Gas Shutoff Valve With Visual Reset Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves do not provide a clear indication when gas flow is interrupted, such as in the case of a hose rupture or excessive flow rate.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a closing element, reset pin, indicator plug, and indicator housing that visually signals flow interruption through a visible indicator plug when pressure differences exceed a threshold, utilizing a die and die spring mechanism to move the indicator housing and expose the plug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closing element is used to interrupt gas flow when pressure exceeds a threshold, then safety function is improved, but clear visual indication of flow interruption is lost
Solution Approach 1:
An indicator plug is introduced as an intermediary element that visually signals the state of the closing element. The indicator plug is positioned such that it is visible when the closing element is in the closed position and hidden when the closing element is in the open position, providing clear visual feedback without interfering with the safety function.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator plug utilizes color or visibility changes to indicate the valve state. When the closing element closes the flow path, the indicator plug becomes visible (or changes appearance), providing an intuitive visual signal to the user that the flow has been interrupted, thereby compensating for the loss of information about the valve state.
2Loss of information
If an indicator mechanism is added to show flow interruption, then visual indication is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator plug is merged with the closing element assembly, utilizing the existing movement of the closing element to drive the indicator. The indicator plug is positioned on or near the closing element such that its visibility state automatically changes with the closing element's position, eliminating the need for separate complex indicator mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element serves dual functions: it performs the primary safety function of interrupting gas flow, and simultaneously acts as a mechanism to control the visibility of the indicator plug. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Loss of information
If the indicator housing covers the indicator plug during normal operation, then visual indication is improved, but the mechanism requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator plug is nested within or alongside the closing element assembly, and the indicator housing is integrated into the existing valve structure. The indicator plug is positioned such that it can be concealed by the indicator housing during normal operation and exposed when the closing element moves, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes additional components.
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
Provides a clear visual indication of flow interruption, ensuring user awareness and enabling easy manual reset of the valve.
Implementation Method 1
a force of the die spring acts on the die towards an interior of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
the valve comprises a closing element spring, and the closing element moves against a force of the closing element spring towards the closing position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention refers to a valve. A flow path (3) connects an inlet (1) with an outlet (2). In case that a closing element (4) is in a closing position relative to a closing element seat (5), the flow path (3) is closed. A reset pin (8) and an indicator plug (9) are connected to each other. A movement of the reset pin (8) and the indicator plug (9) pushes the closing element (4) away from the closing position. An indicator housing (13) at least partially covers the indicator plug (9) in case that a pressure between the inlet (1) and the outlet (2) is greater than a given value. A housing (10) encompasses a chamber (7) that branches off from the flow path (3) and is located downstream to the closing element seat (5). A die (17) within the chamber (7) and the indicator housing (13) are connected to another, so that a movement of the indicator housing (13) causes a movement of the die (17) and vice versa. A force of a die spring (19) acts on the die (17) towards an interior of the chamber (7).