Hydrant Valve Internal Shut-Off for Coupler Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrant valves in aircraft fueling systems are vulnerable to collisions and contamination, leading to potential fuel spills and safety concerns due to their exposed position and lack of automatic shut-off mechanisms, especially when the fueling vehicle coupler disengages, causing delays in manual shut-off and increased fuel loss.
Innovation Solution
A hydrant valve design featuring a piston and internal shut-off mechanism with frangible connectors, a pilot valve, and biasing members that automatically close the valve when external forces or disconnection occur, allowing for safe and immediate termination of fuel flow without operator intervention, even in the absence of electric power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydrant valve is installed in exposed position for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to collisions and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrant valve is nested within a protective housing structure that encloses the valve body and internal components. This housing provides physical protection against collisions and contamination while maintaining access capabilities through the design of the housing opening and coupling interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible connector is designed to fail at a predetermined low force threshold, providing beforehand protection by sacrificing a non-critical component to protect the main valve body from damage during collision events. This preemptive measure prevents harmful effects before they can affect the primary function.
2Device complexity
If manual shut-off mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but response time increases leading to fuel loss
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member (spring) is pre-loaded to exert closing force on the valve disc, so that the valve is ready to close immediately when the coupling disconnects. This preliminary positioning of the valve in a ready-to-close state eliminates response delay while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve automatically closes through the action of the biasing member when the coupling disconnects, without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the disconnection event to trigger the closing action, eliminating both manual operation delays and complex control systems.
3Loss of time
If automatic shut-off mechanism is added, then response time is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve automatically closes through the action of the biasing member when the coupling disconnects, without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the disconnection event to trigger the closing action, eliminating both manual operation delays and complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates the disconnection of the coupling into automatic valve closure. This simple mechanical intermediary provides automatic response without requiring complex sensors, actuators, or control systems.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If frangible connector is used for safety, then protection against collision damage is improved, but structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible connector is designed to fail at a predetermined low force threshold, providing beforehand protection by sacrificing a non-critical component to protect the main valve body from damage during collision events. This preemptive measure prevents harmful effects before they can affect the primary function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is segmented into a permanent portion (high strength) and a frangible portion (low strength). This segmentation allows the system to have both high overall strength for normal operation and controlled weakness for collision protection, with each segment serving a specific function.
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 shut-off mechanism significantly reduces fuel spills and environmental risks by ensuring immediate closure of the hydrant valve upon disconnection or external impact, enhancing safety and reducing fuel waste by eliminating the need for manual operation in hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A hydrant valve design featuring a piston and internal shut-off mechanism with frangible connectors, a pilot valve, and biasing members that automatically close the valve when external forces or disconnection occur
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrant valve with an internal automatic shut-off valve. The internal valve blocks communication between a piston chamber and a hydrant chamber when in a closed position. An upper valve opens the internal valve against its biasing force permitting the flow of fluid between the hydrant chamber and the piston chamber. The internal valve closes in response to a disconnection of the upper valve.