Liquefied Gas Fitting Bottom Refilling Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refilling process for liquid gas bottles is labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly when it comes to aligning the gas tap for refilling, which complicates both manual and automated refilling procedures.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with a tubular line that extends at least 300 mm into the liquid gas bottle, allowing for rapid emptying and refilling through a bottom opening, and a valve system that can be opened by liquid pressure, enabling easier and faster refilling without the need for manual alignment of the gas tap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a side-mounted gas valve is used for refilling, then gas can be drawn off during dispensing, but manual alignment is required which increases technical effort and reduces refilling speed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional refilling approach by providing a bottom-mounted refilling opening instead of using the side-mounted gas valve. This allows the filling line to approach from below, eliminating the need for lateral alignment and enabling straightforward vertical refilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is segmented into separate functional openings: a side-mounted gas tap for dispensing operations and a bottom-mounted refilling opening for filling operations. This segmentation allows each opening to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
2Device complexity
If the refilling opening is located on the side of the fitting, then it shares the same opening as the gas tap, but this requires complex alignment procedures and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting incorporates two distinct openings: a side-mounted gas tap (2) for gas withdrawal and a bottom-mounted refilling opening (25) for filling operations. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures while maintaining functional efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of locating the refilling opening at the side like traditional designs, the invention positions it at the bottom of the fitting, allowing the filling line to approach vertically from below. This inverted approach simplifies alignment and reduces operational complexity.
3Productivity
If a short line is used in the fitting, then the device is more compact, but rapid emptying cannot be achieved which reduces safety response time
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom-mounted refilling opening and long line configuration are designed in advance to enable rapid emptying capability. The line is pre-positioned to extend nearly to the bottom of the cylinder, allowing immediate evacuation of liquefied gas if needed for safety reasons.
4Productivity
If manual alignment of the gas tap is required, then the fitting structure can be simpler, but labor-intensive procedures increase operational effort and reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by positioning the refilling opening at the bottom rather than at the side. This allows the filling line to approach vertically from below, eliminating the need for lateral alignment and significantly reducing manual alignment effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom-mounted opening design enables the refilling system to self-align through vertical approach, eliminating the need for operators to manually align the gas tap. The geometry of the bottom opening naturally guides the filling line into position.
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
This design reduces the technical effort required for refilling by allowing rapid emptying and refilling without manual alignment, facilitating both manual and automated refilling processes while ensuring safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The valve preferably comprises a valve body that is pressed into its closed position by a pre-tensioned spring. This allows the valve to be opened for refilling solely by liquid pressure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the invention is to reduce the technical effort required for refilling gas cylinders. To achieve this, a fitting according to the claim comprises a gas tap for gas withdrawal and an opening for refilling a liquid gas cylinder. The refilling opening can be connected to a hose-like or tubular line of the fitting, particularly by opening a valve. This line can extend at least 300 mm, preferably at least 400 mm, into a liquid gas cylinder when the fitting is connected to such a cylinder. This allows the line to extend into the liquefied part of the gas, enabling very rapid emptying by pumping. Emptying is necessary if a refilled gas cylinder proves to be leaking. This results in a speed advantage.In principle, there is an opening on the underside of the fitting adjacent to the tubular or pipe-shaped conduit. The underside is the side that abuts the liquefied gas cylinder or is located entirely within the cylinder or cylinder neck when the fitting is connected to a liquefied gas cylinder. This opening on the underside can be connected to the gas valve, usually by turning a corresponding handle. The tubular or pipe-shaped conduit projects from this opening, preferably by at least 200 mm, and particularly preferably by at least 300 mm. One method relates to refilling a liquefied gas cylinder using the claimed fitting.