Fluid Filling Control Device with Retractable Locking Means

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluid storage and handling systems face challenges in simplifying and securing the manipulation of gas delivery systems, particularly in preventing gas diffusion and contamination of outlet connectors, which are often polluted, and require complex tool usage and safety measures.

Innovation Solution

A fluid filling and/or withdrawal control device with retractable locking means that automatically switches between active and stop positions based on connector connection status, ensuring safe and secure gas delivery without tools, using a combination of movable members, intermediate transmission means, and elastic attachment portions to maintain safety conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If retractable locking means are used to prevent gas diffusion when connector is disconnected, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking means automatically engage or disengage based on connector connection status without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates safety locking based on whether the connector is properly connected, eliminating the need for manual safety operations while maintaining high safety standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A movable member acts as an intermediary between the connector and the locking means. When the connector is connected, the movable member transmits force to engage the locking means; when disconnected, the spring automatically disengages the locking. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system architecture while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If automatic locking mechanism is implemented to prevent contamination, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism automatically engages or disengages based on connector connection status without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates safety locking based on whether the connector is properly connected, eliminating the need for manual safety operations while maintaining high safety standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If intermediate transmission means are used to transmit holding force, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A movable member acts as an intermediary between the connector and the locking means. When the connector is connected, the movable member transmits force to engage the locking means; when disconnected, the spring automatically disengages the locking. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system architecture while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies and secures gas delivery operations by ensuring all safety conditions are met before delivery, preventing gas diffusion and contamination, and automatically switching to a safe position when the connector is disconnected, enhancing user safety and productivity.

Implementation Method 1

the locking means comprise an elastic attachment portion, the elastic attachment portion and the actuating means having matching shapes so that when the locking means are in the active locking position, the movement of the actuating means towards the on position causes the attachment of the elastic portion and the actuating means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1943458B1Fluid filling and/or extraction control device and tank including one such device
Publication Date: 2011.09.07 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
  • EP1943458B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1943458B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1943458B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for controlling the filling and/or extraction of a fluid, for example, in relation to a pressurised fluid tank including a body having a connection end (516) which is equipped with engagement means that are intended to co-operate with complementary engagement means which are provided, for example, on a connection interface of a tank, a member (17) for opening a valve that can move in relation to the body, actuation means (250) which can move the opening member (17) selectively and which can move between a running position and a stopped position corresponding respectively to an operating position and a rest position of the opening member (17) and a hole (105) which can receive a removable outlet or inlet coupling (75) for the distribution of the fluid. The invention is characterised in that the device includes retractable locking means (55) which are used to lock the actuation means (250) in the running position and which are designed to co-operate with the hole (105), such that, when there is no coupling (75) connected to the control device in the corresponding hole, the locking means (55) are biased towards the retracted position, thereby preventing the actuation means (250) from being stably maintained in the running position.