Cylinder Caddy with Pivoting Handle and Counterweight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable high-pressure cylinders are prone to tipping and rolling, posing stability and safety concerns during transport and use, and may contaminate their contents when laid horizontally, risking accidental discharge and hazards.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder caddy with a strap affixed above the center of gravity and a pivoting handle that converts into a strut for stability, allowing secure carrying and operation, and includes a bottom cup for enhanced stability, protecting the valve from contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cylinder is carried vertically with a heavy regulator attached, then the cylinder can be transported, but it is prone to tipping over due to high center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy includes a weight member positioned at the bottom of the support structure, creating a counterbalance to the cylinder's center of gravity. This counterweight stabilizes the cylinder during vertical carrying, preventing tipping over while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The caddy acts as an intermediary device between the user and the cylinder. It provides a stable platform with a base that contacts the ground, distributing the cylinder's weight and preventing direct contact between the user's hand and the heavy regulator, thereby improving stability during transport.
2Ease of operation
If the cylinder is placed horizontally for transport, then it is easier to carry, but it tends to roll and may contaminate its contents
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy serves as a protective intermediary when the cylinder is positioned horizontally. The base of the caddy contacts the ground, preventing the cylinder from rolling, while the support structure keeps the valve end elevated and protected from contamination sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The caddy is designed with a base that preemptively prevents rolling and contamination before they can occur. The structural design ensures that when the cylinder is placed in the caddy, it is automatically stabilized and protected, eliminating the need for additional protective measures.
3Volume of moving object
If the cylinder is laid horizontally, then it can be stored compactly, but it poses a risk of accidental discharge due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The weight member at the bottom of the caddy creates a stable center of gravity that prevents the cylinder from tipping or rolling when stored horizontally. This counterbalancing mechanism ensures safety against accidental discharge while maintaining compact storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The caddy provides a stable intermediary platform that isolates the cylinder from unstable surfaces. The base of the caddy ensures the cylinder remains fixed in position, preventing accidental discharge risks associated with horizontal storage.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective cover is added to protect the valve from contamination, then the valve is protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy is designed with multi-functionality: the base provides stability prevention, the support structure provides mechanical support, and the valve protection feature is integrated into the same structure. This eliminates the need for separate protective covers, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A cylinder caddy, adapted to a bottle with a neck, a bottom, and a center of gravity is provided. The caddy has a strap configured to affix circumferentially to the cylinder at a location higher than the center of gravity, and at least one axial strap configured to connect the strap. The caddy includes a handle with a first end pivotally attached to the upper strap, and a second end configured to detachably connect to the neck. In a first position, the handle is pivoted to allow the second end to be attached to the neck, thereby requiring the removal of a regulator, protecting the neck from dust and other particulates and allowing a user to safely carry the cylinder. In a second position, the handle is pivoted to allow the second end form a strut, thereby providing the user a more stable operating position.