Flexible Gas Flow Limiter for Pressurized Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressurized-gas containers, such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas cartridges, face issues with uncontrolled gas release when disconnected from appliances, leading to safety hazards and increased production costs due to the use of additional components like springs and plates in internal leak limiters.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, single-component gas flow limiter valve is integrated into the container's upper part, utilizing the stored gas pressure and underpressure to restrict gas outflow without requiring springs or plates, ensuring effective operation even when gas pressure is slightly higher than atmospheric pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If springs and plates are used in internal leak limiters to prevent gas release, then safety is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes springs, plates, and other complex mechanical components from the leak limiter design. Instead, it uses a simple flexible membrane that relies on pressure differential and elastic deformation to achieve the leak prevention function, thereby dramatically simplifying the device structure while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane automatically responds to pressure changes without requiring external control mechanisms. When pressure differential exceeds a threshold, the membrane deforms to close the outlet port, and automatically reopens when pressure normalizes, eliminating the need for complex control systems
2Reliability
If springs and plates are used in internal leak limiters, then gas release prevention is improved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates multiple discrete components (springs, plates, fasteners) and replaces them with a single integrated flexible membrane structure, making the manufacturing process simpler and assembly trivial
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the flow control element and the leak prevention mechanism, eliminating the need for separate springs, plates, and control mechanisms that would require complex assembly
3Device complexity
If a simple flexible membrane is used without springs or plates, then device complexity is reduced, but effectiveness in preventing gas release may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure differential (the pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the container) as the driving force to deform the flexible membrane and close the outlet port, eliminating the need for mechanical springs or plates while maintaining effective leak prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from mechanical force (springs) to pressure differential, allowing the flexible membrane to respond dynamically to pressure changes and effectively prevent gas release when the container is disconnected from the appliance
4Reliability
If flow limiters are designed to operate with high gas pressure, then gas release control is improved, but sensitivity to small gas quantities worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the flexible membrane with specific elastic properties and geometric configuration that allow it to respond to small pressure differentials, enabling effective operation even when gas pressure is only slightly higher than atmospheric pressure, thus maintaining sensitivity to small gas quantities
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 solution effectively prevents uncontrolled gas release to the atmosphere, enhancing safety and reducing production costs by eliminating the need for additional components, while maintaining sensitivity to small gas quantities.
Implementation Method 1
the movable part (2) of the flow limiter-valve, being pushed by the pressure generated by the gas moving towards the hole (4) of the container (5) in conjunction with the underpressure generated at the upper part
Implementation Method 2
the pressure of the contained gas and the underpressure generated at the valve's upper part
Implementation Method 3
The movable part (2) moves independently from the main body (1) due to the flexibility of the manufacturing material
Data Source
AI summary
An internal leak limiter-valve for a pressurized-gas container, which is entirely made of a flexible material and characterized in that it consists of a main body (1) and a movable part (2) which together constitute a single component, the main body (1) having a flattened base (3) that has circumferential vent ports (6), through which the gas flows from the container to the appliance and is either adhered on the container by means of a suitable adhesive or mounted on a support frame (7) that is manufactured from metal or other suitable material and welded or mounted on the upper part of the container (5) around its hole (4), the movable part (2) moving independently from the main body (1) due to the flexibility of the manufacturing material, allowing or restricting or blocking the flow of gas from the container (5) to the appliance or the atmosphere, in case of disconnection of the container from the appliance.