Integrated Cylinder Valve Regulator With Offset Handwheel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional VIPRs are not ergonomically suitable for a range of gas cylinder sizes, as the location of the ON/OFF device and flow control knob can make them more difficult to operate on larger cylinders compared to smaller ones.
Innovation Solution
A VIPR design featuring a shut off valve with a ball tappet and a lever that is rotatable from a first valve closed position through an intermediate open position to a second valve closed position, with a handwheel connected to a pressure or flow regulating valve that has an axis of operation offset from the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, allowing for easier operation and access from various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ON/OFF device and flow control knob are positioned on conventional VIPRs, then the valve functions are achieved, but the ergonomics deteriorate for larger cylinders making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The VIPR design integrates multiple functions (ON/OFF control, pressure regulation, flow control) into a single valve assembly that can be universally applied to cylinders ranging from 12 to 60 inches in height, eliminating the need for different valve designs for different cylinder sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The handwheel axis is offset from the longitudinal axis of the cylinder by an acute angle, creating a new spatial dimension for operation that improves ergonomics while maintaining compatibility across different cylinder sizes
2Ease of operation
If the handwheel axis is offset from the longitudinal axis by an acute angle, then ergonomics and accessibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The offset handwheel design merges the pressure regulation function with an ergonomically optimized orientation, allowing the handwheel to be accessed from multiple angles (front and top) while integrating seamlessly into the valve body structure
3Measurement precision
If the lever is rotatable through an intermediate open position, then control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever rotation range is segmented into distinct positions (first closed position, intermediate open position, second closed position), allowing precise control of the shut-off valve at each stage while using a simple cam surface and ball tappet mechanism
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 design provides a compact, ergonomic solution suitable for gas cylinders ranging from 12 to 60 inches in height, allowing all primary functions to be accessible from the front and top, enhancing usability and protecting high-pressure components from shocks.
Implementation Method 1
A lever has a cam surface that interacts with the ball tappet as the lever is rotated to translate the ball tappet linearly and actuate the shut off valve
Data Source
AI summary
A regulating valve device for a fluid cylinder includes a shut off valve having a ball tappet that actuates the shut off valve. A lever has a cam surface that interacts with the ball tappet as the lever is rotated to translate the ball tappet linearly and actuate the shut off valve. The lever is rotatable from a first valve closed position through a valve open position to a second valve closed position such that the valve open position is intermediate of the first and second valve closed positions. A pressure or flow regulating valve is downstream of the shut off valve. A handwheel is operatively connected to the pressure or flow regulating valve to adjust an outlet pressure of the pressure or flow regulating valve. The handwheel has an axis of operation that is offset from a longitudinal axis of the fluid cylinder by an acute angle.