Calibrated Gauge Tool for Quiet Cylinder Pressure Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for checking the pressure of fire protection system containers require intentional leaking of pressurized gas, leading to wear and eventual replacement of sealing members, and are noisy.
Innovation Solution
A gauge tool with a valve body, valve member, and drive member that facilitates fluid flow between an inlet and outlet while engaging or disengaging with a check valve in the agent cylinder, allowing pressure measurement without leaking past the sealing member, thus reducing wear and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current pressure checking methods are used, then pressure measurement is achieved, but sealing member wear increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge tool serves as an intermediary device between the pressure source and the measurement instrument. It includes a valve body with a valve member that can be positioned to either block or allow fluid flow through the gauge tool, enabling pressure measurement without direct connection that would cause sealing member wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the gauge tool with its own valve member and drive member, the agent cylinder with its check valve, and the gauge assembly. This segmentation allows the gauge tool to control fluid flow independently, preventing wear on the agent cylinder's sealing members while still enabling pressure measurement.
2Measurement precision
If current pressure checking methods are used, then pressure measurement is achieved, but noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge tool acts as an intermediary that controls fluid flow through its valve member. By positioning the valve member to block fluid flow during gauge attachment and detachment, it prevents the intentional leaking of pressurized gas that causes noise in conventional methods.
3Reliability
If the valve member blocks fluid flow, then sealing member wear is reduced, but pressure measurement cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to be movable between at least two positions along the first axis. It can be positioned to block fluid flow when the gauge tool is not in use, protecting sealing members, and positioned to allow fluid flow when pressure measurement is required. The drive member enables dynamic repositioning of the valve member based on operational needs.
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 accurate pressure checking of fire protection system containers without causing wear to sealing members and minimizes noise, extending the life of sealing components and improving testing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve in the valve port; and a gauge tool having an inlet arranged to removably connect to the valve port of the agent cylinder having the check valve
Implementation Method 2
the gauge assembly is arranged to check a pressure of the agent cylinder
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of checking a pressure of an agent cylinder that includes coupling a gauge assembly to an outlet of a gauge tool, the gauge assembly having a pressure gauge and a vent valve movable between an open position and a closed position. The method further includes moving the vent valve towards the closed position; attaching a fill adapter defining an inlet of the gauge tool to a valve port of an agent cylinder; and actuating a drive member of the gauge tool in a first direction to move a valve member of the gauge tool from a first position towards a second position to facilitate a fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet of the gauge tool.