Fuel Dispensing Nozzle with Delayed Coupling and Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzles for pressure refueling, such as those used for autogas, CNG, LNG, and hydrogen, are difficult to operate safely and require excessive force due to simultaneous actuation of the coupling device and main valve, leading to potential refueling security issues and user handling challenges.
Innovation Solution
The nozzle design incorporates a time-offset actuation mechanism where the hand lever's movement is converted into separate and staggered actuations of the coupling device and main valve, ensuring secure locking and opening through distinct pivot axes and directions, allowing for easier and safer operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a lever mechanism is used to actuate both the coupling device and the main valve simultaneously, then the refueling process can be automated, but the required actuating force becomes excessively large and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuation process into two distinct phases: first actuating the coupling device to establish secure connection, then actuating the main valve to enable fluid flow. This is achieved through a two-stage lever mechanism where the hand lever's movement range is divided into a first area that actuates the coupling device and a second area that actuates the main valve, reducing the force required at any given moment
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is actuated in advance before the main valve is opened. The hand lever's movement in the first area establishes the secure mechanical and fluid connection between the dispensing valve and the connection fitting, preparing the system for subsequent valve actuation in the second area, thereby preventing premature fluid release
2Productivity
If the coupling device and main valve are actuated simultaneously, then the refueling process is faster, but refueling security is compromised as the main valve may open before secure connection is established
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is actuated in advance before the main valve is opened. The hand lever's movement in the first area establishes the secure mechanical and fluid connection between the dispensing valve and the connection fitting, preparing the system for subsequent valve actuation in the second area, thereby preventing premature fluid release
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism provides mechanical feedback through the guide structure that prevents the hand lever from entering the second area (main valve actuation) until the coupling device has been properly actuated in the first area. This geometric constraint ensures sequential operation and prevents unsafe simultaneous actuation
3Volume of moving object
If a compact lever mechanism is used to actuate both components, then the device size is reduced, but the mechanism becomes complex and prone to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The hand lever serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating element for the coupling device and the main valve, and simultaneously serves as a guide element that defines the actuation sequence through its constrained movement path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms while maintaining compact dimensions
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
This design enhances user-friendliness and refueling safety by ensuring the main valve is only actuated after a secure connection is established, reducing the required force and preventing unintended valve opening, thus improving handling and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating device has a coupling joint connected to the hand lever, which is connected to the coupling device by a first operative connection and to the main valve by a second operative connection
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~5
Figure 6A~10
AI summary
The invention relates to a nozzle, which has a main valve arranged in a channel, a coupling device (30) for producing a connection between the nozzle and the connecting piece (15), and an actuating apparatus (17) for actuating the coupling device and the main valve. The actuating apparatus comprises a manual lever (11), which is movable between a closed position and an open position. The actuating apparatus is designed to convert a movement of the manual lever in a region between the closed position and the open position to a temporally offset actuation of the coupling device and of the main valve. A coupling joint (20) connected to the manual lever is connected via operative connections to the coupling device having the main valve. The operative connections for the coupling joint form a guide such that the coupling joint is caused to rotate about a first pivot axis (41) and/or to move in a first direction when the manual lever is activated in a first manual lever region, and that the coupling joint having the manual lever in a second manual lever region is caused to rotate about a second pivot axis (42) and/or to move in a second direction.