Regulator Torque Socket Geometry for Valve Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools face difficulties in torquing a portable cylinder assembly's regulator to its cylinder without altering the specified torque values between the case and body, due to the positioning of components and protruding valves, which obstruct conventional socket grips.
Innovation Solution
A portable cylinder assembly torque tool comprising a nut and socket with grooves to avoid valves and a cavity with distinct sections to accommodate a device for applying torque, ensuring the torque value between the case and body remains unchanged during coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional socket is used to torque the regulator body to the cylinder, then the torque can be applied, but the socket cannot avoid the protruding valves on the regulator body, making it difficult to achieve proper coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is divided into three distinct sections: a top section for torque application, a middle section with enlarged radius to avoid the regulator case, and a bottom section to engage the regulator body. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function without interference from other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket transitions from a conventional uniform cylindrical shape to a non-uniform shape with varying radii across different sections. The middle section has a larger radius than both the top and bottom sections, creating a stepped configuration that provides clearance for the regulator case while maintaining engagement with the regulator body.
2Ease of operation
If the socket is designed to engage the regulator body, then torque can be applied, but the positioning of the regulator with respect to the case and cylinder makes it difficult to access the body without altering the case-body coupling
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the socket have different radii tailored to their specific functions. The middle section has a larger radius to clear the regulator case, while the bottom section has a smaller radius to properly engage the regulator body. This localized variation in geometry allows the socket to navigate around obstacles without compromising the integrity of adjacent couplings.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standard socket geometry is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the socket cannot avoid the regulator case located above the body
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is divided into three distinct sections: a top section for torque application, a middle section with enlarged radius to avoid the regulator case, and a bottom section to engage the regulator body. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function without interference from other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket transitions from a conventional uniform cylindrical shape to a non-uniform shape with varying radii across different sections. The middle section has a larger radius than both the top and bottom sections, creating a stepped configuration that provides clearance for the regulator case while maintaining engagement with the regulator body.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for torquing a regulator onto a cylinder of a portable cylinder assembly. The tool includes a nut and a socket. The nut is configured to fit around a body of a regulator of a portable cylinder assembly. As such, the nut has a first set of grooves that avoids one or more valve assemblies on the body of the regulator. The socket has a cavity extending therethrough such that the cavity consists of three sections: a top section, a middle section and a bottom section. The top section of the socket is configured to be coupled to a device that applies a torque force on the socket. The middle section of the socket is configured to avoid a case of the regulator which is disposed above the body of the regulator. The bottom section of the socket is configured to be coupled to the nut.