Gas Port Needle Control With Torque-Limiting Seal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for gas distribution orifices in equipment like torches face challenges in achieving a perfect seal without applying excessive torque, leading to premature wear and dysfunction.
Innovation Solution
The control device incorporates a mechanism with notches, throats, and sliding mounted balls to limit the torque applied to the needle, ensuring precise control and reduced wear by preventing excessive force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator applies excessive torque to the operating head to ensure sealing, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the needle and conduit suffer significant deformation and premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a limiting mechanism that pre-establishes the maximum torque threshold before the operator applies force. The cam profile and stop mechanism are pre-configured to automatically prevent excessive torque application, eliminating the need for the operator to judge the appropriate force and avoiding both insufficient sealing and excessive deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary limiting mechanism between the operator's input and the needle-conduit interface. This mechanism (comprising the cam, stop, and retaining member) acts as a mediator that translates the operator's rotational input into controlled linear motion while preventing excessive force transmission, thus protecting the sealing surfaces from deformation.
2Strength
If the operator applies insufficient torque to the operating head, then the structural integrity of the needle and conduit is preserved, but perfect sealing becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through the cam profile design and stop positioning that provides tactile and visual cues to the operator. As the operating head approaches the correct closing position, the mechanism provides feedback (through the cam profile geometry and stop engagement) that indicates when sufficient torque has been applied to achieve sealing without exceeding the safe threshold.
3Ease of operation
If the needle is made of plastic material to allow deformation for sealing, then sealing is achieved without significant torque, but operators still apply excessive force causing untimely deformation and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a limiting mechanism that prevents the harmful action (excessive torque application) before it can occur. The stop and retaining member are pre-positioned to counteract any tendency of the operator to apply excessive force, even on plastic needles that are more compliant and tempting to over-tighten.
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
This solution effectively limits the torque applied to the needle, ensuring a reliable seal without premature wear, thereby improving the longevity and performance of the equipment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ball slidably mounted in said notch between an active position in which it has a portion housed in the notch and a portion housed in the groove and an inactive position in which it is entirely housed in the notch
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for controlling a distribution orifice (2) of a gas formed in a body (3) of equipment such as, in particular, a blowtorch. The control device comprises a needle (4) with axis X, intended to be mounted in a helical connection within a passage (5) of said body (3) communicating with said distribution orifice (2), and to be moved by means of an operating head (6) between a closed position of the distribution orifice (2) and an open position of the distribution orifice (2). It is characterized in that the operating head (6) is equipped with means for limiting the stroke of the needle (4) moving in the direction of the closed position of the distribution orifice (2). The invention also relates to equipment such as, in particular, a blowtorch equipped with such a control device.