Quick-Connect Pressurized Fluid Valve Locking Against Accidental Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressurized fluid supply devices allow control members to be activated even when not correctly connected, risking damage and accidents due to unauthorized manipulations and potential leakage or ejection.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a connection part that blocks the control member in its rest position to prevent movement to the active position unless a correct connection is established, using a locking/unlocking mechanism with a movable pin and return member to ensure mechanical or magnetic blocking, allowing only authorized separation and connection of the quick connection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control member is allowed to be moved freely between rest and active positions, then the device is easy to operate, but unauthorized activation and accidental leakage may occur when not correctly connected
Solution Approach 1:
The connection part applies a blocking action in advance to prevent the control member from being activated when the quick connection system is not correctly established. This preliminary restriction eliminates the possibility of unauthorized activation before proper connection is made.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking state of the control member is made dynamic rather than fixed. The connection part can transition between blocking and non-blocking states based on whether the quick connection is properly established, allowing the system to adapt its operational constraints based on connection status.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized activation, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the existing connection part of the quick connection system. The same component that establishes or breaks the connection also controls the blocking state of the control member, eliminating the need for a separate locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection part is given multiple functions: it establishes the quick connection between taps and simultaneously controls the blocking state of the control member. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the connection part blocks the control member when not connected, then safety is improved, but ease of operation is reduced due to additional blocking/unblocking actions
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking and unblocking actions are combined with the connection and disconnection actions. When the user connects or disconnects the quick connection system, the control member's blocking state changes automatically as part of the same operational sequence, avoiding separate blocking/unblocking steps.
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
Prevents accidental activation and separation of the control member, ensuring safe and secure operation by locking the control member in its rest position until a correct connection is made, thereby preventing unauthorized use and ensuring the device is only activated when properly attached.
Implementation Method 1
the connection part ensures blocking of the control member in its first rest position to prevent its movement towards its second active position
Implementation Method 2
using a locking/unlocking mechanism with a movable pin and return member to ensure mechanical or magnetic blocking
Implementation Method 3
the quick connection system comprising a connection part of the second valve on the first valve, the connection part being movable between a first position when the quick connection is not established and a second position when the quick connection is established
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for supplying pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized gas, comprising a first valve (3) housing an internal fluid circuit (13), the device (1) comprising a second valve (5) comprising an internal circuit (15), the second valve (5) forming a physical entity separate from the first valve (3), the first (3) valve and the second (5) valve comprising respective attachment elements (6, 7) forming a removable male/female quick-connect system of the second valve (5) to the first (3) valve, the internal circuits (13, 15) comprising a set of valve(s) (4, 9) for permitting or preventing the flow of fluid to an outlet (25) of the device when the second valve (5) is attached to the first valve (3) via the quick-connect system, the device (1) comprising at least one manually actuated movable control element (11) for controlling the set of valve(s),the control member (11) being movable between a first rest position in which fluid flow to the outlet (25) is prevented and a second active position in which fluid flow to the outlet (25) is allowed, the quick-connect system comprising a connecting piece (14) for the second valve (5) to the first valve (3), the connecting piece (14) being movable between a first position when the quick connection is not established between the second valve (5) and the first valve (3) and a second position when the quick connection is established between the second valve (5) and the first valve (3), characterized in that, in its first position, the connecting piece (14) ensures a locking of the control member (11) in its first rest position to prevent its movement to its second active position and in that, in its second position,The connecting part (14) does not block the control element (11) in its first rest position to allow its movement to its second active position.