Liquefied Hydrogen Coupling With Stepwise Valve Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquefied hydrogen filling apparatuses risk hydrogen leakage and fuel loss due to simultaneous opening of valve pins and nozzles, posing safety concerns and inefficiencies during filling.
Innovation Solution
A liquefied hydrogen filling apparatus featuring a receptacle with a blocking unit and a multistage opening and closing device, including a sliding valve and driving unit, which ensures stepwise connection and prevents leakage by using external force to open the blocking unit and sliding valve, maintaining secure connection despite internal pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a valve pin in a receptacle and a nozzle are simultaneously opened at once, then the filling operation can be completed quickly, but hydrogen leakage occurs and fuel is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first connecting the nozzle to the receptacle and securing it with a locking means before opening any valves. The sliding valve is initially in a closed position, and the blocking unit is in place to prevent hydrogen flow until the connection is fully established. This ensures the connection is secure before hydrogen is allowed to flow, preventing leakage while maintaining efficient filling operation.
2Productivity
If a valve pin in a receptacle and a nozzle are simultaneously opened at once, then the filling operation can be completed quickly, but safety concerns arise due to potential fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a secure mechanical connection first through the locking means that fixes the receptacle to the housing. Only after this secure connection is established does the system proceed to open the sliding valve and blocking unit in a controlled sequence. This preliminary securing action eliminates safety hazards associated with simultaneous opening by ensuring mechanical integrity before hydrogen flow begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the valve opening process into distinct stages: first the sliding valve is opened by external force from the receptacle, then the blocking unit is pushed open by the sliding valve. This segmentation prevents simultaneous opening by dividing it into sequential steps, with each step completed and secured before the next begins, thereby maintaining safety while achieving efficient filling.
3Loss of substance
If a multistage opening and closing device with locking means is used to secure the receptacle first, then hydrogen leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The locking means is integrated into the housing structure and works with the receptacle's catching ring as a unified coupling system. The sliding valve is integrated into the central path of the housing and is actuated by the receptacle's movement. The blocking unit is integrated within the valve assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the multistage opening sequence that prevents hydrogen leakage.
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 apparatus ensures safe and efficient filling by preventing hydrogen leakage and fuel loss, maintaining connection stability during filling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to elastically support the blocking plate against the step portion
Implementation Method 2
the sliding valve being configured to be opened by external force transmitted from the receptacle
Implementation Method 3
to move the sliding valve to the blocking unit such that the sliding valve is opened by reaction force from the blocking unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a liquefied hydrogen filling apparatus configured such that connection between liquefied hydrogen injection lines is performed stepwise, whereby there is no concern of leakage of liquefied hydrogen the moment the liquefied hydrogen injection lines are connected to each other, and therefore it is possible to guarantee safety and to prevent loss of fuel. In addition, the state of connection between the liquefied hydrogen injection lines is securely maintained, whereby there is no concern of separation due to internal pressure at the time of filling or other external force, and therefore it is possible to perform safe filling.