Mechanical Gas Valve Assembly With Timer and Emergency Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas valve systems rely on electricity for emergency shut-off, which can fail in power outages, and may have lag due to distance between valves, increasing the risk of gas flow continuation during urgent situations.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical valve assembly with a timer-controlled valve and an emergency shut-off valve, both mechanically operated, allowing timed gas flow and immediate shut-off without electronic components, with the emergency shut-off valve located proximate to the timer-controlled valve for enhanced reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrically-operated emergency shut-off valve is used, then the valve can be operated remotely, but the system becomes dependent on electricity which may be unreliable or absent during urgent situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manual operation capability with automatic actuation mechanisms. The emergency shut-off valve includes both a manual operating mechanism for direct user operation and an automatic actuation system that responds to alarm signals, merging the benefits of remote operation with reliable mechanical backup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical linkage system as an intermediary between the alarm signal and the valve closure. This mechanical intermediary ensures that the valve can be actuated reliably through mechanical means even when electrical systems fail, while still allowing for remote triggering through the alarm system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the emergency shut-off valve is positioned at a distance from the primary valve, then there is better operational independence, but there is a lag in shut-off time and more opportunities for failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the emergency shut-off valve in close proximity to the primary valve and merges their operational systems through a common mechanical linkage. This allows the valves to work together as an integrated system, eliminating lag time while maintaining operational independence through separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency shut-off valve is pre-positioned and pre-configured in close proximity to the primary valve, ready for immediate action. The mechanical linkage is pre-established so that when an emergency signal is received or manual operation is initiated, the valve can close immediately without delay from distance or complex positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate valves are used for primary control and emergency shut-off, then each valve can be optimized for its specific function, but the system complexity increases with additional conduits and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the primary valve and emergency shut-off valve into a single integrated assembly with shared housing, mounting structures, and mechanical linkages. This integration maintains the functional optimization of separate valves while eliminating the need for separate conduits, wiring, and mounting infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly incorporates multiple functions within a single device structure. The primary valve provides normal flow control while the emergency shut-off valve provides rapid closure capability, and both can be operated independently or together. The shared mechanical linkage system serves both valves, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical valve assembly for the control of a gas flow to a gas appliance. The mechanical valve assembly includes at least one input knob movably connected to a housing, a shaft assembly connected to at least one input knob, and a manually-operated valve located inside the housing and in between the inlet port and the outlet port. The manually-operated valve is mechanically connected to the shaft assembly, and the manually-operated valve is configured for opening and closing a gas flow between the inlet port and the outlet port.