Pressurised Fluid Tank Valve with Integrated Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial gas cylinders with simple open/close valves require external pressure reduction equipment to achieve lower operating pressures, while those with integrated valve-regulator systems already provide lower outlet pressures, necessitating a more ergonomic and safe gas flow control solution.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized gas tank assembly with a valve and a functional block that can be selectively connected, featuring a pivoting operating member for manual control, allowing for latching mechanisms to manage gas flow and include emergency shut-off capabilities, along with a pressure regulation system for expanding gas from the bottle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple open/close valve is used in industrial gas cylinders, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because external pressure reduction equipment is required to achieve lower operating pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the simple open/close valve with an integrated regulator system into a single unified valve assembly. The regulator is built into the valve body, merging two previously separate functions (valve control and pressure regulation) into one integrated component, thereby maintaining simplicity while enabling direct pressure control at the cylinder outlet
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the open/close valve and the pressure regulator. The single valve body incorporates both the shut-off mechanism and the pressure reduction mechanism, allowing one component to fulfill multiple roles that previously required separate equipment
2Ease of operation
If a valve-regulator system is integrated into the cylinder head, then the ease of operation is improved by providing lower outlet pressure directly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator is integrated directly into the valve body structure, merging two previously separate components (valve and regulator) into one unified assembly. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and connections needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the multi-functionality of pressure control and flow shut-off
3Adaptability or versatility
If external pressure reduction equipment is connected to the valve outlet, then the pressure regulation function is added, but the device complexity and the number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator function is built into the valve body, merging the pressure reduction capability with the existing valve structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate external pressure reduction equipment, thereby adding adaptability for pressure control while reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall system architecture
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 enhanced ergonomics and safety by allowing manual control of gas flow with automatic shut-off, reducing the need for external pressure reduction equipment and ensuring safe operation across varying pressure applications.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element carried by the valve and/or the functional block and/or the operating member provides a determined spacing of the functional block relative to the valve allowing a determined limited movement of the functional block relative to the valve
Implementation Method 2
the pressure of the gas coming from the second end of the valve and entering the upstream end of the functional block
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~12
AI summary
The invention relates to a pressurised fluid tank (15) comprising a gas-stream-controlling device which includes a tap (1) defining an internal gas circuit between a first end (11) to be connected to the opening of a pressurised gas tank (15) and a second end (12), the tap (1) including a control member (3) pivotably mounted on the tap (1) for selectively controlling the opening of a closure valve (2). Said device includes a functional block (6) which can be selectively connected to the second end (12) of the tap (1), the functional block (6) including an internal gas channel (23). The device is characterised in that, when the functional block (6) is connected to the second end (12) of the tap (1), the control member (3) can be manually pivoted between a first position, in which the control member (3) does not interlock with the functional block (6), and a second position, in which the control member (3) mechanically interlocks with the functional block (6) so as to prevent the block (6) from separating from the second end (12) of the tap (1).