Low-Emission Nozzle and Receptacle Coupling With Check Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing nozzles and receptacles for handling pressurized fluids, such as LNG and CNG, face challenges in minimizing gas venting during disconnection and facilitating easy coupling, as remaining gas in the receptacle opposes nozzle insertion, making the process 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 into the receptacle while minimizing fluid venting by opening the check assemblies to reduce pressure and facilitate coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the nozzle is inserted into the receptacle, then fluid transfer is enabled, but the remaining gas in the receptacle opposes the insertion, making the coupling process physically difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling processVSAvoidresisting force from remaining gas

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle check assembly opens before the nozzle is fully inserted into the receptacle, equalizing pressure between the nozzle inner void and receptacle main inner void in advance. This preliminary pressure equalization eliminates the resisting force that would otherwise oppose nozzle insertion, making the coupling process physically easy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The check assemblies act as intermediary mechanisms between the nozzle and receptacle. By opening these checks, pressure is equalized through the check voids and passageways, mediating the pressure difference that would otherwise create resistance to coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the nozzle check assembly opens to equalize pressure, then coupling becomes easier, but fluid may be vented into the atmosphere

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling processVSAvoidfluid venting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The design converts the potentially harmful effect of pressure equalization (which could cause fluid venting) into a beneficial outcome by directing the equalization process through controlled pathways. The check assemblies open to equalize pressure, but this same mechanism prevents excessive pressure buildup that would force venting during disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically during the coupling and disconnection process. By opening the check assemblies during coupling, pressure equalizes to facilitate insertion. During disconnection, the pressure has already been managed, minimizing venting losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of substance

If the check assemblies remain closed to prevent fluid loss, then coupling becomes physically difficult, but opening them causes pressure equalization that may lead to venting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid ventingVSAvoidresisting force during coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The check assemblies are designed to open preliminarily during the coupling process to equalize pressure, making insertion easy. This preliminary opening is controlled and timed, and the same mechanism later prevents excessive venting during disconnection by having already equalized the pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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, improving the efficiency and ease of use in handling pressurized fluids.

Implementation Method 1

a nozzle spring, the nozzle spring biasing the nozzle check assembly to a closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a receptacle spring biasing the receptacle poppet to a closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

equalizing pressure between the nozzle inner void and the receptacle main inner void by opening the nozzle check and the receptacle check

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11162641B2Low emission nozzles and receptacles

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 ENGINEERED CONTROLS INT

AI summary

A nozzle for dispensing fluid includes a probe slidably disposed in a main body. The probe has a probe body defining a check sealing surface and a check void. A check assembly is at least partially disposed in the check void, and includes a check configured to move relative to the main body and the probe body. A spring is configured to bias the check to sealingly engage the check against the check sealing surface of the probe body.