LNG Nozzle Dual-Locking Mechanism for Kickback Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current LNG coupling systems face challenges with high-pressure failures, leakage, and environmental concerns due to the extreme cold and high greenhouse gas emissions, requiring excessive personal protective equipment and inadequate safety measures.
Innovation Solution
A dual-locking mechanism combining a collet type locking mechanism with a valved receptacle and valved nozzle, featuring a quarter-turn bayonet fitting and lever-operated internal valve for secure engagement and disengagement, minimizing methane release and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing kickback and LNG discharge is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent but complementary parts: a collet mechanism that provides radial clamping force, and a bayonet quarter-turn mechanism that provides rotational locking. This segmentation allows each mechanism to specialize in one aspect of locking, thereby improving overall reliability without requiring one overly complex mechanism to do everything
Solution Approach 2:
The collet mechanism acts as a preliminary locking element that secures the basic connection, while the bayonet quarter-turn mechanism provides an additional layer of security against kickback. This layered approach ensures that if one mechanism fails or is insufficient, the other provides backup protection
2Object-affected harmful factors
If excessive personal protective equipment is required, then the safety of operators is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-locking mechanism prevents kickback and LNG discharge before they can occur, eliminating the need for operators to rely heavily on protective equipment. The collet mechanism secures the basic connection, and the bayonet mechanism prevents rotational kickback, thereby protecting operators from cold and methane exposure inherently
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of kickback and discharge into a benefit by using the bayonet mechanism's rotational locking to actively prevent these harmful events from occurring in the first place, rather than merely protecting against them with PPE
3Object-generated harmful factors
If methane emissions are not minimized, then the operational simplicity is maintained, but the environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collet locking mechanism with the bayonet quarter-turn locking mechanism into a single integrated coupling system. This merging ensures that both locking actions occur together, providing comprehensive security against kickback and LNG discharge, thereby minimizing methane emissions without requiring separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The valved receptacle and valved nozzle are designed to work together with the dual-locking mechanism to prevent discharge before it can occur. The locking mechanisms ensure proper sealing and connection, thereby preventing methane emissions inherently
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling for a connecting a LNG nozzles to a LNG vehicle tank receptacle and their connection apparatus to a LNG vehicle tank for fueling.The invention comprises a double connection system to provides additional safety to a LNG Nozzle Locking Mechanism for being locked into a LNG receptacle on a vehicle tank, by combining two different locking mechanisms: one the so-called “collet type” locking mechanism with the locking handles, and two the valved receptacle and valved nozzle approach with the rotating handle.