Flexible Propane Cylinder Cover for Stability and Rust Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Propane cylinders are prone to tipping over, cause rust stains, and are uncomfortable and unsafe due to their unstable and rusty bases, as well as awkward handles.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, hardened cover that can be fitted to the base or top of propane cylinders to provide stability, prevent rust, and enhance safety by creating a non-electrostatic, non-conductive ground contact, using materials like rubber or thermoplastics, and incorporating stabilization mechanisms such as slits, vents, and strap loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a propane cylinder uses a small diameter base, then the cylinder is easier to manufacture and transport, but the cylinder becomes unstable and prone to tipping over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the base support from a single-point contact to a wider area by adding a flared skirt or guard that contacts the ground at multiple points around the circumference, effectively distributing the load across a larger area without increasing the cylinder's overall diameter
2Strength
If a propane cylinder base is made from metal, then the base provides structural strength, but the base rusts and leaves stains on surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate protective layer (skirt, guard, or cover) made of rust-resistant materials such as plastic, rubber, or coated metal that sits between the metal base and the supporting surface, preventing direct contact and rust transfer while maintaining base strength
3Ease of operation
If a propane cylinder uses a rigid thin handle, then the handle is easy to manufacture, but the handle is awkward and uncomfortable to grip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces or supplements the rigid thin handle with a flexible grip element made of rubber, foam, or molded plastic that conforms to the hand, providing cushioning and secure grip while maintaining a simple attachment structure to the cylinder
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a propane cylinder base has a small surface area, then the cylinder requires less material, but the cylinder is unstable and dangerous to contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds vertical dimension to the base structure by extending a skirt or guard downward from the base, creating a wider ground contact area that improves stability and safety without increasing the horizontal footprint or material usage significantly
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible, hardened material created for the added stability, rust prevention and safety for all users of propane cylinders, tanks, canisters or the like. The composition of device can vary in flexibility, hardness, color, composition, shape or size. The molding/forming of the device can include but is not limited to injection molding, rotational molding, blow molding, compression molding, transfer molding, silicone molding and vacuum thermoforming. The device can be formed from a composition which may include, but is not limited to, rubber, thermoplastics, polymers, and synthetics of various durometer. The device can be non-electrostatic and can protect against ambient ground electrostatic charges.