Automated Gland Rubber Removal for LPG Cylinder Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual replacement of gland rubbers in LPG gas cylinders is time-consuming and costly due to gas leakage issues, and existing tools are not automated, leading to inefficiencies in the removal process.
Innovation Solution
A rubber removal machine with an actuator group, locking mechanism, rubber gripping group, and control unit that automates the removal of gland rubbers from the valve, allowing for quick and controlled operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual replacement of gland rubber is performed, then the process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but it takes a long time and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber removal machine is divided into multiple functional modules including a body, actuator group, head, locking group, rubber gripping group, and rubber removal member. Each module performs a specific function in the rubber removal process, enabling automated operation while maintaining manageable complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine enables self-service automated removal of gland rubber from valves. The actuator group automatically actuates the rubber gripping group to grip and remove the rubber, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly increasing productivity compared to manual replacement methods.
2Loss of time
If automated removal is implemented, then productivity increases and time is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional groups (locking group, rubber gripping group, rubber removal member) are merged into a single integrated head assembly that is actuated by one actuator group. This merging reduces the number of separate components and control systems needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving automated rapid removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The head assembly serves multiple functions: it locks onto the valve, grips the gland rubber, and removes the rubber from the valve. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated structure, reducing the need for multiple separate devices and minimizing device complexity while maximizing productivity.
3Reliability
If manual replacement is used, then equipment cost is low, but gas leakage risks remain due to human error and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback from sensors that detect the position and status of the rubber gripping group and rubber removal member. This feedback enables precise control of the actuator group, ensuring consistent and reliable rubber removal without human error, thereby enhancing sealing reliability through automated precise operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated electromechanical system. The actuator group, controlled by a control unit, automatically performs the gripping and removal actions that were previously done manually, eliminating human error and improving reliability of the rubber replacement process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a rubber removal machine (1) that enables to remove the gland rubber (R), which is located on the mini-valves (V) in LPG gas cylinders and provides sealing when the regulator is installed, from the valve (V) in a short period of time. By means of the inventive rubber removal machine (1), the gland rubber (R) located in the cylinder valve (V) is enabled to be automatically removed. Upon removing and replacing the gland rubber (R) at each filling process of the gas cylinders, the gas leakages that might result due to wearing out of the gland rubbers (R) are prevented and thus the gas cylinders that are used become more reliable.