Gas Regulator Pressure Sensing for Cylinder Switching Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas supply regulators lack effective monitoring and management systems to prevent gas shortages and detect anomalies in gas cylinder switching, installation issues, and potential interference from magnetic materials.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of pressure detection means, including a Hall effect probe and an electronic communication circuit, to monitor gas pressure variations and detect magnetic field changes, enabling reliable switching between gas cylinders and identifying installation errors or interference, with wireless communication for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure detection means are added to monitor gas pressure and detect anomalies, then reliability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection plate is integrated within the existing regulator body structure, with the Hall effect probe and magnet nested within the membrane assembly. The electronic circuit is embedded in resin and mounted on the detection plate, creating a compact nested arrangement that adds monitoring functionality without significantly increasing external dimensions or structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane is introduced as an intermediary element that transmits pressure changes from the gas supply to the magnet, which then interacts with the Hall effect probe to generate detection signals. This intermediary mechanism allows indirect pressure sensing that integrates smoothly with the existing regulator structure.
2Ease of operation
If electronic communication circuit is added for wireless communication and autonomous operation, then ease of operation and monitoring capability are improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication circuit operates periodically rather than continuously, transmitting data at intervals when significant changes occur (such as pressure threshold crossings or cylinder switching events). This periodic operation mode significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining effective monitoring and management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously monitors gas pressure, detects cylinder emptying conditions, and communicates status information without requiring manual intervention. The battery-powered wireless circuit enables the regulator to self-report its state to external systems, reducing the need for user inspection and manual cylinder replacement scheduling.
3Measurement precision
If Hall effect probe and magnet assembly is added to detect pressure variations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Hall effect probe and magnet assembly serves multiple functions: detecting membrane position, monitoring gas pressure, and triggering cylinder switching alerts. This multi-functional design justifies the added manufacturing complexity by providing comprehensive monitoring capabilities that eliminate the need for separate sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects pressure changes by measuring the position of the flexible membrane through magnetic field variations. As pressure changes, the membrane deflects, changing the distance between the magnet and Hall effect probe, which generates corresponding electrical signals. This parameter transformation from mechanical displacement to electrical signal provides precise pressure measurement.
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 proactive replacement of empty gas cylinders, prevents gas shortages, and detects operational anomalies, ensuring consistent gas supply and safety in explosive environments.
Implementation Method 1
said detection means comprise means for measuring variation of a magnetic field (such as a Hall effect probe)
Data Source
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AI summary
This gas supply control assembly is of the type comprising at least one inlet (3) suitable for being made in fluid communication with at least one gas cylinder, and an outlet (7) suitable for being made in fluid communication with a gas-consuming appliance, and means (15) for detecting the gas pressure in a chamber communicating with said outlet (7).