Quick Locking Gas Cylinder Coupling for Secure Fuel Cell Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas delivery systems for pressurized gas cylinders face challenges in providing a secure and efficient connection mechanism that prevents accidental decoupling while allowing easy attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
A quick locking assembly featuring coupling members with radially inward protrusions and grooves or female portions that engage and inhibit decoupling, along with adjustable and selectively fitting components, ensures secure and easy connection of gas cylinders to delivery systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to prevent accidental decoupling, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: protrusions on the first coupling member, corresponding grooves or female portions on the second coupling member, and a locking component with locking surfaces. This segmentation allows each element to perform a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component is positioned within the coupling members and works in conjunction with the protrusions and grooves. The locking surfaces are nested within the coupling structure, allowing the locking mechanism to be integrated without adding external complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a quick locking mechanism is implemented to allow easy attachment and detachment, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions and grooves are pre-configured on the coupling members to automatically engage when the first and second coupling members are connected. This preliminary configuration ensures that the locking action occurs automatically during the connection process, providing both ease of operation and reliable locking without requiring additional manual steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members perform the locking action themselves through the interaction of protrusions with grooves or female portions. The locking surfaces automatically engage when the coupling members are connected, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and ensuring consistent reliable engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a gas cylinder assembly for connecting a gas cylinder to a fuel cell. The gas cylinder assembly includes a first pressure regulator including an inlet port connectable to the gas cylinder and an outlet port. The first pressure regulator is configured to reduce pressure passing therethrough by a first factor. The gas cylinder assembly includes a second pressure regulator including an inlet port and an outlet port connectable to the fuel cell. The second pressure regulator is configured to reduce pressure passing therethrough by a second factor which is less than the first factor. The gas cylinder assembly includes a quick locking assembly via which the outlet port of the first pressure regulator and the inlet port of the second pressure regulator are selectively connectable.