Valve Unit Pressure Indicator Top Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas distribution assemblies face challenges in providing easy and accurate reading of pressure or gas autonomy indicators due to their placement in the lower part of the valve block, leading to potential reading errors and ergonomic issues.
Innovation Solution
A gas distribution assembly design with a valve block featuring a second internal gas passage connected to the first, allowing the pressure indicator device to be positioned at the upper end, and a protective cowling with a carrying handle that positions the indicator device between the handle and the valve unit, enhancing ergonomics and reducing reading errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressure indicator device is positioned in the lower part of the valve block near the high pressure inlet, then the device can be placed close to the gas source, but the reading becomes difficult and prone to errors due to poor ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the pressure indicator device from the traditional lower horizontal position to the upper vertical position of the valve block. This dimensional change in positioning allows the indicator to be located in the opening of the protective cowling at the top, making it easily visible and readable without requiring the user to adopt awkward positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of reading and reading accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the pressure indicator device is positioned in the lower part of the valve block, then the structure remains compact, but the user must place themselves in a certain way to read the pressure correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second internal gas passage that is separate from the first internal gas passage. This segmentation allows the pressure indicator device to be fed with high pressure gas through a dedicated pathway (second passage) while the first passage handles the main gas flow to the outlet. This structural segmentation enables the indicator to be positioned at the top without interfering with the main gas flow path, thus improving ergonomics while maintaining structural organization.
3Measurement precision
If a second internal gas passage is added to feed the pressure indicator, then the indicator can be positioned at the upper end, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the second internal gas passage into the existing valve block structure, merging the pressure indication function with the main gas distribution system. The second passage is fluidly connected to the first passage at a strategic point, allowing both passages to work together as a unified system. This merging approach enables accurate pressure measurement at the top position while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through efficient spatial integration.
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 design improves the comfort and accuracy of pressure reading, reduces the risk of errors, and allows for high-pressure gas outlets on the top, enhancing overall ergonomics and flexibility in positioning high-pressure elements.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure tap in fluid communication with the second internal gas passage so as to measure the pressure of the gas within said second internal gas passage
Implementation Method 2
a gas expansion system arranged between the fluid connection site of the first and second internal gas passages, and the orifice this gas outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a gas distribution valve unit comprising a valve body (1) comprising a gas outlet orifice (6) via which the gas can leave the valve body (1), a first internal gas passage (3) fluidically connecting a gas inlet orifice (2) to the gas outlet orifice (13), a gas passage control system arranged on the first internal gas passage (3), and a control element (5) that a user can operate and that collaborates with the gas passage control system to control the passage of gas in the first internal gas passage (3), and a device (7) that indicates pressure or the gas autonomy. According to the invention, the valve body (1) comprises a second internal gas passage (11) fluidically connected to the first internal gas passage (3), and the pressure or autonomy indicating device (7) is fixed at the upper end (1a) of the valve unit, and comprises a pressure tapping (8) in fluidic communication with the second internal gas passage (11) so as to measure the pressure of the gas inside said second internal gas passage (11). Gas container equipped with such a valve unit.