Magnetic Breakaway Coupling with Swivel for Fuel Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel line breakaway couplers fail to meet the increased force requirements for separation, particularly in the European market, and lack flexibility for nozzle manipulation during fuel dispensing, leading to potential damage and fuel spillage.
Innovation Solution
A fuel line breakaway coupler secured by a plurality of strategically placed magnets with a counterbored spacer, integrated with a swivel connection, which maintains the coupler in a connected state under normal conditions but separates at excessive forces up to 300 lbs, preventing damage and allowing flexible nozzle orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional breakaway couplers are used, then they can separate at low force (around 100 lbs), but they fail to meet the increased force requirements (up to 300 lbs) for European market standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnets (typically three or more) arranged in a triangular or circular pattern within the coupler housing to create a unified magnetic field that collectively resists separation forces. This merging of multiple magnetic sources provides the necessary holding force to meet European 300 lbs breakaway requirements while maintaining reliable connection during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by using stronger permanent magnets (such as neodymium magnets) and optimizing their arrangement and spacing. This parameter change increases the magnetic holding force from the traditional 100 lbs to meet the 300 lbs European standard requirement, while still allowing controlled breakaway at excessive forces.
2Force
If the coupler is secured tightly to prevent separation, then it meets force requirements, but it lacks flexibility for nozzle manipulation during fuel dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic coupling system into multiple independent magnets rather than using a single large magnet. This segmentation allows the coupler to maintain strong overall holding force while permitting controlled movement and manipulation of the nozzle during fuel dispensing operations. The distributed magnetic fields provide stability without excessive restriction.
3Force
If magnets are placed close together to maximize holding force, then breakaway force increases, but magnetic interference reduces the effectiveness of individual magnets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple magnets in a symmetric pattern (triangular or circular) that creates an equipotential magnetic field distribution around the coupler interface. This arrangement ensures that the magnetic fields from individual magnets work cooperatively rather than interfering with each other, maximizing the total holding force while maintaining the effectiveness of each individual magnet.
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 solution effectively meets global standards for breakaway force requirements and provides flexibility for nozzle manipulation, reducing the risk of damage and fuel spillage while ensuring easy reconnection and efficient fuel dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet and a second magnet spaced apart from one another and secured to the second sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A breakaway coupling including a pair of sleeves, one sleeve fitting within the other, each sleeve provided with a connector body, and a hose connector secured with one of the connector bodies. The first sleeve holds a metal annulus, while the second sleeve secures a ring separator, counterbored, to secure a series of round magnets therein, so that when the sleeves and their connector bodies are brought together, they are secured by the magnets into connection. When excessive force is encountered, the breakaway will separate, to prevent further discharge of fuel from the nozzle. A swivel connector secures with one of the connector bodies.