Deflectable Finger Handle Assembly for Gas Cylinder Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable gas cylinders lack a handle assembly that effectively absorbs energy during impacts and is easily replaceable without compromising the integrity of the gas tank, while also preventing corrosion and maintaining ergonomic integrity.
Innovation Solution
A handle assembly comprising a shroud with deflectable fingers that attaches to a mounting collar and a handle with a polymeric material that absorbs shocks, allowing for easy replacement without damaging welds, and a design that prevents corrosion and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional steel handle assembly is welded to the gas tank, then the handle provides strong protection and structural integrity, but the handle cannot be easily replaced and may cause damage to the tank during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is divided into separate components: a mounting collar attached to the tank, a handle body, and a shroud. These segments connect through receptacles and deflectable fingers rather than permanent welding, allowing the handle to be replaced without damaging the tank while maintaining protective strength during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable fingers provide dynamic connection between handle components. During impact, these fingers can deflect to absorb energy and reduce stress on the tank, while still maintaining structural integrity for protection during normal handling operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid handle assembly is used, then the handle provides stable structural support, but it cannot absorb impact energy and may transmit force to the gas tank
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectable fingers transition from a rigid connection during normal use to a flexible, energy-absorbing mechanism during impact. This dynamic behavior allows the handle to maintain structural stability when needed while absorbing harmful impact energy when subjected to drops or collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud surrounding the handle provides preemptive protection by absorbing and distributing impact forces before they reach the critical components. This cushioning element is positioned in advance to protect against potential impacts during handling or storage.
3Device complexity
If metal-to-metal contact is used in the handle assembly, then the structure is simple and strong, but corrosion occurs at connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly uses composite construction with metal components (collar, handle body) and polymeric materials (shroud, deflectable fingers). This material combination prevents direct metal-to-metal contact at connection points, eliminating galvanic corrosion while maintaining structural strength and simplicity of assembly.
4Reliability
If the handle is permanently attached to protect the valve, then the valve receives continuous protection, but the handle cannot be replaced if damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented between the mounting collar (permanently attached to tank), the handle body (removable), and the shroud (removable). This segmentation allows the handle components to be replaced when damaged while the mounting collar remains securely attached to the tank, maintaining continuous protection for the valve.
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 handle assembly effectively absorbs energy during impacts, is easily replaceable, and prevents corrosion, maintaining the integrity of the gas tank while providing ergonomic handling and protection.
Implementation Method 1
a handle with a polymeric material that absorbs shocks
Implementation Method 2
a shroud having a plurality of circumferentially spaced body portions, a first plurality of circumferentially spaced deflectable fingers extending downward in a first direction that are each engaged with a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced openings in the collar to attach the shroud to the collar
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a handle assembly for a cylinder. The handle assembly includes a shroud configured to attach to a collar of the cylinder to surround a valve port of the cylinder, the shroud having a first plurality of circumferentially spaced deflectable fingers extending downward in a first direction, and a second plurality of circumferentially spaced deflectable fingers extending upward in a second direction, and a handle configured to attach to the shroud, the handle having a body configured to surround and abut the shroud, and a first plurality of circumferentially spaced openings extending through the body. The first plurality of circumferentially spaced deflectable fingers are deflectable to engage respective openings in the collar to attach the shroud to the collar, and the second plurality of circumferentially spaced deflectable fingers are deflectable to engage a respective one of the first plurality of circumferentially spaced openings in the handle.