Remote Valve Knob Actuation for Safer Propane Tank Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas grill users face discomfort and safety concerns due to the need to frequently bend down to turn the propane tank valve control knob, which can lead to strain, accidents, and increased risk of gas leakage and fires.
Innovation Solution
A remote actuator device with a sheave and looped drive element that allows for remote operation of the valve control knob, including a control device and housing elements for secure attachment to the grill, and a visual indicator to signal the valve's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve control knob is placed on the fuel tank below the grilling rack, then the fuel storage is compact and organized, but the user experiences back strain and arm strain from frequent bending to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
A remote actuator device with a sheave and looped drive element is introduced as an intermediary mechanism. The actuator connects to the valve control knob via the sheave while allowing the user to operate it from a distant, accessible location on the grill exterior, eliminating the need to bend down to the tank location.
2Ease of operation
If a secondary valve is placed on the front face of the grill, then the user can easily control gas flow without bending, but users feel insufficient safety and prefer to physically turn the original valve control knob on the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The remote actuator serves as a mediator that provides both the convenience of remote operation and the reliability of direct mechanical engagement with the original valve control knob. The sheave mechanism physically turns the knob, ensuring reliable valve operation while allowing remote control from the grill front.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of reaching down and turning the knob is replaced with a remote actuation system that uses a looped drive element and sheave mechanism to transmit rotational force over distance, substituting the direct mechanical interaction with an indirect but equally effective mechanical system.
3Ease of operation
If the valve control knob remains in the 'on' position for extended periods, then the user avoids frequent bending operations, but the risk of gas leakage and grill fires increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote actuator enables the user to easily switch the valve between on and off positions from a convenient location, making it practical to turn off the gas supply when the grill is not in use. This eliminates the barrier that previously made frequent valve operations inconvenient, thereby reducing the risk of leaving gas flowing unnecessarily.
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 safe and convenient remote operation of the propane tank valve, reducing user strain and the risk of gas leakage and fires by allowing the valve to be turned without bending, while providing visual confirmation of its position.
Implementation Method 1
A remote actuator device for a valve control knob on a tank includes a sheave... 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
Data Source
AI summary
A remote actuator device for a valve control knob on a tank (e.g., storage tank) and related method of use are disclosed. The remote actuator devices disclosed may be used to turn the valve control knob on a tank.