Gas Pressure Regulator With Cam-Actuated Manual Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manually actuated gas control devices face challenges in achieving precise pressure regulation and simplify user operation while maintaining a robust structure.

Innovation Solution

A device with a manual actuation unit that includes a pressure regulation membrane and a resilient opposition member, allowing for both opening/closing and pressure regulation through a combination of translation and rotational movements, utilizing a cam element and lever mechanism to vary the opposing force on the membrane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional pressure regulation mechanisms are used, then basic pressure control is achieved, but precision of pressure regulation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of pressure regulationVSAvoidcomplexity of regulation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic regulation mechanism where the actuation unit can move along the main axis to dynamically adjust the compression force applied to the spring. This dynamic adjustment capability allows precise control of the membrane's position and the pressure regulation output, transforming a static system into a dynamically adjustable one that achieves high precision without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the regulation system by introducing a movable actuation unit that can vary the compression force on the spring along the main axis. This parameter change enables continuous adjustment of the pressure regulation characteristic, allowing precise control through quantitative modification of the mechanical parameters rather than relying on complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If complex regulation mechanisms are implemented to improve precision, then pressure regulation precision improves, but ease of actuation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of pressure regulationVSAvoidease of actuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the opening/closing function and the pressure regulation function into a single integrated actuation unit. By combining these two functions that were previously separated into different mechanisms, the invention allows the user to control both flow control and pressure regulation through one unified interface, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining precision through the dynamic adjustment capability along the main axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an opening/closing mechanism and as a pressure regulation mechanism. This universal component can perform multiple functions (flow control and pressure adjustment) through its movement along the main axis, eliminating the need for separate controls and simplifying the user interface while achieving precise dual-function control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate mechanisms for opening/closing and pressure regulation are used, then functional separation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional separation capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the opening/closing mechanism and pressure regulation mechanism into a single integrated actuation unit that performs both functions. By combining these functions in one component that moves along the main axis, the patent reduces the overall number of separate mechanisms and control elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to perform both functions with precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 precise and easy regulation of gas pressure, improving upon existing systems by providing a robust and user-friendly control mechanism for gas supply to appliances.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient opposition member (34) that is associated with said membrane (32) and generates an opposing force on said membrane (32) when said gas in said chamber compresses said membrane (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3894977B1Device and method for controlling the supply of a gas
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 CAVAGNA GROUP
  • EP3894977B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3894977B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3894977B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for controlling the supply of a gas comprises an inlet that can be connected to a gas source, a supply outlet, a regulating chamber communicating with the inlet and outlet, a pressure regulation membrane, means for opening/closing the inlet, and a unit for manually actuating the device, which unit can move with respect to a main axis, wherein the actuation unit is operatively connected to the opening/closing means in order to open/close the inlet, the actuation unit also being operatively connected to the resilient opposition member and comprising means of regulating the resilient opposition member that are capable of varying said opposing force.