Protective Flange for Gas Cylinder Valve Rotary Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas distribution assemblies with protective cowlings fail to adequately protect the rotary control member from damage during falls and pose hygiene issues due to inadequate protection and dust ingress, while also complicating precise gas flow control and reading flow rate values, especially in medical environments.
Innovation Solution
A gas distribution assembly with a protective cowling featuring a projecting flange that forms a visor over the rotary control member, incorporating a reading window for clear flow rate markings and gripping means for user operation, ensuring protection and easy flow rate adjustment while maintaining hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotary control member extends beyond the protective cover surface to enable operation, then the control device is accessible and operable, but the rotary control member is exposed to impacts and damage during falls or collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The protective rim extends in a new dimension (radially outward from the cover surface) to create a protective barrier while maintaining the operational accessibility of the rotary control member. This dimensional extension allows the control member to remain exposed for operation while being shielded by the overhanging rim structure.
2Ease of operation
If a large opening is provided in the protective cover for accessing valve components, then the rotary control member is accessible, but dust and particles can enter the cover interior compromising hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The protective rim creates a localized protective zone around the rotary control member opening, providing hygiene protection specifically at the access point while maintaining accessibility. The rim acts as a local barrier that prevents dust ingress into the cover interior while allowing operational access to the valve components.
3Reliability
If the rotary control member is integrated into the protective cover, then protection from falls is improved, but precise adjustment of gas flow and reading of flow values becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protective rim acts as an intermediary structure that provides both protection and a viewing platform. The inner surface of the rim serves as a background against which flow rate markings on the rotary control member can be clearly read, while the rim itself provides physical protection. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by enabling both protection and precise reading.
4Ease of operation
If the rotary control member protrudes beyond the cover surface, then operational access is maintained, but the control member is vulnerable to damage when the cylinder falls or bottles collide
Solution Approach 1:
The protective rim provides beforehand protection by creating a physical barrier that absorbs or deflects impacts before they reach the rotary control member. The rim extends beyond the cover surface to intercept falling objects or collision forces, cushioning the control member from direct impact while maintaining its operational accessibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a gas distribution assembly comprising a gas container (20), such as a gas cylinder, a valve block fixed to the gas container (20), and a protective cover (1, 2, 3, 4) arranged around said valve block. The protective cover (1, 2, 3, 4) includes an opening (9) in which a rotary control element (5) is housed. The opening (9) is bordered by a projecting rim (7) extending away from the external surface of the body (2) of the protective cover (1, 2, 3, 4). The projecting rim (7) has a cutout (8) forming a reading window for reading markings or indicators (11) corresponding to gas flow rates.