Low-Emission Receptacle Check Assembly for Pressure-Equalized Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coupling process between nozzles and receptacles used for transferring pressurized fluids, such as LNG and CNG, is hindered by the expansion of gases during transfer, leading to difficulty in reconnection due to remaining gas in the receptacle, which often results in gas venting into the atmosphere and increased effort required for reinsertion.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a nozzle and receptacle configuration with check assemblies and springs that equalize pressure between the nozzle and receptacle, allowing for easier coupling by transferring fluid pressure and minimizing gas venting, featuring a nozzle with a probe and check assembly that biases to a closed position and a receptacle with a poppet and spring that biases to a closed position, enabling fluid flow and reducing the force needed for coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the nozzle is inserted into the receptacle for fluid transfer, then fluid transfer is enabled, but remaining gas in the receptacle opposes nozzle insertion making coupling physically difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The check assembly opens automatically upon nozzle insertion to equalize pressure before full coupling is achieved, preliminarily reducing the force needed for complete insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The check assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the nozzle and receptacle, mediating pressure equalization to facilitate smoother coupling
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the remaining gas is vented into ambient atmosphere, then the receptacle is depressurized, but new gas flows from the storage tank into the receptacle pressurizing it again
Solution Approach 1:
The check assembly remains open during the entire coupling period, allowing continuous pressure equalization and eliminating the need for repeated venting cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The check assembly extracts excess pressure from the receptacle during coupling, removing the harmful pressurization effect that would otherwise require venting
3Ease of operation
If a check assembly with spring is used to equalize pressure, then coupling difficulty is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded check assembly is self-actuating, automatically opening and closing based on pressure differential without requiring external control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The check assembly utilizes pneumatic principles with a spring mechanism to automatically equalize pressure based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for complex electronic or mechanical control systems
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 configuration reduces the effort required for coupling, minimizes gas venting during decoupling, and ensures a secure connection by equalizing pressures and facilitating fluid flow, enhancing the efficiency and usability of the nozzle-receptacle interface.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle spring, the nozzle spring biasing the nozzle check assembly to a closed position
Implementation Method 2
check assemblies and springs that equalize pressure between the nozzle and receptacle, allowing for easier coupling by transferring fluid pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle includes a main body, a stem, a poppet connected to the stem and defining an inner check void, a spring configured to bias the poppet to a closed poppet position, and a check assembly at least partially disposed in the inner check void. The check assembly includes a check and a check spring. The check is configured to move relative to the main body. The check spring is configured to bias the check toward a closed check position. The check has a first surface area and the poppet has a second surface area that is larger than the first surface area of the poppet such that a fluid force causes the check to move to an open check position before causing the poppet to move to an open poppet position.