Pressure Gauge Window Label with Vent Hole for Overpressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure gauge systems face challenges in easily replacing markings without replacing the entire dial and managing fluid overpressure in case of internal mechanism failure.

Innovation Solution

A pressure gauge design featuring a label with a two-dimensional code or distinctive pattern affixed to the external surface of the glass, which includes a vent hole to allow overpressure evacuation, avoiding the need for dial replacement and protecting against dust and humidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a marking of the two-dimensional code type or distinctive pattern is affixed to the dial of the pressure gauge, then automated reading of pressure values and storage with container information is enabled, but the complexity and cost increase due to requiring replacement of all dials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated reading of pressure valuesVSAvoidreplacement of all dials
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The marking is segmented from the dial structure and placed on a separate label that can be independently affixed to the window. This allows the marking to be updated without replacing the entire dial assembly, resolving the contradiction between enabling automated reading and avoiding complex replacement procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A label acts as an intermediary carrier for the two-dimensional code or distinctive pattern marking. The label is affixed to the window rather than being integrated into the dial, serving as a mediator that enables automated reading functionality while simplifying the replacement process by allowing independent label replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the marking is affixed to the dial, then the pressure gauge can store and display container information, but the cost and time increase due to mandatory dial replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage of container informationVSAvoidtime for dial replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The information storage marking is segmented from the dial and placed on a replaceable label. This segmentation allows the label to be independently replaced without affecting the dial or other gauge components, significantly reducing replacement time and cost while maintaining full information storage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The label carrying the marking is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. When information needs to be updated, only the inexpensive label needs to be replaced rather than the entire dial assembly, reducing both cost and time investment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the window is made transparent to protect the dial, then the dial is protected from damage, but dust and humidity can enter the casing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of dialVSAvoiddust and humidity entry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The label serves as an intermediary element that is affixed to the window surface. It provides an additional barrier that helps prevent dust and humidity from entering through the window while maintaining the transparency needed for dial protection. The label covers potential entry points without obstructing the view of the dial.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The label acts as a thin film barrier on the window surface. This thin protective layer helps seal against dust and humidity infiltration while allowing light transmission to protect the dial mechanism inside the casing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If a vent hole is added to the window for overpressure management, then fluid overpressure can be evacuated, but the window structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverpressure managementVSAvoidwindow structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vent hole function is merged with the existing window structure. Rather than adding a separate complex overpressure relief mechanism, the window itself incorporates a vent hole that provides overpressure evacuation capability while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The window serves multiple functions: it protects the dial from damage, allows light transmission for visibility, and incorporates a vent hole for overpressure management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, keeping the overall structure simple while achieving multiple protective functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 replacement of markings without replacing the entire pressure gauge, effectively manages overpressure, and prevents dust and humidity entry, thus reducing maintenance and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one vent hole passes through the window, the label being affixed to said at least one vent hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the label being affixed to said at least one vent hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3176558B1Pressure gauge with bi-directional or distinctive marking affixed to the window thereof
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
  • EP3176558B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3176558B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pressure gauge (1) comprising a housing (2) including a transparent window (8), a dial (4) and a pressure indicator (6) rotatable relative to said dial (4), and a marking (9) comprising a two-dimensional code (10) or a distinctive pattern (20) encoding at least one given piece of information. The marking (9) comprising the two-dimensional code (10) or the distinctive pattern (20) is carried by a label (11) affixed to the external surface (18) of the window (8) of the pressure gauge (1), and at least one vent hole (19) passes through the window (8), the label (11) being affixed to said at least one vent hole (19).The invention also relates to a fluid distribution valve block, in particular for gas, comprising such a pressure gauge (1), as well as a fluid distribution assembly, in particular for gas, comprising a gas container, such as a gas cylinder, to which is attached such a fluid distribution valve block equipped with such a pressure gauge (1).