Cam-Actuated Gas Pressure Reducer for Compact Shut-Off Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed gas pressure regulation devices are bulky, require precise machining, and have impaired shut-off functions due to the lateral arrangement of pressure reducers and limited mechanical advantage in shut-off mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a hollow spindle housing a cam spigot and counter-cam spigot system, allowing efficient actuation of a shut-off valve and pressure regulation through a fraction of a turn, integrated with a flow selector and pressure reducer aligned on the longitudinal axis for easier manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded engagement system is used to convert spindle rotation into shutter translation, then the shut-off valve can be operated by rotating the hand-wheel, but the inherently low pitch of the threaded engagement implies that the shutter is moved over a limited stroke when rotating the hand-wheel over a fraction of a turn, requiring a very accurate machining and mounting of the many elements thereof
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded engagement mechanical system with a cam mechanism. The cam profile is designed to convert a fraction of a hand-wheel rotation into the full required shutter stroke, eliminating the need for fine-pitch threading and associated precision machining requirements while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism allows the hand-wheel to rotate only a fraction of a turn (partial action) to achieve the complete shutter stroke, rather than requiring a full or near-full rotation as would be necessary with low-pitch threading. This reduces the operational turns needed while avoiding precision machining issues.
2Volume of moving object
If the pressure reducer is arranged laterally, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the device, then the device can be compact in one dimension, but it renders the device particularly bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the pressure reducer from a lateral arrangement (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) to an axial arrangement (along the longitudinal axis). This dimensional repositioning allows the components to be stacked linearly rather than extending laterally, reducing the overall bulkiness of the device while maintaining compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism and pressure reducer are integrated into a shared housing structure that aligns them along the longitudinal axis. This merging of component arrangements eliminates the need for separate lateral mounting spaces, reducing the device's overall volume and bulkiness.
3Reliability
If the shutter is positioned downstream of the seat, then a minimum force must be exerted on the shutter for achieving a proper shut-off of the passage, but this requires a very accurate machining and mounting of the many elements thereof
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct downstream shutter arrangement with a cam-actuated mechanism. The cam profile is designed to apply the necessary force to the shutter at the optimal point in the rotation cycle, ensuring reliable shut-off without requiring the shutter to be positioned downstream where high forces would be needed. This reduces the machining and mounting precision requirements for the shutter and seat elements.
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
The device provides reliable, efficient, and compact operation with improved actuation, allowing full gas passage opening in less than a half turn, enabling separate adjustment of the pressure reducer and integration of additional functions like pressure relief and residual pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
the spindle is hollow and houses a spigot with the cam, the spigot being linked in rotation with the spindle and cooperating with a counter-cam spigot movable in translation but not in rotation relative to the body, and acting on the mobile element or on a shut-off valve for selectively shutting-off and opening the gas passage
Data Source
AI summary
A device for regulating the pressure of a compressed gas, comprising a body with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas passage fluidly interconnecting the inlet and outlet; a mobile element carrying a shutter cooperating with a seat in the gas passage, the shutter and the seat forming a regulating valve; a hand-wheel operatively linked to a spindle rotatably mounted on the body; wherein the spindle is hollow and houses a spigot with a cam, the spigot being linked in rotation with the spindle and cooperating with a counter-cam spigot movable in translation but not in rotation relative to the body, and acting on the mobile element or on a shut-off valve for selectively shutting-off and opening the gas passage.