Remote Valve Knob Actuation for Propane Tank Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of gas grills face discomfort and inconvenience due to the need to frequently bend down to turn the propane tank valve control knob, which can lead to strain and increased risk of gas leakage, as existing solutions do not provide a suitable mechanism for remote actuation of the valve.
Innovation Solution
A remote actuator device with a sheave and looped drive element that allows for remote actuation of the valve control knob, including a control device and housing elements for secure attachment to the tank, and optional LED lighting for position indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually turn the valve control knob on the fuel tank, then the valve can be opened or closed, but users must bend down and reach into a dark, dirty cabinet which causes back strain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote actuator device as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the valve control knob. The actuator includes a sheave that engages with the valve knob and a rotatable member with a looped drive element that transmits rotational motion remotely. This allows users to operate the valve from a convenient position without directly reaching into the cabinet, thereby eliminating back strain and discomfort while maintaining full valve control capability.
2Ease of operation
If a secondary valve is placed on the front face of the grill, then users can control gas flow from a convenient location, but users feel insufficient safety and perceive increased risk of gas leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The remote actuator serves as a mediator that enables users to physically turn the original valve control knob on the fuel tank from a remote, convenient location. Unlike a secondary valve that creates a bypass, this actuator directly operates the primary valve mechanism, ensuring that the same safety-critical valve is controlled remotely. This maintains the integrity of the original safety design while providing convenient access, thereby eliminating the perceived risk associated with secondary valves.
3Reliability
If the valve control knob is placed on the fuel tank below the grilling rack, then the tank can be positioned in a lower cabinet for safety, but users must frequently bend down to turn the knob which causes inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The remote actuator device acts as an intermediary that decouples the location of the valve control mechanism from the user's working position. The actuator's rotatable member and looped drive element transmit rotational motion from a convenient remote location to the valve control knob on the fuel tank. This allows the fuel tank to remain safely positioned in the lower cabinet while users can operate the valve from anywhere nearby, thereby maintaining safety positioning without sacrificing operational ease.
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 users to easily turn the propane tank valve on and off without bending, reducing strain and perceived risk of gas leakage by providing a convenient and secure remote actuation mechanism with visual confirmation of the valve position.
Implementation Method 1
A looped drive element is situated around the rotatable member and in the recess of the sheave. Actuation by the control device of the rotatable member generates a rotation of the sheave capable of turning the valve control knob on the tank.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote actuator device for a valve control knob on a tank (e.g., storage tank) is disclosed.