Quick-Connect Cylinder Valve Purging for Safe High-Pressure Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for supplying pressurized fluid, such as pressurized gas, face challenges in safely disconnecting equipment under high pressure due to trapped fluid, requiring multiple trips for purging and risking complete cylinder emptying.
Innovation Solution
A device with a purge member that can be actuated to its open state by a command member upon closure or unlocking of the quick-connection system, ensuring automatic or deliberate purging without emptying the cylinder, featuring a check valve and a locking/unlocking mechanism to manage the purging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the downstream outlet is used to evacuate pressurized gas, then the trapped fluid can be purged, but the user must make multiple trips to close the cylinder, purge the installation, and return to disconnect equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the purging function with the existing closure or unlocking mechanisms. The command member that closes the cylinder valve or unlocks the quick-connection system also actuates the purge member to open the purge valve, merging multiple functions into a single integrated system that eliminates the need for separate purging operations.
2Ease of operation
If a separate purge valve is provided, then purging can be performed independently, but closing the cylinder at the time of purging may be forgotten, which will empty the cylinder completely
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback through the integrated command member mechanism. When the user performs the closure or unlocking action, the system automatically activates the purging function through the same command member, ensuring that purging occurs at the correct moment without requiring the user to remember additional steps, thereby preventing accidental complete emptying.
Solution Approach 2:
The purging action is performed automatically as part of the closure or unlocking sequence. By integrating the purge member actuation with the command member movement, the system performs the necessary purging action in advance or simultaneously with the closure/unlocking operation, ensuring proper depressurization before disconnection without requiring separate user intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the purge member is always open for easy purging, then depressurization is simplified, but pressurized fluid can escape during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The purge member is designed as a dynamic component that can transition between closed and open states based on operational requirements. It is normally closed to maintain fluid containment during operation and only opens when actuated by the command member during closure or unlocking operations, providing the necessary depressurization pathway only when needed while maintaining safety during normal operation.
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 effective purging of pressurized fluid systems without completely emptying the cylinder, simplifying the disconnection process and ensuring safety by integrating purging with the closure or unlocking movements, thus preventing accidental emptying.
Implementation Method 1
the purge member being movable between a closed state preventing purging of the internal circuit or circuits towards the discharge zone and an open state allowing purging of the internal circuit or circuits towards the discharge zone
Implementation Method 2
the purge member comprises a check valve urged into a closure position against a seat by a return member
Data Source
AI summary
Device for supplying pressurized fluid, including a first valve housing an internal fluid circuit, the device including a second valve having an internal circuit and forming a physical entity distinct from the first valve. The first and the second valve including respective coupling members forming a detachable male/female quick-connection system for the second valve on the first valve. The two valves being configured such as to place their internal circuits in communication when the second valve is coupled to the first valve via the quick-connection system.