Cryogenic Distribution Station Rear Pipe Front Screen Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryogenic liquid distribution stations lack ergonomic design, making it difficult for operators to manage the filling process while maintaining control and visibility, especially with pipes and monitoring screens not optimally arranged.
Innovation Solution
The distribution station features a filling pipe extending from the rear surface with the monitoring screen oriented parallel and away, allowing operators to control the filling operation by observing the pipe connection while maintaining distance from cold pipes, and includes a single button for the filling sequence with buttons grouped for improved ergonomics and thermal protection of the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the monitoring screen is arranged on the same side as the filling pipe, then the operator can easily access controls, but the operator cannot maintain clear visibility of the pipe connection while controlling the filling operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the monitoring screen on the front surface and the filling pipe on the rear surface, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to separate functions spatially. This dimensional arrangement allows the operator to simultaneously observe the screen and the pipe connection without compromising either visibility or control accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the filling pipe is positioned for easy connection, then the refueling process is simplified, but the pipe becomes heavier and more difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the filling pipe to extend vertically from the rear surface, creating a gravity-aligned configuration. This vertical orientation allows the pipe to hang naturally without requiring additional support structures, reducing handling complexity while maintaining connection ease.
3Ease of operation
If multiple control buttons are distributed across the station, then specific functions are easily accessible, but the overall control complexity increases and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent groups all control buttons on the front surface in close proximity to each other and to the monitoring screen. This consolidation creates a unified control zone that simplifies the operator's interaction with the system, reducing cognitive load and improving ergonomic efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
This distribution station (6) for cryogenic liquid comprises a rear surface, a front surface, and two side surfaces each connecting the rear surface to the front surface, a monitoring screen (52), and at least one control button (54), a filling pipe (42), a vapor collection pipe (44) extending from the distribution station, the filling pipe (42) and the vapor collection pipe (44) extending outside of the station from the rear surface of the distribution station, and the monitoring screen (52) being arranged substantially parallel to the rear surface and oriented away from this rear surface, and at least one control button (54) being arranged on the front surface.