Stepper-Motor Gas Flow Selector for Easier Cylinder Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure reducer devices for gas cylinders require manual manipulation to adjust flow rates, which can be difficult for end users, especially in medical applications, potentially leading to severe consequences.
Innovation Solution
A pressure reducer device with a flow selector actuated by a stepper motor, allowing for easier adjustment of gas flow rates through a rotating element with varying cross-sections, accompanied by an electronic control unit and display for step-by-step flow rate selection, and optionally including a sensor for regulating oxygen concentration in medical applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of hand-wheel is used to adjust flow rate, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical hand-wheel adjustment system with an automated electronic control system featuring a stepper motor that receives electrical signals to rotate the disk and adjust flow rate, thereby improving ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system with stepper motor enables the device to automatically adjust flow rate without requiring manual manipulation, making the system self-adjusting through electrical control signals
2Ease of operation
If stepper motor is added to automate flow selector, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stepper motor to replace manual mechanical adjustment, accepting the added complexity of electrical components in exchange for significantly improved ease of operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system with stepper motor provides multiple functions including automated flow rate adjustment, position holding at predetermined settings, and potential integration with other control systems, justifying the increased device complexity
3Ease of operation
If stepper motor is used for flow selector adjustment, then ease of operation improves, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stepper motor operates periodically only when flow rate adjustment is required rather than continuously, consuming electrical power only during actuation events while maintaining position without power during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback mechanisms to determine when adjustment is needed, activating the stepper motor only during actual flow rate changes rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall energy consumption
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 device significantly enhances ease of use and safety by automating flow rate adjustments, reducing power consumption when not in use, and enabling precise control of gas flow rates, particularly beneficial in medical settings where accurate oxygen concentration regulation is critical.
Implementation Method 1
a stepper motor adapted to actuate the flow selector, wherein the flow selector comprises a rotating element coupled to the stepper motor, the rotation of said element changing the cross-section of a passage for the gas
Implementation Method 2
the disk comprises calibrated apertures distributed along a circular arc around the rotating axis of the disk, said apertures forming the varying cross-section for the gas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention is directed to a pressure reducer device (2) for mounting on a gas cylinder, comprising: a pressure reducer (14); and a flow selector (16) fluidly connected to the pressure reducer (14), downstream of said reducer (14). The device further comprises a stepper motor (22) adapted to actuate the flow selector (16).