Fire Extinguisher Valve Body Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inspection and maintenance of cartridge-operated fire extinguishers are cumbersome due to the complexity of threaded connections, which can lead to issues like cross-threading, over/under-tightening, and loosening, potentially resulting in improper functioning.
Innovation Solution
A valve body with a movable latch that securely locks the cartridge and dip tube, eliminating the need for threaded connections, allowing for visual inspection and easier installation without specialist tools, and providing a secure, mistake-proof mechanism for correct assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threaded connections are used to attach the cartridge to the valve body, then the connection can be made and broken for maintenance, but the inspection and maintenance process becomes cumbersome and prone to errors like cross-threading, over/under-tightening, and loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a latch-based locking mechanism. The latch engages with the cartridge to secure it to the valve body, eliminating threads entirely. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation (simple latch engagement without threading skills) and reliability (positive mechanical locking without cross-threading or loosening risks).
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-indicating, with visual features that show whether the cartridge is properly installed and locked. This self-service aspect allows operators to inspect installation correctness without specialized knowledge or tools, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through obvious visual confirmation of proper engagement.
2Ease of manufacture
If threaded connections are used, then the cartridge can be reversibly attached for maintenance, but specialist tools and expertise are required for proper assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection system requiring specialist tools and expertise is replaced with a simple latch mechanism that can be operated without specialized knowledge. The latch engages directly with the cartridge body, eliminating the need for threading tools, torque control, or expert assembly skills, thus improving ease of installation while maintaining reversible attachment for maintenance.
3Reliability
If threaded connections are used, then the cartridge can be secured to the valve body, but the complexity of the connection mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex threaded connection system with multiple components (threads, washers, possibly lock nuts) is replaced with a simpler latch mechanism. The latch provides secure mechanical locking through direct engagement with the cartridge, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining connection security. This substitution resolves the contradiction by lowering device complexity while preserving reliability.
4Reliability
If threaded connections are used, then the cartridge can be attached, but visual inspection of proper installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates visual indication features that change or become visible when the cartridge is properly installed. This may include color-coded elements, visible alignment marks, or the latch itself becoming visible in a specific position. This allows operators to easily detect proper installation through visual inspection, resolving the contradiction by making installation correctness obvious while maintaining reliable securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-indicating of proper installation status. The visual features are automatically presented when the cartridge is correctly positioned and locked, requiring no additional inspection tools or expert judgment. This self-service inspection capability improves ease of detection while maintaining installation reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve body (5) for a cartridge-operated fire extinguisher includes a first socket (51) configured to have an end of a cartridge (11) filled with propellant installed therein; and a latch (57) movable relative to the first socket (51) between a first position and a second position; in the first position the latch (57) is configured to permit an end of a cartridge (11) filled with propellant to be installed within and removed from the first socket (51); and in the second position the latch (57) is configured to engage with an end of a cartridge (11) installed within the first socket (51) to thereby lock and retain the end of the cartridge (11) within the first socket (51).