Integrated Valve Cap with Washer Storage for Gas Tank Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Compressed gas tanks require protection for their valves during shipping and a secure means to store and connect washers/gaskets for hose connections, as existing solutions often fail to adequately safeguard the valve and washer during transit and use.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose valve cap with a first cavity to cover the valve and a second cavity to house the washer, featuring a common backplane, internal threading, and protrusions like a retainer ring and grip tabs, which secures the washer and protects the valve, allowing for easy washer removal and reinsertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate washer is provided with the gas tank, then the consumer has a washer for hose connection, but the washer may become lost or disconnected during shipping and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the washer and valve cap into a single integrated assembly. The washer is positioned within the valve cap structure, specifically between the cap body and the valve stem, ensuring it cannot become lost or disconnected during shipping. This merging eliminates the need for separate packaging of the washer while maintaining reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve cap serves multiple functions: it protects the valve from contamination, secures the washer in place, and provides a convenient storage location for the washer during shipping and handling. By making the valve cap multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional packaging structures while ensuring washer retention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve is left exposed during shipping, then access is easy, but the valve is vulnerable to abrasion and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The valve cap is pre-installed on the valve before shipping, providing immediate protection against abrasion and contamination. The cap is designed to be easily removed by the consumer when hose connection is needed, thus maintaining ease of operation while providing preliminary protection during transport and storage.
3Reliability
If the washer is secured tightly to prevent loss, then retention is reliable, but removal for hose connection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is positioned within the valve cap structure where it is retained during shipping but can be easily accessed and removed when needed. The dynamic design allows the washer to remain secure during transport while enabling quick removal for hose connection by simply lifting the cap or accessing the washer through the cap structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for a gas tank valve cap with integrated washer storage are disclosed. In examples, a valve cap may comprise a first cavity for covering a portion of a gas tank valve, and a second cavity for housing a washer/gasket. In examples, the washer/gasket may be removed from the valve cap and used to secure a connection between the gas tank valve and a connecting hose line. In further examples, the washer may be re-inserted into the valve cap, and the valve cap may be placed on the gas tank valve for protecting the valve from abrasion and the like.