Gas Valve Automatic Blocking Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas valve systems require additional components like auxiliary gas pipes and electromagnets to automatically block gas supply during leaks and struggle to detect microleaks or leaks during power outages.

Innovation Solution

A gas valve design with automatically blocking means integrated at the inlet side of a ball valve, featuring a support member, blocking member, spring, and main body that allows the blocking member to return to its original position after addressing a leak, eliminating the need for additional blocking means and facilitating maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional blocking means (auxiliary gas pipe and electromagnet) are mounted to automatically block gas supply during leaks, then gas leak blocking capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas leak blocking capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the blocking function and return-to-position function into a single integrated mechanism mounted on the gas valve body. The blocking member (20) with shaft portion (21) and opening/closing portion (22) works together with the spring (30) to provide both automatic blocking during leaks and automatic return to normal position, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary gas pipe and electromagnet components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring (30) serves multiple functions: it provides the restoring force to return the blocking member to its original position after a leak is addressed, and it works in conjunction with the ball valve (60) to enable the single mechanism to handle both blocking and unblocking operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If additional blocking means (auxiliary gas pipe and electromagnet) are mounted to automatically block gas supply during leaks, then automatic blocking function is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic blocking functionVSAvoidease of repair

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the blocking mechanism directly onto the gas valve body (50), the patent creates a unified assembly that maintains automatic blocking functionality while simplifying maintenance. The blocking member (20) and spring (30) are mounted on the existing valve structure, allowing technicians to service the entire system from a single location without managing separate auxiliary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If blocking means are mounted at the outlet side to block gas supply during leaks, then gas leak blocking capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in returning blocking member to original position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas leak blocking capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using an active mechanism (like an electromagnet) to return the blocking member to its original position, the patent inverts the approach by using a passive spring (30) that automatically pushes the blocking member back to the open position. This inversion from active to passive return mechanism simplifies operation and eliminates the need for additional power supply and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring (30) provides self-service by automatically returning the blocking member (20) to its original position without requiring external intervention, power supply, or additional control mechanisms. The ball valve (60) closure action triggers the spring to push the blocking member back, creating a self-actuating system that improves ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 easy maintenance and periodic safety inspections by automatically returning the blocking member to its normal position when the valve is closed, ensuring reliable gas supply management without additional components and improving leak detection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a spring (30) fitted on the shaft portion (21) in such a way as not to be separated from the shaft portion (21) owing to a head portion (24) formed on the shaft portion (21)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a ball valve (60) mounted in the valve body (50) and positioned to push the tip portion (23) of the opening and closing portion (22) which blocks the passage (42) when it moves to a closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8910655B2Gas valve having automatically blocking means

Publication Date: 2014.12.16 KOFULSO

AI summary

Disclosed therein is a gas valve having automatically blocking means, which is mounted at an inlet side of a valve body having a ball valve so that the gas valve does not need additional blocking means for blocking a gas pipe at the time of a gas leak, and which returns a blocking member to its original position when the valve is opened after coping with the gas leak at the leaked portion, thereby making maintenance easy.