Wireless Fuel Nozzle Actuator for Locomotive Boom Counterbalancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fueling systems for diesel locomotives face issues with unbalanced articulated booms due to free fuel flow from the nozzle and boom, leading to inefficiencies during short fueling, as the existing shutoff mechanisms do not effectively prevent fuel from continuing to flow after the tank is nearly full.
Innovation Solution
A smart fuel delivery system with a wirelessly controlled actuator in the fuel nozzle that automatically shuts off fuel delivery by receiving a remote signal when a predetermined amount is reached, ensuring that any remaining fuel remains in the nozzle and boom, maintaining counterbalancing and preventing further flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a control valve is used to shut off fuel delivery when the fuel tank is full, then fuel delivery can be stopped, but fuel in the boom and nozzle continues to flow out of the nozzle causing boom unbalancing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by sending a shutdown signal to the nozzle before the fuel tank becomes completely full. The controller receives a signal from the fuel management system indicating a predetermined amount of fuel has been delivered, then activates the actuator to close the valve, preventing fuel from continuing to flow in the boom and nozzle before the tank is full.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the fuel meter and fuel management system to monitor the amount of fuel delivered. When the predetermined amount is reached, this feedback triggers the controller to activate the actuator, which closes the valve to stop fuel flow, thereby maintaining boom counterbalancing while achieving precise fuel delivery control.
2Quantity of substance
If the control valve shuts off fuel delivery at the fuel supply station, then fuel flow can be stopped, but fuel already in the nozzle continues to dispense freely
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional mechanical control valve system with an electronically controlled valve actuated by an actuator. The controller receives electronic signals from the fuel management system and automatically actuates the valve closure, eliminating the need for manual intervention and providing precise control over fuel delivery quantity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle system performs self-service by automatically receiving shutdown signals from the fuel management system and closing its own valve through the actuator. This eliminates the need for external manual intervention to stop fuel flow, allowing the system to precisely control the amount of fuel delivered while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If manual shutdown is used to stop fuel delivery, then fuel flow can be stopped, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical shutdown operations with an automated electronic control system. The controller receives electronic signals from the fuel management system and automatically actuates the valve closure, eliminating the time required for manual intervention and significantly improving fueling speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated shutdown action when the predetermined fuel amount is reached, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This preliminary automated action reduces shutdown time and improves overall fueling efficiency by continuously monitoring fuel delivery and automatically stopping when the target amount is achieved.
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle for delivering fuel from a fueling station that can be remotely triggered to shut-off prior to the receiving fuel tank being filled. The nozzle includes a valve that can be opened by a lever and latched into the open position for continuous filling. The nozzle handle has an actuator positioned to cause the latch to release the lever and a controller that can energize the actuator in response to receipt of a wireless signal indicating that the delivery of fuel should be terminated. A wireless communication interface of the nozzle is in wireless communication with a fuel management system that can monitor a fuel flow meter to signal the nozzle to shut-off when the amount of fuel that has been delivered reaches a predetermined amount.