Compressed Gas Cylinder Coupling with Blow-off Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection methods between compressed air cylinders and pressure reducers or manifolds in breathing apparatuses are prone to jamming and are not safe or gastight, especially during fast cylinder replacements under operating conditions, posing safety risks and potential damage from escaping gas.
Innovation Solution
A separate coupling part with pin and socket connecting means is introduced, featuring spring-loaded closing elements and latching mechanisms for secure, fast, and safe connections, including blow-off protection to prevent sudden gas release when the cylinder valve is opened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized female thread fitting is used on the compressed air cylinder, then compatibility with standard connections is improved, but the connection process becomes slow and prone to jamming under operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate parts: a coupling part that screws onto the cylinder valve, and a coupling means that connects to the consumer. This segmentation allows the coupling part to remain attached to the cylinder for quick reconnection, while the coupling means can be rapidly attached or detached from the consumer without unscrewing threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means incorporates a hand wheel that can rotate to quickly adjust the connection state, and a locking element that can be manually positioned to lock or unlock the connection. This dynamic mechanism enables fast connection and disconnection without the time-consuming process of screwing and unscrewing threads repeatedly.
2Reliability
If a hand wheel is used to turn the male threaded coupling piece, then connection is achieved, but the connection becomes difficult and time-consuming under heavy filled cylinders
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part is pre-attached to the cylinder valve in advance, so that when the cylinder needs to be connected to a consumer, the coupling means can be quickly attached to the already-positioned coupling part. This preliminary action eliminates the need to screw the coupling onto the cylinder during the connection process, saving time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part acts as an intermediary between the cylinder and the consumer. It remains attached to the cylinder and provides a ready interface for the coupling means, mediating the connection process so that the heavy cylinder does not need to be manually manipulated during connection.
3Productivity
If the cylinder valve is opened quickly during operation, then gas flow is improved, but safety is compromised due to potential sudden gas release and damage to gaskets or fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to cover the opening of the air passage hole before the cylinder is connected to a consumer. This beforehand cushioning prevents sudden gas release by blocking the passage until the connection is properly established, protecting against damage to gaskets and fittings while still allowing quick gas flow once connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element automatically moves to cover or uncover the air passage hole based on the connection state. When the coupling means is attached, the locking element is pushed away to open the passage for gas flow. When disconnected, it automatically returns to cover the hole, providing self-service safety protection without requiring manual intervention.
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
Facilitates quick, safe, and reliable coupling and uncoupling of compressed air cylinders, ensuring a gastight connection and reducing the risk of accidents by controlling gas release, even under challenging operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A cap (10) that is subjected to the action of a helical compression spring (9)
Implementation Method 2
a locking ring (21) that is subjected to the action of a helical compression spring (20) and reduces the risk of contamination
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for a compressed gas cylinder (2) includes a separate coupling part (12) that can be screwed to the standardized fitting (3) on the cylinder valve (1). The connection to the coupling means (7) of a pressure reducer (6) or the like is provided by plug-and-socket-type connecting means that can be plugged into each other, interlocked, and closed off by means of locking elements to prevent contamination from outside, the locking element provided on the coupling part at the same time forming a blow-off protection that allows only a limited gas flow when the cylinder valve is opened in uncoupled condition.