Gas Meter Connector With Rigid Support for Tight Nipple Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connections between gas pressure meters and heating devices are difficult to establish when the gas nipple is located close to walls or other components of the heating device, requiring significant force and making it challenging to achieve a reliable connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector with an elongated flexible member and a rigid support, where the rigid member extends less than half the circumference of the elongated member, allowing for axial force application from a distance without buckling, and featuring a through channel for fluid connection, enabling the connector to reach and connect to the gas nipple even in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible tube is used to connect the gas nipple to the gas pressure meter, then the connection can accommodate movement and misalignment, but the tube requires considerable axial force to establish a reliable connection, making it difficult to attach when the gas nipple is close to walls or other components
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two distinct segments: a flexible elongated member for connecting to the gas nipple and a rigid member for force application. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the flexible part provides adaptability while the rigid part enables easy attachment from a distance
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid member acts as an intermediary that transfers axial force from a distance to the flexible elongated member. This mediator enables the user to apply the necessary force to establish a reliable connection without needing to be in direct contact with the gas nipple, solving the attachment difficulty in confined spaces
2Reliability
If the user applies force directly to the flexible tube near the gas nipple to establish a reliable connection, then the connection withholds gas pressure, but the user needs direct access to the gas nipple which is difficult when it is close to walls or other components
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid member extends in the longitudinal direction over a length that at least corresponds to the nipple connector length, allowing force application from a distance along the longitudinal dimension. This dimensional extension enables the user to reach and apply force at a more accessible location rather than requiring direct access to the gas nipple position
3Ease of operation
If a rigid member is added to support the flexible tube for force application from a distance, then the connector can be attached from a distance without buckling, but the connector may become too large to fit in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid member extends in the circumferential direction over less than half the circumference of the elongated member, providing rigidity only where needed for force application while maintaining flexibility and small cross-sectional dimensions in other areas to fit confined spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid member is positioned asymmetrically on the elongated member, extending over less than half the circumference. This asymmetric configuration provides the necessary structural support for force application while minimizing the overall cross-sectional dimensions to accommodate confined installation spaces
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
Enables reliable and efficient connection of gas pressure meters to heating devices, allowing for measurement in tight spaces without the need for direct hand alignment, ensuring stability and flexibility for easy installation.
Implementation Method 1
The flexibility of the flexible material is such that the nipple connector is releasable connectable over the gas nipple
Implementation Method 2
The rigid member is made of a material which is more rigid than the flexible material of the elongated member and supports the elongated member
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A combination comprises a heating device, a connector (1), and a gas meter. The connector (1) comprises an elongated member (6), and meter connecting means (10). The elongated member (6) is made of a flexible material, comprises a nipple connector (14) at a device end (2) of the connector (1),and provides a fluid connection for guiding gas from the nipple connector (14) to the meter connecting means (10). The connector (1) further comprises a rigid member (8), which supports the elongated member (6). The rigid member (8) extends in a longitudinal direction of the elongated member (6) over a length which at least corresponds to a length of the nipple connector (14), and over less than half of the circumference of the elongated member (6). The rigid member (8) and the elongated member (6) are interconnected at least at the nipple connector (14).