Propane Fill Adaptor for Quick-Connect LPG Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with quick-connect LPG tanks in the United States cannot be refilled using conventional Acme threaded filling guns, as they are designed for quick coupling systems prevalent in Europe, leading to incompatibility issues during refilling.
Innovation Solution
A filling adaptor with a connector body, hand wheel, washer, locking member, and biasing member that allows an Acme thread filling gun to be selectively threaded to the quick connect coupling, enabling LPG gas refilling by engaging a sphere or ball with a groove in the quick connect fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick-connect coupling system is used on vehicles, then refilling speed and ease of operation are improved, but compatibility with conventional Acme threaded filling guns is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor serves as an intermediary device that couples between the quick-connect fitting on the vehicle and the Acme threaded filling gun at the station. It includes a quick-connect interface on one end and Acme threading on the other, enabling compatibility between two otherwise incompatible systems while maintaining the speed advantages of quick-connect technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor provides universal compatibility by supporting both quick-connect and Acme threaded interfaces in a single device. This allows the same adaptor to work with different filling systems, making it a multi-functional solution that bridges two different refilling paradigms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adaptor is designed to allow selective threading, then compatibility with Acme filling guns is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor merges the quick-connect coupling mechanism with Acme threading in a single integrated body. The locking member, groove, and biasing member work together as a unified system to provide both the quick-connect functionality and the threaded interface, reducing overall system complexity despite the added adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically engages the locking member with the groove when the adaptor is properly connected, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional manual operations. This automatic engagement simplifies the user interface while maintaining secure connection.
3Reliability
If a locking member with biasing mechanism is added, then connection security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking member that engages the groove, the biasing member that provides automatic engagement force, and the hand wheel that controls the locking action. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, simplifying production despite the enhanced security features.
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
Enables vehicles with quick-connect LPG tanks to be refilled using Acme threaded filling guns, ensuring compatibility and safety by preventing premature unthreading, thus facilitating refilling at stations equipped with Acme-type refilling guns.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is disposed between a portion of the connector body and a portion of the washer
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor for coupling an associated quick connect fitting on an associated tank to an associated filling gun includes a connector body selectively connectable to the associated filling gun. A hand wheel is mounted to the connector body. A washer is mounted to the connector body. A locking member is received within an aperture of the connector body and selectively received in a groove of the associated quick connect fitting. The locking member allows for engagement of the connector body with the associated filling gun when the locking member is received in the groove of the associated quick connect fitting. A biasing member is disposed between a portion of the connector body and a portion of the washer.