VIPR Protective Shroud Layout for Compact Handling and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective shrouds for valve integrated pressure regulators (VIPR) devices are bulky and hinder ease of transport and use, failing to adequately protect the VIPR while minimizing physical footprint.
Innovation Solution
A protective shroud designed with a main body section, top section forming a primary handle, and bottom section with a protective collar, featuring ergonomic design elements like a recessed face, orthogonal handle orientation, and a clearance for easy grasping, along with a secondary handle and removable covers to enhance usability and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective shroud is designed to adequately protect the VIPR device, then protection reliability is improved, but the physical footprint and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shroud utilizes a thin-walled cylindrical shell structure that provides adequate protection for the VIPR device while minimizing the overall volume. The shell is designed with optimized wall thickness to balance protection requirements with compact size, avoiding excessive bulk while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shroud is designed to nest closely around the VIPR device, with the cylindrical shell conforming to the contours of the underlying components. This nested configuration maximizes protection coverage while minimizing the external dimensions and physical footprint of the assembly.
2Productivity
If the protective shroud is made compact to minimize physical footprint, then ease of transport is improved, but access to control knobs and pressure gauges becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shroud incorporates segmented opening structures that divide the access pathways for control knobs and pressure gauges. These openings are strategically positioned and sized to allow easy access to controls while maintaining the compact overall form factor, enabling users to operate the device without compromising portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to position control access points on the shroud's surface in optimal locations. By strategically orienting openings and access pathways in multiple dimensions, the design enables easy access to controls while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for transport.
3Ease of operation
If the protective shroud is designed with ergonomic features for easy handling, then ease of operation is improved, but the physical footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shroud incorporates curved ergonomic features on the handle and grip areas, with smooth rounded contours that conform to user hand geometry. These curved surfaces improve ease of handling and grip while maintaining a compact overall shape, avoiding the need for excessive bulk to achieve ergonomic benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective shroud for a valve integrated pressure regulator (VIPR) assembly is provided. The protective shroud includes a main body section, a top section extending from the main body section to form a primary handle with one or more connecting arm sections and a grip section, and a bottom section with an annular collar. The connecting sections and grip section of the primary handle are oriented in a parallel orientation to the annular collar. The front face of the main body section includes a recessed portion having a first port or opening configured to expose a pressure gauge/display from the VIPR assembly and a second port or opening configured to expose a gas outlet from the VIPR assembly. The top section of the protective shroud also includes a top opening sized to receive a control knob of the VIPR assembly.