Fueling Nozzle Adapter With Dry-Break Recirculation Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refueling systems lack a safe and efficient method for recirculating fuel using overwing type fueling nozzles, which can lead to hazards due to the lack of a dry break interconnect, resulting in potential splashing and vapor accumulation, especially when accessing the fuel tank is difficult.
Innovation Solution
An adapter is developed to couple an underwing type servicing adapter to an overwing type fueling nozzle, featuring radially outward extending tabs and axially extending notches, allowing for a fluid connection and enabling safe recirculation of fuel by forming a dry break disconnect interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an overwing type fueling nozzle is placed into a gravity-fed inlet for recirculation, then recirculation can be achieved, but safety hazards increase due to lack of dry break interconnect and difficult access to fuel tank inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary device between the overwing fueling nozzle and the underwing servicing adapter. It provides a dry break quick disconnect interface that enables safe fluid connection and disconnection, eliminating the hazards associated with direct connection to gravity-fed inlets while maintaining recirculation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter enables the overwing fueling nozzle to interface with underwing-type servicing equipment, allowing a single nozzle design to be used with multiple adapter types. This multi-functionality allows recirculation through standard underwing ports while maintaining the original nozzle's gravity-fed delivery capability
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional spout design is used on overwing fueling nozzles, then simple construction is maintained, but adaptability to different servicing adapters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a coupling interface that interfaces with the overwing nozzle spout, a dry break quick disconnect interface for underwing adapter compatibility, and internal fluid pathways. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter design nests multiple functional elements within a compact structure. The dry break quick disconnect mechanism is integrated within the adapter body, which itself couples to the existing nozzle spout, creating a nested arrangement that adds functionality without significantly increasing overall size or complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle adapter for coupling a fueling nozzle to an underwing type servicing adapter having a radially outward extending tab and a notch formed in an open end thereof comprises an outer body including a neck portion having a first conduit formed therein and a substantially cylindrical cap portion, the cap portion including at least one slot formed therein. An inner body has a second conduit formed therein and is disposed within the cap portion of the outer body and an annular channel is formed between the cap portion and the inner body. The at least one tab is received in the at least one slot and a rotation of the nozzle adapter relative to the servicing adapter causes a first aperture configured to receive a locking device therein to be aligned with the at least one notch of the servicing adapter.