Valve With Integrated Sensor For Gas Containers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valves for compressed or liquefied gas containers are bulky and costly due to external detection devices, which hinder integration with various sensors and increase overall product dimensions and costs.

Innovation Solution

A valve design with a detection device where the sensor portion is integrated within the valve body, utilizing a channel and projection to detect physical quantities, eliminating the need for external connections and fixing systems, and allowing for data transmission and display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external detection devices are used to monitor gas physical quantities, then detection functionality is achieved, but valve dimensions and product cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas monitoring capabilityVSAvoidvalve dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor portion is integrated within the valve body, merging the detection device with the valve structure. The valve body includes a channel that houses the sensor portion, eliminating the need for external detection devices and reducing overall valve dimensions while maintaining monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor portion is nested inside the valve body structure. The channel within the valve body provides a containment space for the sensor portion, allowing the detection device to be embedded within the existing valve architecture rather than adding external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If external detection devices are used to detect gas physical quantities, then monitoring function is provided, but product cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical quantity detectionVSAvoidproduct cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is merged with the valve body, combining two separate components into one integrated unit. This reduces the total bill of materials and assembly costs while maintaining the detection function through the integrated sensor portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural housing for the valve mechanism and simultaneously acts as a containment structure for the sensor portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate external detection housings, lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the valve structure is modified to accommodate different sensor types, then sensor adaptability improves, but valve structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor compatibilityVSAvoidvalve structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel structure within the valve body is designed as a universal containment space that can accommodate different types of sensors. The same basic channel architecture supports various sensor portions, allowing the valve to work with different sensor types without requiring structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor portion is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently selected and installed within the channel. This segmentation allows different sensor types to be swapped out without modifying the valve body structure, maintaining simplicity while enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This integration reduces the valve's dimensions and cost while enabling easy adaptation to different sensor types without modifying the valve structure, providing efficient and cost-effective monitoring of gas conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor portion (11) which has at least one sensor (11A) for detecting said physical quantity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4022212B1Valve with integrated sensor
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 CAVAGNA GROUP
  • EP4022212B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4022212B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A valve for a container suitable for containing compressed or liquefied gases comprises a valve body provided with a thread suitable for fastening to the container, and a detection device which is suitable for detecting a physical quantity associated with the gas contained in the container and which comprises a sensor portion for detecting the physical quantity. The valve body comprises a channel wherein the sensor portion is completely arranged.