Gas Pressure Regulator Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas pressure regulators for oxy-fuel cutting applications are bulky, lack robustness, and are susceptible to damage from mishandling, such as a gas cylinder falling, due to their design and ergonomic shortcomings.
Innovation Solution
A gas pressure regulator with a compact, robust design featuring a body with integrated pressure indicators, a bonnet, and an energy-absorbing device comprising a series of progressive members that slow the velocity of the pressure adjustment knob under impact loads, including a resilient member and a series of deforming members to absorb energy from impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional gas pressure regulator design is used, then the regulator can perform basic pressure regulation function, but it is bulky and lacks robustness against impact loads
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing device is nested within the bonnet structure, with progressive deformation members arranged concentrically within the bonnet cavity. This allows the impact protection mechanism to be integrated into the existing regulator housing without significantly increasing external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing device uses progressive deformation members that dynamically respond to impact forces. Under normal operation, the members remain in a compact state, but under impact loads, they progressively deform to absorb energy, providing adaptive protection without adding permanent bulk.
2Reliability
If conventional gas pressure regulator design is used, then the regulator structure is simple, but it is susceptible to damage from mishandling such as cylinder falling
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing device is pre-installed within the bonnet structure, positioned to immediately engage with the pressure adjustment knob during impact events. The progressive deformation members are pre-configured to activate upon impact, providing beforehand protection without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The progressive deformation members act as an intermediary mechanism between the impact force and the critical internal components of the regulator. They absorb and dissipate impact energy through controlled deformation, protecting the pressure regulation mechanism from damage while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Strength
If the pressure adjustment knob is made robust to resist impact, then it can withstand mishandling, but it increases the overall device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing device is designed as a self-activating system that automatically responds to impact forces applied to the pressure adjustment knob. The progressive deformation members engage and dissipate energy through their own structural characteristics without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The progressive deformation members change their structural parameters dynamically during impact events. They transition from a rigid, compact state during normal operation to a progressively deforming state under impact loads, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical properties in response to external forces without adding complex control mechanisms.
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
The solution provides a safer, more compact, and robust gas pressure regulator capable of absorbing significant impact loads without causing damage, thereby protecting the regulator and the gas cylinder from mishandling incidents.
Implementation Method 1
An energy absorbing device is operatively engaged with the pressure adjustment knob and the bonnet, the energy absorbing device being capable of absorbing energy from impact loads imposed on the pressure adjustment knob. The energy absorbing device comprises a series of members that progressively slow a velocity of the pressure adjustment knob under impact loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas pressure regulator adapted for being mounted to a gas cylinder is provided. The gas pressure regulator includes a body defining a front portion and opposed side portion and a plurality of gas pressure indicators mounted to the front portion of the body. A bonnet is mounted to an exterior portion of the body, and a pressure adjustment knob is mounted to one of the side portions of the body, proximate the bonnet, and horizontally relative to a longitudinal axis of the pressurized gas cylinder. An energy absorbing device is operatively engaged with the pressure adjustment knob and the bonnet, the energy absorbing device being capable of absorbing energy from impact loads imposed on the pressure adjustment knob.