Distribution Manifold for Gas Meter Ignition Risk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial gas meters in large appliances face challenges with electrical energy limits and ignition risks in explosive atmospheres, necessitating additional electronic protection circuits that are not entirely effective.
Innovation Solution
A distribution manifold with motor-driven reduction gear units actuating valves in parallel, eliminating the need for electronic protection circuits by ensuring low electrical energy introduction, with valves designed for efficient gas flow and compact construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional electronic protection circuits are implemented to minimize ignition risk, then safety against sparking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the electronic protection circuits entirely by redesigning the valve actuation system to use intrinsically safe electrical energy levels from the outset, rather than adding protection layers to an existing high-energy system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical energy parameter of the valve actuation system to operate below ignition threshold levels, transforming the system from potentially hazardous to intrinsically safe by operating in a different energy regime
2Volume of moving object
If valve size is reduced for compact construction, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gas distribution system into multiple smaller valves instead of one large valve, allowing each component to be compact while maintaining overall system capacity and simplifying individual component manufacturing
3Productivity
If multiple valves are used in parallel operation, then gas flow capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve actuation mechanisms into a single integrated distribution manifold with unified control, where one motor-driven actuation system coordinates multiple valves, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining parallel gas flow capacity
Data Source
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AI summary
A distribution manifold (1) for installation in a gas meter (11) includes a gas inlet opening (2) and at least two smaller gas outlet nozzles (3) disposed instead of one gas outlet opening with one large valve. Each gas outlet nozzle (3) has a valve (5) disposed on it, and each valve (5) is individually electrically connected and actuatable.