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 cylinder sizes, as their design makes them more suitable for either smaller or larger cylinders, leading to operational challenges and potential damage from external shocks.
Innovation Solution
A VIPR design featuring a shut off valve actuated by a lever with a cam surface, a pressure or flow regulating valve downstream, and a handwheel with an offset axis of operation, allowing for easy adjustment of pressure or flow settings, and incorporating a residual pressure valve and a locking mechanism to prevent spontaneous adjustments, all while being compact and ergonomic for various cylinder sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional VIPR design is used, then the valve is suitable for specific cylinder sizes, but it becomes difficult to operate on cylinders of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device is designed with a universal configuration that can be mounted on cylinders of various sizes (from 12 to 60 inches high). The mounting bracket system allows the valve to be positioned at optimal locations regardless of cylinder size, making the same valve design suitable for multiple cylinder types without requiring size-specific modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The handwheel axis is offset from the longitudinal axis of the cylinder by an acute angle, creating a multi-dimensional operational interface. This angular offset allows operators to access and operate the pressure regulating valve from different angles and positions, improving ergonomics across various cylinder sizes and mounting configurations.
2Ease of operation
If the handwheel axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, then the structure is simple, but the operator accessibility and ergonomics are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The handwheel axis is deliberately positioned at an asymmetric angle relative to the cylinder's longitudinal axis. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the operational interface for human interaction, allowing operators to comfortably access and adjust the pressure regulating valve from various positions around the cylinder, rather than being constrained to a single axial position.
3Ease of operation
If the lever is positioned for easy operation, then the shut off function is accessible, but the valve may be susceptible to accidental closure or damage from shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system includes a residual pressure valve that automatically performs preliminary pressure equalization before the main shut-off operation. This preliminary action ensures that pressure differentials are balanced, reducing the risk of accidental closure due to pressure shocks and making the shut-off operation safer and more controlled.
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 that is suitable for cylinders from 12 to 60 inches high, ensuring easy operation and protection of high-pressure components from shocks, with improved accessibility and reduced risk of accidental closure or damage.
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
Implementation Method 2
A residual pressure valve is located within the main body and is configured to supply fluid from the fluid cylinder to the shut off valve
Data Source
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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.