Gas Cartridge Coupling via Rotational Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting devices for gas equipment and cartridges require careful fitting and are not intuitive, posing a risk of gas leakage or disconnection, and lack compatibility with various systems such as screw-fastened devices.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device featuring a tap body, axial coupling ring with elastic lugs, and a rotary locking ring that can be rotated by the cartridge itself, allowing for easy locking and release, with radial coupling means and elastic return mechanisms for secure engagement and visual indication of the device's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flexible fastening lugs are engaged in an annular groove of the valve, then the equipment is retained on the cartridge securely, but the fitting requires a degree of care on the part of the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidfitting simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge serves itself by rotating to automatically lock the connecting device in place. The rotation of the cartridge engages the radial coupling means with complementary radial coupling means, moving the rotary locking ring from release position to locking position without requiring user manipulation of separate locking components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the user actively locking the device onto the cartridge, the cartridge itself performs the locking action through its rotation. The bulkier cartridge is the easiest component to grasp and rotate, inverting the traditional approach where the smaller equipment piece would be manipulated for locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the connecting device uses a rotary locking ring operated by the cartridge, then the operation becomes intuitive and simple, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation intuitivenessVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary locking ring serves multiple functions: it locks the elastic lugs in the groove during rotation, provides radial coupling means for engagement with the cartridge, and indicates the locking state through its position. The axial coupling ring with elastic lugs also serves dual purposes of retention and sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is merged with the cartridge rotation itself. The radial coupling means are integrated into the rotary locking ring and axial coupling ring, combining the locking function with the connection function in a unified mechanism that operates through natural cartridge rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the elastic lugs are made to engage radially in the groove, then the connection is secure, but the risk of gas leakage or disconnection remains if fitting is incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidgas leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic lugs are pre-configured to engage radially in the groove, creating a preliminary locking action that prevents disconnection. The rotary locking ring, when rotated, applies a preliminary locking force that secures the lugs in place before any gas flow occurs, preventing potential leakage or disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic material of the lugs provides a cushioning effect that absorbs misalignment or improper fitting attempts. The elasticity allows the lugs to deform and return to their locking position, providing a buffer against incorrect assembly that could lead to gas leakage or disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 provides a simple, intuitive, and secure connection that is compatible with existing systems, reducing the risk of gas leakage and facilitating easy operation by using the cartridge's bulkiness to apply torque, while also being compatible with screw-fastened devices.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic lug which can engage radially in a groove of a valve of the cartridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a considerable torque can be applied by rotating the cartridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS8777183B2Device for connecting a gas-operated appliance and a gas cartridge

Publication Date: 2014.07.15 APPLICATIONS DES GAZ

AI summary

A device for connecting gas equipment to a valve of a gas cartridge, having a tap body fixed to the gas equipment, an axial coupling ring fixed to the body of the tap and having at least one elastic lug which can engage radially in a groove of a valve of the cartridge, a rotary locking ring which can occupy a locking position in which the rotary ring keeps each lug engaged in the groove and a release position in which the rotary ring allows each elastic lug to be disengaged from the groove, and a cylinder having a tube which can override the shut-off device of the valve, wherein the rotary locking ring has radial coupling means which can interact with complementary radial coupling means provided on the gas cartridge valve, so that the device can be moved from a locking position to a release position by the rotation of the cartridge.