Shell has been granted a patent for a flow booster designed to optimize fuel flow into aircraft during refueling. The system features a piston mechanism, an intake tuner, and a flow regulator that adjusts fuel flow based on real-time measurements, enhancing efficiency in the refueling process. GlobalData’s report on Shell gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Shell, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Shell's grant share as of June 2024 was 68%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Flow booster for optimizing aircraft fuel flow during refueling
The granted patent US12030667B2 introduces a flow booster designed to optimize the flow of fuel into an aircraft during refueling operations. The flow booster features a fuel intake that includes a housing with a fluid chamber and a fuel chamber, along with a piston that connects a piston head in the fluid chamber to a piston tail in the fuel chamber. This configuration allows for a variable fuel inlet that receives fuel from a fuel circuit. The system utilizes a pressurized fluid source to create a tuning force that can be adjusted via a trigger mechanism, enabling real-time modifications to the fuel flow based on measurements from various sensors positioned around the refueling unit. This continuous adjustment aims to enhance the efficiency of fuel transfer into the aircraft.
Additionally, the patent outlines a method for optimizing fuel flow by measuring various fuel parameters, such as nozzle pressure and fuel pressure, during the refueling process. The method involves adjusting the piston position to define the fuel inlet size and selectively applying a tuning force to boost fuel flow as needed. The system is designed to maintain fuel pressure below a predefined maximum, ensuring safe and efficient refueling. The flow regulator, which is responsive to sensor data, plays a crucial role in activating the trigger to adjust the tuning force, thereby facilitating a smooth and controlled refueling experience. Overall, the patent presents a comprehensive solution for enhancing fuel flow management in aircraft refueling systems.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
