Device as quick coupling interface for dual docking and refuelling
A device 100 for a service vehicle for docking with and transferring a fluid to a vehicle in motion is disclosed. The device 100 includes a first part 105 and a second part 110 . The first part 105 is communicatively coupled to the service vehicle and the second part 110 to the vehicle in motion. A guide pin 106 of the first part 105 is configured for being inserted into a guide pin holder 112 of the second part 110 for actuating a servomotor 102 B of the first part 105 for capturing of the second part 110 . Two or more male quick couplings 102 of the first part 105 are configured for being inserted into two or more female quick couplings 110 of the second part 110 for initiating a latching mechanism using the servomotor 102 A of the first part 105 for hard clamping with the first part 105.
1 . A device for a service vehicle in motion for autonomously dual docking with and transferring fluid to a vehicle that is in motion,
the device comprising a first part and a second part;
the first part communicatively coupled to the service vehicle and the second part communicatively coupled to the vehicle in motion;
at least one guide pin of the first part configured for being inserted into at least one guide pin holder of the second part for electro-mechanically actuating a servo motor of the first part to rotate or translate the at least one guide pin to enable a soft capture of the second part into the first part; and
two or more male quick couplings of the first part configured for being inserted into two or more female quick couplings of the second part for initiating a servo-driven latching mechanism using the servo motor of the first part for hard clamping of the second part into the first part only after the soft capture is achieved, for transferring the fluid to the vehicle in motion from the service vehicle.
2 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising two or more bubble suppressors placed in the path of the fluid in the two or more male quick couplings of the first part and in the two or more female quick couplings of the second part for transferring the fluid to the vehicle in motion by suppressing the formation of bubbles under micro-gravity conditions.
3 . The device of claim 2 , wherein the fluid is transferred to the vehicle in motion using shut-off valves, through the two or more male quick couplings and the bubble suppressor, wherein the bubble suppressor is configured to restrict an entry of a bubble into a storage tank of the vehicle in motion.
4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one guide pin is threaded and configured for enabling the soft capturing of the second part into the first part with the translational movement without affecting the positions of the service vehicle and the vehicle in motion.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the first part of the device comprises a first coupling holder configured for holding the two or more male quick couplings of one of threaded type, unthreaded type, magnetic holding type, or slotted type; and a first holding plate for connecting the first coupling holder and the at least one guide pin.
6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the second part of the device comprises a second coupling holder configured for holding the two or more female quick couplings of one of threaded type, unthreaded type, magnetic holding type, or slotted type; and a second holding plate for connecting the second coupling holder and the at least one guide pin holder.
7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the servo motor is coupled to drive the at least one guide pin or the latching mechanism for docking or clamping the first part of the device and the second part of the device.
8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the latching mechanism is released by the first part and the guide pin is moved away from the guide pin holder of the second part, after the transfer of the fluid to the vehicle in motion.