Movable Hooking Element for Gas Cylinder Frame Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas cylinder bundles have a protruding hooking element on top that prevents stacking and is difficult for users to handle due to its inaccessible location.
Innovation Solution
A movable hooking element coupled to the frame, with an activation mechanism allowing users to easily switch between operative and rest positions, enabling convenient lifting and stacking by reducing protrusion when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hooking element is welded to the top side of the frame and protrudes from the frame, then the device can be lifted by an external machine, but it prevents the stacking of the frames one onto the other
Solution Approach 1:
The hooking element is made movable relative to the frame through a hinge connection, allowing it to change position between protruding (for lifting) and retracted (for stacking) states. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling both lifting and stacking functions at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The hooking element is separated from the frame as an independent movable component rather than being fixed. This segmentation allows the hooking element to be positioned independently from the frame structure, enabling it to protrude when needed for lifting and retract when needed for stacking.
2Reliability
If the hooking element is placed on top of the device, then it can cooperate with a hook of an external machine, but it is not easily reachable by a user when the device is in operative condition
Solution Approach 1:
The hooking element is made dynamically positionable via the activation mechanism, allowing users to operate it from accessible locations (side or front of the device) rather than requiring direct access to the top. The mechanism transmits user input forces to move the hooking element between positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user and the hooking element. Users interact with the control portion located at an accessible position, and the mechanism transmits this interaction to move the hooking element, eliminating the need for direct access to the top of the device.
3Reliability
If the hooking element protrudes from the frame, then it defines an area for hook insertion, but it creates an inconvenient element that obstructs stacking and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The hooking element transitions from a static protruding structure to a dynamic component that can adjust its position. It protrudes to define the hook insertion area when lifting is needed, and retracts to minimize obstruction when stacking or handling is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the hooking element is changed between two states: protruding (for hook coupling) and retracted (for convenient handling and stacking). This parameter change allows the same component to serve different functions based on operational requirements.
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 solution allows for easy handling and stacking of gas cylinder bundles by allowing the hooking element to be moved to a rest position, improving user accessibility and reducing obstruction during storage.
Implementation Method 1
an activation mechanism mechanically coupled to the coupling element, comprising a control portion, that is operable by a user to move the hooking element between the operative position and the rest position
Data Source
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AI summary
It is disclosed a device (1) device (1) for the supply of a gas comprising: a plurality of gas vessels (4), preferably in the form of gas cylinders; a frame (2) comprising a lower portion (21), an upper portion (22), and a plurality of side portions (23), defining a space (3) for arranging said plurality of gas vessels (4); a hooking element (8) coupled to said upper portion (21) of said frame (2), configured to cooperate with a hook or similar element of an external machine adapted to lift said device (1), said hooking element (8) being coupled to said frame in a movable manner (2), at least between an operative position and a rest position; an activation mechanism (9a, 9b, 9c) mechanically coupled to the hooking element (8), comprising a control portion, that is operable by a user to move said hooking element between said operative position and said rest position.