Integrated Vacuum Gauge and Regulator with Helical Shoulder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical vacuum devices require separate regulators and gauges, leading to complex designs, increased parts count, and higher costs due to multiple connection points.
Innovation Solution
A unitary, integrated regulator and gauge assembly that connects to the manifold at a single point, featuring a funnel-shaped regulator with a cylindrical boss and helical shoulder, allowing air control through rotation, and a concentrically aligned gauge for easy reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate regulators and gauges are used, then each component can be independently optimized, but the device complexity and parts count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the regulator and gauge into a single integrated assembly where the regulator body houses the gauge mechanism. The regulator body with its bore and plunger mechanism integrates the vacuum regulation function, while the gauge with its scale and indicator provides measurement capability within the same structural unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate connection points and reduces the overall parts count while maintaining independent optimization of each function's performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate regulators and gauges are used, then each can be independently adjusted, but the device housing design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge is nested within the regulator body structure. The regulator body with its bore, plunger, and spring mechanism forms the outer structure, while the gauge mechanism with its scale and indicator is positioned inside this structure. This nesting arrangement allows both components to be adjusted independently (the plunger for regulation, the gauge for measurement) while simplifying the housing design to a single integrated unit rather than requiring separate mounting spaces and connection points.
3Ease of repair
If multiple connection points are used, then each component can be separately maintained, but the cost of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated regulator-gauge assembly connects to the vacuum system through a single connection point (the bore in the regulator body), eliminating the need for multiple separate connection points. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity and device cost while maintaining ease of maintenance, as the integrated design simplifies assembly and reduces the number of potential failure points from multiple connections.
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
Simplifies device design, reduces parts and costs, and enhances user experience by providing a compact and intuitive vacuum control system.
Implementation Method 1
The boss contacts a cylindrical surface, preferably an interface to the manifold, having a generally helical-shaped, sloped shoulder defined on the inner surface thereof. As the regulator is turned, the generally helical-shaped shoulder blocks an increasingly-larger portion of the opening defined in the boss
Data Source
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AI summary
An integral regulator and gauge for a vacuum device consists of a circular regulator having the vacuum gauge inside thereof such that the regulator and gauge rotate about a common radial axis. An opening defined in a boss extending from the bottom of the regulator engages a sloped shoulder defined on the inside surface of a circular port in which the regulator is disposed, varying the size of an opening which allows air to bleed into the vacuum chamber to regulate the strength of the vacuum.