Gas Pressure Regulator With Gear-Driven Preset Pressure Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gas pressure regulators are prone to damage due to their susceptibility during transportation and use, and the regulated pressure gauge is delicate and expensive, with the regulated pressure not visible until the cylinder outlet valve is open, leading to inefficiencies in gas delivery.
Innovation Solution
A gas pressure regulator with a rotary mechanism and gear mechanism that displays regulated pressure through a calibrated indicator, eliminating the need for a separate regulated pressure gauge and allowing visibility of the pressure before opening the outlet valve, using a hand wheel connected via a gearbox to a scale for precise pressure adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a regulated pressure gauge is used to measure and display the regulated pressure, then the regulated pressure can be displayed, but the gauge is vulnerable to damage and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the pressure information through a calibrated scale and indicator mechanism that mirrors what a gauge would display, but without the fragile components. The scale is printed on a durable surface and the indicator is a simple mechanical pointer driven by the regulator mechanism itself, providing pressure information without needing a delicate measuring instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from a separate vulnerable gauge and integrates it directly into the regulator mechanism. The indicator is driven by the same mechanical components that control the pressure regulation, eliminating the need for a separate gauge assembly that would be susceptible to damage during transportation and use.
2Loss of information
If the regulated pressure gauge is used, then the regulated pressure can be displayed, but the components in this gauge are more delicate and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing a delicate gauge with sensitive components, the patent uses a printed or etched scale with simple numerical markings and a basic mechanical indicator. This copy of the pressure information can be produced at minimal cost using standard manufacturing techniques, avoiding the need for expensive gauge assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale and indicator mechanism are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed. The scale is printed on a durable substrate and the indicator is a basic mechanical element, both of which are far cheaper to manufacture than a traditional pressure gauge while providing the same information function.
3Ease of operation
If the cylinder outlet valve is opened before adjusting the regulator, then the regulator can be adjusted to the desired pressure, but some gas from the cylinder is not at the desired regulated pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the user to set the desired pressure on the calibrated scale before opening the cylinder outlet valve. The indicator shows the target pressure value in advance, allowing the user to plan the adjustment and avoid unnecessary gas release. This preliminary visualization of the pressure setting helps users make more efficient adjustments and reduces trial-and-error gas discharge.
4Manufacturing precision
If a gear mechanism is added between the wheel and the regulated pressure indicator, then more than one full rotation of the wheel is required to move the regulator element through its full range, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gear mechanism as an intermediary between the hand wheel and the regulator element. This gear train acts as a mechanical mediator that translates multiple rotations of the hand wheel into a single rotation of the indicator while providing precise control of the regulator element. The gear mechanism is a standard mechanical component that adds minimal complexity while achieving the desired precision and rotation ratio.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas pressure regulator comprises a high pressure inlet and a regulator mechanism which is arranged to receive high pressure gas via the high pressure inlet, and deliver gas at a regulated pressure to a regulated pressure outlet. The regulator comprises a regulator element and a rotatable member that rotates to move the regulator element, thereby adjusting the regulated pressure. A gauge arranged to receive high pressure gas and display a measured reading of the pressure of the high pressure gas is also provided along with a regulated pressure indicator which is arranged to display a regulated pressure value related to the degree of rotation of the rotary mechanism. The regulator mechanism has a gear chain between the rotatable member and the indicator so that it requires multiple rotations of the rotatable member to move the regulator element through its full range of movement.