Reversible Conduit Coupling Using Fluid Jets for Floating Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring resources between free-floating bodies, such as in military, shipping, and energy capture contexts, require significant manual effort and pose risks due to dynamic positioning changes, necessitating improved autonomy and precision in fluidic coupling.
Innovation Solution
A conduit assembly with fluid nozzles that expel controlled fluid streams to autonomously or semi-autonomously guide and couple with a receiving port on another body, enabling precise and efficient transfer of fluids between free-floating bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual coupling methods are used for transient fluidic coupling between free-floating bodies, then the coupling process can be completed with existing simple equipment, but significant manual effort and time are required while posing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit assembly is equipped with fluid nozzles that autonomously propel and position the assembly toward the receiving port using controlled fluid streams, eliminating the need for manual positioning and coupling operations while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controlled fluid streams expelled from nozzles on the conduit assembly to autonomously guide and position the conduit at the receiving port, enabling automated coupling without complex mechanical systems
2Measurement precision
If traditional coupling mechanisms are used, then the system structure remains simple, but precision and adaptability to dynamic positioning changes are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit assembly incorporates fluid nozzles that can dynamically adjust fluid stream direction and flow rate in real-time, enabling precise positioning and alignment with the receiving port while adapting to dynamic movements of free-floating bodies
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the position and orientation of the receiving port, providing feedback that enables real-time adjustment of fluid stream parameters to maintain precise coupling alignment despite dynamic positioning changes
3Productivity
If manual operation is required for engagement and disengagement of coupling mechanisms, then the system can be operated with basic equipment, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit assembly autonomously performs both engagement and disengagement operations through controlled fluid streams, eliminating manual intervention entirely and significantly increasing operational speed while maintaining ease of use through automated control
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
Facilitates precise and autonomous fluidic coupling, reducing manual intervention and enhancing safety by adapting to dynamic positions, allowing continuous energy transfer and product exchange.
Implementation Method 1
The conduit assembly may include one or more fluid nozzles configured to expel one or more controlled fluid streams that propel the conduit assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for transient fluidic coupling via reversibly couplable conduits. In one example, a method includes directing a conduit assembly to a receiving port by releasing one or more fluid streams from the conduit assembly. The method may further include fluidly coupling an internal passage of the conduit assembly to the receiving port. The internal passage may extend from the conduit assembly and along a conduit between a pair of free-floating bodies, such as between a wave engine and a tanker ship, so as to exchange one or more fluids, such as an electrolysis reactant and an electrolysis product. The fluidic coupling may be reversible, in that the conduit assembly may be detached from the receiving port to sever the fluidic coupling. In certain examples, the detaching may be actuated by releasing one or more additional fluid streams from the conduit assembly.