Cam-Controlled Valve Sequencing for Safe Gas Cartridge Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in safely replacing high pressure gas cartridges and reloading products in aerosol distribution systems, particularly in ensuring user safety during manipulations involving varying pressure levels.
Innovation Solution
A set comprising a high pressure gas cartridge, a pressure reduction block with a power valve and a purge valve, and a cap with a cam mechanism that controls the sequence of opening and closing the valves based on the cap's angular position, ensuring safe transition from high to low pressure gas usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high pressure gas cartridge is used in an aerosol distribution system, then the product can be dispensed effectively, but user safety is compromised during cartridge replacement and refilling operations due to uncontrolled pressure levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static pressure state to a dynamic controlled sequence. The cam mechanism converts the rotational motion of the cap into sequential valve operations, dynamically controlling pressure transitions during cap rotation from position A to B. This ensures pressure is only released when the system is in a safe state.
Solution Approach 2:
The purge valve opens in advance during the rotation from position A to B, preparing the system for pressure equalization before the supply valve opens. This preliminary action ensures that any residual high pressure is safely vented before product dispensing begins, preventing accidental release during refilling.
2Reliability
If a pressure reducing block with valves is implemented, then pressure control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism merges multiple valve control functions into a single rotating component. One cam profile simultaneously controls both the purge valve and supply valve in a predetermined sequence, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each valve and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical timer, a sequence controller, and a valve actuator. The same cam profile that controls valve timing also provides the locking mechanism through its interaction with the cap, reducing the need for additional dedicated components.
3Reliability
If a cam mechanism is used to control valve sequencing, then pressure safety during operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is self-regulating through its geometric design. The cam profile automatically ensures proper valve sequencing based on the cap's rotational position, eliminating the need for external control systems or complex electronic sensors. The mechanical geometry itself provides the precision timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a safety margin in the cam profile geometry that ensures valves close before they should, providing a buffer against manufacturing tolerances. This preliminary cushioning in the timing sequence prevents unsafe conditions even if the cam profile is not perfectly precise.
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 solution allows for safe and efficient replacement of high pressure gas cartridges and reloading of products, maintaining user safety by managing pressure levels effectively throughout the process.
Implementation Method 1
the cap comprises a cam which cooperates with the supply control rod and/or with the purge control rod to cause in a sequential manner the opening and/or closing of the supply valve and/or the purge valve as a function of the angular position of the cap relative to the pressure reduction block
Implementation Method 2
a pressure-reducing block comprising: -- a high-pressure gas inlet to which the high-pressure gas cartridge is removably connected; -- a low-pressure gas outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention proposes an assembly comprising a high-pressure gas cartridge (32); a pressure-reducing block (24) comprising a high-pressure inlet (25), a low-pressure outlet (53) in which is arranged a supply valve (54) controlled by a rod (56), a purge conduit (62) in which is arranged a purge valve (64) controlled by a rod (66); and a cap (22) detachably fixed to the block (24) comprising a chamber (30) supplied with low pressure by said outlet (53) and connected to the upstream end (63) of said purge conduit (62), and a cam (96) which cooperates with the supply control rod (56) and/or with the purge control rod (66) to cause in a sequential manner the opening and/or closing of the supply valve (54) and/or the purge valve (64) as a function of the angular position of the cap (22) relative to the pressure reducing block (24).