Gas Tank Rotating Fixture With Damped Inversion for Clean-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressed gas tanks or cylinders, such as SCUBA tanks, are difficult to open, empty, and clean due to their weight and size, and existing solutions lack control over rotation and space efficiency, making them cumbersome and unsafe to use.
Innovation Solution
A rotating apparatus with a platform and strap for holding the tank, featuring a rotating plate with a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder to control rotation and dampen speed, allowing for secure inversion and cleaning in various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotating apparatus is used to invert compressed gas tanks, then the ease of emptying and cleaning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic cylinder to provide automated rotational movement for inverting the gas tank. The pneumatic system replaces manual lifting and rotating operations, allowing the tank to be inverted and positioned at discrete angles automatically. This resolves the contradiction by using pneumatic power to simplify operation while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating apparatus incorporates a dampener that provides controlled damping during rotation. This dynamic element allows the tank to rotate smoothly through different positions and come to rest at discrete stopping positions. The dampener enables automated control while maintaining simplicity through passive damping rather than active control systems.
2Productivity
If the rotation speed is increased to improve productivity, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus rotates the tank through discrete periodic positions rather than continuous rotation. The tank is inverted to specific angles (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) where cleaning operations can be performed. This periodic action at controlled intervals maintains productivity while ensuring the tank is stationary and controllable at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampener provides passive feedback control by dissipating kinetic energy during rotation. When the tank approaches a stopping position, the dampener automatically reduces rotational speed and brings the tank to rest at the desired angle. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for active speed control systems while maintaining productivity through rapid, controlled positioning.
3Area of stationary object
If the apparatus is designed to occupy less space, then the space efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating apparatus is designed with a compact footprint by nesting components vertically. The pneumatic cylinder, rotating mechanism, and dampener are arranged in a vertical configuration rather than horizontal, allowing the apparatus to occupy minimal floor space. This nested arrangement achieves space efficiency while managing complexity through vertical integration of functions.
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
The apparatus provides controlled and safe inversion of gas tanks, facilitating efficient emptying and cleaning while occupying a small space, with discrete stopping positions and reduced angular velocity.
Implementation Method 1
the rod to extend from or retract into the cylinder tube of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, wherein when the compressed gas tank is rotated from the upside-down configuration to the right-side up configuration, the rod retracts into the cylinder tube of the hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder thereby dampening the speed of rotation of the rotating plate and the compressed gas tank
Implementation Method 2
the rod to extend from or retract into the cylinder tube of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, wherein when the compressed gas tank is rotated from the upside-down configuration to the right-side up configuration, the rod retracts into the cylinder tube of the hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder thereby dampening the speed of rotation of the rotating plate and the compressed gas tank
Data Source
AI summary
A compressed gas tank or cylinder rotating clean-out apparatus comprises a rotating apparatus for clamping and rotating a compressed gas tank or cylinder for aiding in clean-out of the same. More specifically, the apparatus comprises a platform and strap for holding a compressed gas tank or cylinder, such as a SCUBA tank, and providing for the rotating of the same to dispose in various rotated positions so that the same may be more easily cleaned. Systems and methods for using the same are further provided.