Gas Connector Plug with Spring-Loaded Single-Handed Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas outlets are complex, bulky, and pose safety concerns due to their multi-part design and require two-handed operation for switching between open and closed states, making them difficult to handle and expensive to produce.

Innovation Solution

A gas outlet with a tubular plug and spring-loaded mechanism that automatically returns to a closed position, featuring a latch system for locking and unlocking, allowing single-handed operation and integration with a flexible pipe for secure connection and disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multi-part design with rotary valve and ball valve is used, then secure gas flow control is achieved, but device complexity increases and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure gas flow controlVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the rotary valve and ball valve into a single integrated plug component. The plug has a cylindrical body with a longitudinal bore that serves both as the rotary valve body and contains the ball valve mechanism within it, reducing the total number of separate parts while maintaining the secure gas flow control function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the rotary valve body, contains the ball valve mechanism, provides sealing surfaces, and serves as the connection interface for the flexible hose. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the gas outlet assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a multi-part design with rotary valve and ball valve is used, then secure gas flow control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure gas flow controlVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a rotary valve with button operation is used, then gas flow control is achieved, but ease of operation decreases requiring two hands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flow controlVSAvoidhandling convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the separate button operating mechanism from the valve design. Instead, the connection piece itself directly operates the plug by inserting and rotating it, extracting the unnecessary button component and simplifying the operation to a single-handed twisting motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection piece serves dual purposes: it is both the flexible hose connector and the operating mechanism for the valve. By inserting and rotating the connection piece, the user simultaneously connects the hose and opens the gas flow, making the system self-operating without requiring a separate button or handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If screw, bayonet or lever connectors are used, then connection and disconnection is achieved, but sealing and safety problems occur during frequent handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection and disconnectionVSAvoidsealing and safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the connection function and valve operation into a single integrated action. The connection piece that attaches the flexible hose also directly rotates the plug to control gas flow, eliminating the need for separate connectors like screw, bayonet, or lever types that have sealing issues during frequent handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the handling and safety of gas outlets by enabling single-handed operation, reducing complexity and production costs while maintaining secure gas flow control.

Implementation Method 1

a spring configured so as to return the valve to the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2865931B1Gas connector with plug

Publication Date: 2017.02.01 GDF SUEZ SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a gas inlet (1) intended to be connected to a gas supply network and allowing the connection and disconnection of a connecting nozzle that supplies gas, via a flexible hose, to an appliance operating with said gas. The gas inlet comprises: - a hollow cylindrical body (2) into which a valve (3) is inserted, and - a gas inlet (22), the hollow body (2) being open at one end to allow the insertion of the connecting nozzle. The inlet (1) further comprises positioning means (24) and locking means (9), configured to allow the opening and closing of the gas inlet and the locking of the connecting nozzle in the body (2) of the gas inlet when the gas inlet is open.