Low-Emission Nozzle-Receptacle Coupling With Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzles and receptacles face challenges in minimizing fluid venting during disconnection and achieving easy coupling, particularly when handling gases like LNG and CNG, due to residual gas pressure which makes nozzle insertion physically difficult.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a nozzle with a check assembly and a receptacle with a poppet mechanism that equalizes pressure between the nozzle and receptacle, allowing the nozzle to extend and connect with reduced effort, and minimizes fluid venting by transferring pressure and sealing effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receptacle retains residual gas pressure after transfer, then the gas remains contained in the system, but the next nozzle insertion becomes physically difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is equipped with a pressure equalization valve that automatically equalizes pressure between the receptacle interior and exterior before nozzle insertion. This preliminary pressure equalization action eliminates the resistance caused by residual gas pressure, making nozzle insertion easy while maintaining gas containment integrity during the transfer process
2Productivity
If the nozzle is disconnected from the receptacle, then fluid transfer is complete, but remaining gas is vented into atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
A sealed cap member is introduced as an intermediary component that attaches to the receptacle outlet after fluid transfer completion. This cap seals the receptacle interior, preventing remaining gas from being vented into the atmosphere while allowing the nozzle to be disconnected. The cap acts as a mediator between the need for nozzle disconnection and the need to prevent gas loss
3Device complexity
If a simple coupling mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but pressure equalization before insertion is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization valve and coupling mechanism are merged into a single integrated assembly. The pressure equalization function is built into the coupling mechanism itself, so that when the nozzle couples with the receptacle, pressure equalization occurs automatically as part of the coupling process. This merging eliminates the need for separate pressure equalization steps while maintaining ease of operation
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 solution reduces the effort required for coupling and minimizes fluid venting during disconnection, enhancing the operational efficiency and ease of use for nozzles and receptacles handling pressurized gases.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle spring, the nozzle spring biasing the nozzle check assembly to a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle check sealing surface... where the nozzle check sealingly engages the nozzle check sealing surface
Implementation Method 3
equalizes pressure between the nozzle and receptacle, allowing the nozzle to extend and connect with reduced effort
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method consistent with the present disclosure may include: (a) equalizing pressure between a nozzle inner void and a receptacle main inner void by pressing a nozzle check against a receptacle check to open the nozzle check and the receptacle check; (b) extending the nozzle into the receptacle such that a receptacle main body surrounds at least a portion of the nozzle probe; (c) flowing fluid from the nozzle inner void into the receptacle main inner void.