Gas Cylinder Valve Handle With Ramped Self-Locking Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas cylinder valves lack a compact and robust hand operating device that provides stable and secure operation, particularly for compressed gas applications, with existing solutions being either bulky or not adequately designed for robustness and mounting on gas cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A hand operating device featuring a support element and rotating element with ramped surfaces for converting rotation into translation, a radially extending handle, and a securing hook for secure engagement, along with visual indicators for open/closed states, ensuring self-locking end positions and automatic return to stable positions under compressive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lever with cam profile is used to replace the hand-wheel, then the operation becomes easier and opening/closed status is naturally indicated, but the device becomes bulky and rapid opening may occur without proper control
Solution Approach 1:
The hand operating device is segmented into distinct functional components: a support element with ramped surfaces, a rotating element with contact surfaces, and a radially extending handle. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the conventional linear movement of a lever to a rotational movement around a pivot axis. By changing the dimension of motion from linear to rotational, the device achieves compactness while maintaining ease of operation and clear status indication through the radial handle's position.
2Ease of operation
If a lever with cam profile is used to replace the hand-wheel, then the operation becomes easier, but the opening of the passage can occur very rapidly when the lever is moved by an operator not taking special care
Solution Approach 1:
The ramped surfaces on the support element and corresponding contact surfaces on the rotating element are designed to control the rate of movement of the actuating member. The geometry of these surfaces creates a mechanical constraint that prevents rapid opening, acting as a preliminary protective measure against uncontrolled operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using a rotational motion with controlled angular displacement around a pivot axis, rather than linear lever movement. This parameter change allows for more precise control over the opening rate while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If the ramped surface mechanism is designed for finely adjusting valves, then the conversion ratio can be optimized, but the construction is not adapted for compressed gas valves regarding mounting and robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The hand operating device utilizes composite construction with different materials optimized for specific functions: robust materials for the support element and rotating element to ensure strength and durability, while maintaining precise ramped surfaces for efficient conversion. This composite approach adapts the mechanism for compressed gas valve applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating element features a radially extending handle that rotates around a pivot axis, creating a circular arc motion path. This curved geometry provides ergonomic grip and controlled operation while enhancing the robustness of the connection between the handle and the actuating mechanism.
4Reliability
If a radially extending handle is used with self-locking end positions, then secure operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramped surfaces and contact surfaces are designed to automatically provide self-locking at end positions through their geometric configuration. The mechanical interaction between these surfaces creates natural stopping points that lock the valve in open or closed positions without requiring additional locking mechanisms, achieving self-service functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical locks or springs to achieve self-locking, the invention inverts the approach by using the fundamental geometry of the ramped surfaces themselves to create the locking effect. The inclined surfaces naturally guide the rotating element to stable equilibrium positions, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 solution provides a compact, robust, and convenient hand operating device with self-locking end positions for secure operation, preventing rapid opening and ensuring stable grip, while visual indicators enhance usability by clearly showing valve states.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating element with at least one contact surface configured for sliding along at least one ramped surface on the support element, or vice versa, so as to convert rotation of the rotating element into a translation of the actuating member
Implementation Method 2
Advantageously a resilient longitudinal force presses the rotating element against the support element
Data Source
AI summary
A valve comprising a body with an inlet, an outlet and a passage fluidly interconnecting the inlet and outlet; a shut-off device of the passage, with an actuating member movable along a longitudinal axis; a hand operating device of the actuating member, for selectively opening or closing the passage, and comprising a support element and a rotating element with at least one contact surface configured for sliding along at least one ramped surface on the support element, or vice versa, so as to convert rotation of the rotating element into a translation of the actuating member; wherein the body comprises two arms extending longitudinally and diametrically opposed relative to the longitudinal axis, with distal ends holding the support element.