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 mechanism, allowing efficient shut-off and flow selection with a fraction of a turn, integrated pressure reduction, and in-line components for easier manufacturing and assembly, including a residual pressure valve and flow selector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure reducer is arranged laterally (perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis), then the shut-off function is achieved, but the device becomes particularly bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the pressure reducer from a lateral arrangement (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) to an in-line arrangement (along the longitudinal axis). This dimensional repositioning reduces the device's overall volume and footprint while maintaining the shut-off function through the cam mechanism that translates rotational motion into linear motion of the shutter.
2Device complexity
If a threaded engagement is used to convert rotation into translation for operating the shut-off valve, then the mechanism is simple, but the pitch is inherently low implying limited stroke when rotating the hand-wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded engagement mechanism with a cam mechanism. The cam profile is specifically designed to convert a fraction of a hand-wheel rotation into a full shutter stroke, providing both the simplicity of a mechanical system and the advantage of a large stroke without requiring multiple turns.
3Quantity of substance
If the shutter is positioned downstream of the seat, then the pressure reduction is achieved, but a minimum force must be exerted on the shutter for achieving proper shut-off requiring very accurate machining and mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism applies preliminary action by positioning the shutter upstream of the seat before the gas pressure acts on it. The cam ensures that the shutter is already in the correct position and orientation, reducing the force required from the hand-wheel and decreasing the sensitivity to machining and mounting tolerances.
4Device complexity
If a single hand-wheel operates both the shut-off valve and the flow selector, then the device is compact, but damage to the shutter or seat of the pressure reducer might impair the shut-off function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by providing separate control mechanisms: a hand-wheel with cam for shut-off operation and a separate flow selector with calibrated holes. This segmentation ensures that damage to one component (shutter or seat) does not necessarily impair the other functions, improving overall system reliability while maintaining compactness.
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 efficient, reliable, and compact operation with improved actuation, allowing full gas passage opening in less than a half turn, enabling separate adjustment of the shut-off valve and pressure reduction while integrating additional functions like pressure relief and residual pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
carrying a cam for selectively shutting-off and opening the gas passage; wherein the spindle is hollow and houses a spigot with the cam, said spigot being linked in rotation with said spindle and cooperating with a counter-cam spigot movable in translation but not in rotation relative to the body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention is directed to a device (2) for regulating the pressure of a compressed gas, comprising a body (4) with a gas inlet (6), a gas outlet (8) and a gas passage (10) fluidly interconnecting said inlet and outlet; a mobile element (26) carrying a shutter (30) cooperating with a seat (16.2) in the gas passage (10), said shutter and said seat forming a regulating valve (16.2, 30); a hand-wheel operatively linked to a spindle (46) rotatably mounted on the body (4.1); wherein the spindle (46) is hollow and houses a spigot (48) with a cam, said spigot being linked in rotation with said spindle and cooperating with a counter-cam spigot (50) movable in translation but not in rotation relative to the body, and acting on the mobile element (26) or on a shut-off valve (12) for selectively shutting-off and opening the gas passage (10).