Protective Cap for Gas Containers with Reinforcing Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective caps for compressed gas containers are either difficult to attach and remove without disassembling the extraction valve or have high production costs and mechanical weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
A protective cap constructed from two partial shells connected by a longitudinally running dividing line with reinforcing struts, featuring semi-hollow profiles and recesses for improved mechanical strength and ease of operation, along with a carrying device and anti-twist/anti-roll features, allowing attachment without removing the extraction valve and optimizing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the protective cap is constructed from two partial shells connected by screwing, then it can be attached without removing the extraction valve, but production costs increase and mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap is divided into two partial shells that can be assembled around the extraction valve without removing it. This segmentation allows the cap to be attached to the compressed gas container while the valve remains in place, solving the ease of attachment requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The partial shells are made from fiber-reinforced plastic material, creating a composite structure that significantly improves mechanical strength while maintaining the segmented design. The fiber reinforcement compensates for the potential weakness introduced by the two-shell construction.
2Ease of operation
If the protective cap is constructed from two partial shells connected by screwing, then ease of attachment is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is segmented into two partial shells that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This allows for simplified manufacturing processes for each shell while maintaining the ability to attach without removing the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection method between partial shells is changed from traditional screwing to a snap-fit or integrated connection system. This parameter change reduces assembly complexity and production costs while maintaining ease of attachment and removal.
3Strength
If reinforcing struts are added to improve mechanical strength, then structural rigidity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcing struts are added only in specific critical areas where mechanical strength is most needed, such as at the connection points between partial shells and at the base of the cap. This localized reinforcement improves overall strength without requiring complex reinforcement throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of fiber-reinforced plastic material provides inherent structural reinforcement without adding complex geometric features. The material composition itself contributes to mechanical strength, reducing the need for additional reinforcing elements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The cap (1) has a fastening section (6) for fastening to a compressed gas container or an extraction valve, and side parts extended the fastened section and a head section (9). Reinforcement struts (14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b) are provided in the side parts, and are extended between the fastened section and the head section. A partition line (4) of two part shells (2, 3) longitudinally runs through the two reinforcement struts, which lie against each other. The side parts respectively comprise a recess, and the head section comprises annular reinforcing ribs.