Gas Cylinder Mobility Aid with Frictional Collar Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas cylinder transportation methods are time-consuming, hazardous, and inefficient, often requiring strenuous manual lifting or two-handed rotation, and existing mobility aids are bulky, difficult to set up, and restrict portability.
Innovation Solution
A gas cylinder mobility aid comprising a base plate with coupling members for a frictional fit on the cylinder collar, a vertical member, and a rotatable handle that allows for easy tilting and single-handed transportation, reducing strain and enhancing safety and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lifting or two-handed rotation methods are used to transport gas cylinders, then no additional equipment is required, but the method is time-consuming, hazardous, and causes worker strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobility aid device as an intermediary between the worker and the gas cylinder. This device includes a base plate with coupling members that attach to the cylinder collar, a vertical member for structural support, and a handle for user interaction. The intermediary device transforms the direct manual handling of heavy cylinders into a guided rotational movement, significantly reducing worker strain and time consumption while maintaining safe transportation
2Productivity
If existing mobility aids like wheeled carriers are used, then transportation efficiency improves, but the devices are bulky and require additional storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility aid is segmented into four main components: a base plate with coupling members, a vertical member, a handle, and fasteners. This segmentation allows the device to be disassembled into compact parts for easy storage when not in use, while still providing full functionality during transportation. The coupling members can be detached from the base plate, and the handle can be separated from the vertical member, enabling compact storage without compromising transportation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable handle that can rotate about the vertical member during operation, and coupling members that can be attached and detached from the cylinder collar. This dynamic design allows the device to adapt to different operational states (assembly/disassembly, attachment/detachment) to optimize both storage compactness and operational efficiency
3Ease of operation
If existing mobility aids are used, then transportation capability is provided, but setup and securing of cylinders is time-consuming and strenuous
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are pre-positioned on the base plate at optimal locations for engaging the cylinder collar. The base plate is designed with pre-drilled holes and attached coupling members ready for quick attachment to the cylinder collar using simple fasteners. This preliminary preparation of the device structure eliminates the need for complex assembly or adjustment during setup, reducing both time and physical effort required for cylinder attachment
4Reliability
If manual handling methods are used, then no equipment cost is incurred, but worker safety and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are designed to self-align and form a frictional fit with the cylinder collar, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or skilled assembly procedures. The device structure is simple enough to be manufactured using basic machining or fabrication processes, keeping manufacturing costs low while providing significant safety improvements through ergonomic design and reduced manual handling requirements
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 significantly reduces strain and hazards during gas cylinder transportation, facilitates efficient and safe movement with minimal user effort, and is durable, inexpensive, and easily storable.
Implementation Method 1
One or more coupling members affixed to the lower surface of the base plate wherein the one or more coupling members are positioned to form a frictional fit with the collar of the gas cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A gas cylinder mobility aid is provided. A gas cylinder mobility aid for attachment to a collar of a gas cylinder, comprising a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. One or more coupling members affixed to the lower surface of the base plate wherein the one or more coupling members are positioned to form a frictional fit with the collar of the gas cylinder. A vertical member affixed at the center of said base plate and a handle rotatably attached to the vertical member such that the handle is present above the upper surface of the base plate and the handle rotates about the vertical member.