating force characteristics: high force is available when needed (when the valve is closed or partially open), and the force automatically reduces as the valve approaches full opening, making operation easier while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating force parameter changes automatically during the valve opening process. The coupler mechanism transforms the actuation force profile by varying the mechanical advantage ratio as the valve opens, providing high force at the beginning of opening and progressively reducing the force required as the valve approaches full opening, thus facilitating easier operation while ensuring reliable valve opening.
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 automatic retraction system simplifies refueling by eliminating loose cables and caps, while the progressive valve actuation mechanism reduces the necessary actuating force, making the process safer and more efficient, especially for overwing refueling.
Implementation Method 1
this can be a take-up or rewinding roller that is biased into the take-up or rewound position
Implementation Method 2
an automatic retraction system can also be provided for said cord
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a dispensing valve or fuel nozzle having an earth (ground) cable and/or a safety cap for covering the discharge opening, the safety cap connected by a cord to the dispensing valve, wherein the dispensing valve has an automatic retraction system for the earth cable and/or the cord of said safety cap.