Gas Distribution Device Coupling System for Secure Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas distribution devices, such as valve blocks, face issues with incorrect angular mounting of the maneuvering member, leading to discrepancies between the selected and actual gas flow rates, which can result in dangerous situations, especially in therapeutic treatments or environmental hazards.
Innovation Solution
A gas distribution device design featuring a main body with internal gas passages and a movable maneuvering member secured via abutment elements and housings, where the housings are bordered by deformation and rupture zones to prevent incorrect assembly and unauthorized disassembly, ensuring precise positioning and secure attachment of the maneuvering member to the main body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fasteners such as screws or pins are used to attach the operating mechanism to the valve body, then the operating mechanism can be securely fixed, but the assembly becomes more complex and requires tools for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional mechanical fasteners (screws, pins) from the coupling system and replaces them with an integrated deformation zone mechanism. The operating member is attached directly to the valve body through a coupling system that uses a deformation zone to create a tool-free, irreversible connection, extracting the fastening function from separate components and integrating it into the coupling structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system performs self-assembly through the deformation zone mechanism. When the operating member is installed, the deformation zone automatically deforms to lock the components together without requiring external tools or additional fastening operations. The system serves itself by using the installation process to create the locking mechanism.
2Ease of repair
If the operating mechanism can be easily disassembled for maintenance, then accessibility is improved, but unauthorized or accidental disassembly may occur leading to incorrect reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flow indicator mark and graduated scale that are pre-positioned during manufacturing to indicate the correct angular position of the operating mechanism. This preliminary marking system ensures that when the operating mechanism is reassembled after maintenance, the correct angular positioning can be restored without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is designed as a non-reusable, disposable connection that prevents unauthorized disassembly. The deformation zone creates a connection that can be assembled once but cannot be easily disassembled and reassembled, effectively making the coupling a single-use component that ensures manufacturing precision is maintained throughout the device's service life.
3Manufacturing precision
If the operating mechanism is securely fixed to prevent disassembly, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but the device becomes more difficult to repair or maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the coupling system. The deformation zone is designed with specific local characteristics that allow it to deform during assembly to create a secure, tool-free connection, while the rest of the operating mechanism maintains its original properties for normal operation. This localized deformation approach enables secure fixation without compromising the overall functionality or requiring complex disassembly procedures for maintenance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gas distribution device comprising a main body (1) through which an internal gas passage (13) passes, serving to convey a gas, and a movable operating member (2) cooperating with a flow selection system (9) arranged on the internal gas passage. The operating member (2) is fixed to said main body (1) and can be operated by a user to select a desired gas flow rate. The operating member (2) cooperates with the flow selection system (9) via a movable drive element (3).The operating member (2) comprises at least one housing (6) and the movable drive element (3) comprises at least one stop element (4) projecting from a surface (5) of said movable drive element (3), or, as the case may be, the movable drive element (3) comprises at least one housing (6) and the operating member (2) comprises at least one stop element (4) projecting from a surface (5) of said operating member (2). Said at least one stop element (4) is housed in said at least one housing (6) to retain the operating member (2) which is fixed integrally to said main body (1). Gas container, in particular a gas cylinder, equipped with such a gas distribution device, in particular a valve block or RDI. Use for storing or distributing a gas or gas mixture.