Gas Bottle Collar with Dual Coupling Hook and Spring Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas cylinders are vulnerable to improper use and vandalism during transportation, leading to risks of gas leakage and accidental disassembly, which can result in unintended drops and gas accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A collar with a dual coupling hook and spring lock-in system that securely connects the handle-set to the gas bottle liner, featuring a stopper point and rotary slide-in mechanism to prevent unauthorized disassembly, combined with a cover rim to conceal the stopper point and enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional collar is used for handling gas cylinders, then the cylinder can be easily transported by being handheld from the collar, but the collar is vulnerable to improper use and vandalism leading to unauthorized disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The collar incorporates a pre-engineered dual coupling system with a first coupling for the flap bridge and a second coupling for the handle-set, along with a cover rim that preliminarily protects the stopper point. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures secure attachment before transportation begins, preventing unauthorized disassembly while maintaining ease of legitimate handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is divided into distinct functional segments: the dual coupling hook with separate first and second couplings, the handle-set with spring lock-in system, and the cover rim. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the first coupling engages the flap bridge, the second coupling secures the handle-set, and the cover rim protects the stopper point - thereby achieving both ease of operation and enhanced security.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added to prevent vandalism, then the security against unauthorized disassembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple security functions into a unified dual coupling system. The first coupling and second coupling are integrated into a single dual coupling hook structure, the spring lock-in system combines locking and securing functions, and the cover rim integrates both protection and concealment of the stopper point. This merging reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining high security against unauthorized disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual coupling system serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first coupling engages with the flap bridge for structural support, the second coupling secures the handle-set, the spring lock-in system provides both locking and indicating functions, and the cover rim offers both protection and concealment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while enhancing security.
3Ease of operation
If the stopper point is exposed for easy engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the vulnerability to vandalism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover rim acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the stopper point. It provides a protective barrier that conceals the stopper point from view and access, preventing vandalism while still allowing authorized engagement through the designed interface. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by mediating between security requirements and operational accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a collar adapted to be mounted on a cylinder of a gas bottle by a flap bridge, wherein said collar further comprises: a dual coupling hook for embracing the flap bridge of the liner and comprising: an inner coupling adapted to engage the flap bridge of the liner, and an outer threaded coupling comprising a stopper point; and a handle-set comprising: a coupling ledge, and a spring lock-in system; wherein the outer threaded coupling of the dual coupling hook is configured to engage the coupling ledge of the handle-set, and wherein the spring lock-in system of the handle-set is configured to lock-in the coupling ledge of the handle-set with the outer threaded coupling of the dual coupling hook by a rotary slide-in movement once the stopper point of the outer threaded coupling is reached.