Latching Gas Assembly Linear Sliding Bonnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas interconnection assemblies for paintball markers are not easily or quickly operable, often requiring multiple turns or unnatural motions to turn the gas supply on and off, which is inconvenient during gameplay.
Innovation Solution
A latching gas ON/OFF assembly with a sliding bonnet and transverse latch button that allows for linear movement to open and lock the pin valve, enabling quick and natural operation without the need for levers or knobs, using a spring-biased mechanism to secure the bonnet in the ON position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional lever or knob operated ON/OFF assemblies are used, then the gas flow can be controlled, but the operation requires multiple turns or unnatural motions which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a knob that rotates or a lever that flips, the invention uses a linear sliding motion where the bonnet moves directly back and forth. This inverts the traditional rotary or angular motion into a simple linear push-pull action, making operation more intuitive and faster during gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of opening/closing the valve and removes all unnecessary rotational or angular motion components. By taking out the complex mechanical transitions and leaving only the direct linear motion needed to depress the pin and control gas flow, the operation becomes significantly faster and easier.
2Ease of operation
If a simple sliding mechanism is used, then operation is simplified, but the assembly may not remain securely in the ON position
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pin automatically engages with the slot in the bonnet to lock it in the ON position without requiring any additional action from the user. When the bonnet is pushed back to open the valve, the pin is compressed and then automatically snaps into the slot, securing the position. This self-service locking mechanism maintains reliability while preserving operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pin acts as an intermediary element between the bonnet and the housing. It mediates the locking function by engaging with the slot in the bonnet and providing automatic retention, allowing the simple sliding mechanism to reliably maintain the ON position without complex locking structures.
3Reliability
If a latching mechanism is added to secure the ON position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the latching function directly into the sliding bonnet mechanism itself. The pin and slot combination is integrated into the existing linear motion path, so the latching action occurs automatically as part of the sliding motion. This merging avoids adding separate, complex locking mechanisms and keeps the overall assembly simple while providing reliable locking.
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 assembly allows for rapid and effortless switching of gas flow, minimizing user effort and providing a more natural operation during gameplay, while ensuring gases are vented when the assembly is in the OFF position.
Implementation Method 1
The latching button is spring-biased toward a locked position where a plate on the free end thereof removably resides in a complementary seat in the housing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The latching gas ON/OFF assembly (10) includes a housing with a female threaded bore (20) for receiving a male threaded neck of a gas tank cylinder (14) having a tank valve with a pin (24). A bonnet (18) is slidably connected to the housing (16) and slides between a forward OFF position and rearward ON position. A pin depressor (22) connected to the bonnet (18) with a transverse latch button (28) for locking the bonnet (18) in the ON position and for releasing the bonnet (18) from the ON position. When the bonnet (18) is slid to the rearward ON position it causes the pin depressor (22) to contact the pin (24) of the tank valve to permit gas to flow therefrom. The latching button (28) is spring-biased toward a locked position where a plate (28d) on the free end thereof removably resides in a complementary seat (44) in the housing (16).