Refuelling Probe Nozzle with Resilient Tip for Pressure Drop Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refuelling probe nozzle structures are complex, leading to significant pressure drops and the need for high-pressure fuel pumping due to multiple valve stages and the presence of the nozzle tip mount in the fuel line, which complicates the refuelling process and can result in uncontrolled fuel release under excessive loads.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design with a body comprising two portions, where the nozzle tip is mounted to be movable to an inoperative position to seal the fuel path upon excessive loads, eliminating the need for a separate shut-off valve and allowing the nozzle to break away with the fuel channel sealed, and incorporating a resilient mounting member for misalignment accommodation and a pressure regulator valve to manage fuel pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple valve stages and nozzle tip mount are provided in the fuel line, then fuel flow control and safety are improved, but pressure drop increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the nozzle tip mounting function with the valve closing function. The nozzle tip is mounted on a resilient shaft that can deflect to close the valve, eliminating the need for a separate shut-off valve. This merging of functions reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall nozzle structure while maintaining fuel flow control and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient shaft serves multiple functions: it mounts the nozzle tip, allows for misalignment accommodation through deflection, and acts as the valve closing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity and pressure drop while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple valve stages are provided in the fuel line, then fuel pressure regulation is improved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure regulation function with the existing valve stages, utilizing the coupling valve and the resilient shaft mechanism to provide both flow control and pressure regulation. This eliminates the need for additional separate pressure regulation components, reducing pressure drop while maintaining effective pressure control.
3Reliability
If a separate shut-off valve is provided in the probe, then safety under excessive loads is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shut-off valve function with the nozzle tip mounting mechanism. The resilient shaft automatically closes the valve when the nozzle experiences excessive loads and breaks away, eliminating the need for a separate shut-off valve in the probe. This reduces device complexity while maintaining safety under excessive loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient shaft automatically closes the valve in response to excessive loads without requiring external control systems. The mechanism self-activates when the nozzle tip breaks away, providing automatic safety shutdown functionality integrated into the mounting structure itself.
4Strength
If nozzle tip is fixed rigidly in the body, then structural strength is improved, but ability to accommodate misalignment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid mounting with a resilient shaft that can deflect dynamically to accommodate misalignment between the nozzle and coupling. The shaft maintains structural strength while providing the necessary flexibility through its resilient properties, allowing the nozzle tip to adjust its position within safe operational limits.
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 design simplifies the nozzle structure, reduces pressure drop, and allows for safer fuel transfer by sealing the fuel path under overload conditions, eliminating the need for a weak link in the probe and enabling tailored pressure regulation for specific aircraft, thus enhancing refuelling efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the mounting member being resiliently flexible so as to allow non-axial movement of the tip, for accommodating misalignment between the nozzle and the coupling
Implementation Method 2
the nozzle tip being movable to an inoperative position of the nozzle to close the fuel path
Data Source
AI summary
The nozzle of the invention comprises a nozzle body having a nozzle tip for engaging a fuel hose coupling, the tip extending from the body, and a valve sleeve for opening and closing a fuel path between the tip and the body. The tip is mounted within the body on a flexible shaft, so as to accommodate misalignment between the nozzle and the fuel hose coupling. This eliminates the need for a bearing at the end of the shaft, which causes a pressure drop in the nozzle. The shaft is axially slidable in the mounting in a first portion of the nozzle body, and may be held in the extended position of the tip by abutment with part of a second portion of the nozzle body. The first and second portions of the body are joined a weak link, which is frangible in the event of excessive load, to release the abutment and allow the nozzle tip to travel towards the body and close the fuel path. Thus a separate shut-off valve is not required. The invention also allows the inclusion of a pressure regulator sleeve for moving out of the nozzle body towards the nozzle tip in the event of excessive fuel pressure. Thus the nozzle tip can be tailor made to the aircraft to which it is fitted for providing suitable pressure regulation.