Patent Publication Number: US-2018038592-A1

Title: Gas Switching Device And Associated Methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/370,857, filed Aug. 4, 2016, and the entire contents of the foregoing application are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to gas switching devices and associated methods and, in particular, to gas switching devices that allow for selection between two different gas types without a required modification to a gas injection system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Gas heaters for swimming pools generally include a combustion system that can accept a variety of fuel gases, such as natural gas and propane gas. To convert a gas pool heater from one fuel gas to another, a modification to the gas injection system is generally needed. Such modifications can include changing one or multiple gas injectors or orifices, necessitating tools and expertise in the procedure by, e.g., an installer. Due to the complexity of such modifications, swimming pool heater manufacturers generally produce multiple pool heater models preset to different fuel gasses to simplify the process of having the installer switch between different fuel gases. 
     A further attempt to simplify the process of switching between different gases includes an installation of both gas orifices, and a valve that allows one of the two orifices to be selected by the installer. A diagrammatic view of a traditional gas switching system  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . In particular, the gas switching system  10  includes a gas inlet  12  and a gas outlet  14 . The gas switching system  10  generally includes a first orifice  16  sized to control flow of a first type of gas, and a second orifice  18  sized to control flow of a second type of gas. The gas switching system  10  further includes a 3-way valve  20  that can be used by the installer to select which of the orifices  16 ,  18  is to be used. In particular, the 3-way valve  20  can be disposed at an intersection of the gas inlet  12 , a pipe or path leading to the first orifice  16 , and a pipe or path leading to the second orifice  18 , thereby regulating flow to both the first and second orifices  16 ,  18 . For example, for propane gas, the 3-way valve  20  can be switched to direct gas flow through the first orifice  16 . As a further example, for natural gas, the 3-way valve  20  can be switched to direct gas flow through the second orifice  18 . 
     However, such traditional valves  20  may inadvertently be positioned between a fully open and a fully closed position, allowing passage of gas through both the first and second orifices  16 ,  18 , leading to improper gas flow. Excessive gas flow into the gas injection system due to improper gas flow can result in overheating and production of excessive, unwanted exhaust emissions, such as carbon monoxide. Further, if the 3-way valve  20  fails, excessive gas flow could pass through both the first and second orifices  16 ,  18 , resulting in damage to the gas injection system. In particular, due to the independent sizing of the first and second orifices  16 ,  18  for the first and second types of gas, respectively, if the 3-way valve  20  fails during use of any type of gas, the gas injection system would receive excessive amounts of gas, resulting in damage to the gas injection system. 
     Thus, a need exists for gas switching devices that allow for selection between two types of gases without modifying the gas injection system. A need further exists for gas switching devices that ensure that the valve is positioned in either a fully open or a fully closed position. These and other needs are addressed by the gas switching devices and associated methods of the present disclosure. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary gas switching device is provided that includes a body and a gas selector mechanism. The body includes an inlet and an outlet. In some embodiments, the inlet of the body can include a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism can include a circumferential flange and a circumferential groove configured and dimensioned to receive an O-ring. The connection mechanism can be configured to mate with a gas source. The body further includes a first orifice in fluid communication with the inlet and a second orifice in fluid communication with the inlet. In some embodiments, the first and second orifices are of the same size. In some embodiments, the first and second orifices are of different sizes. The gas selector mechanism includes a valve arm and a selector element (e.g., a lever, a knob, a handle, or the like). 
     The selector element can be configured to actuate the valve arm between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the selector element actuates the valve arm to close the second orifice for passage of a first type of gas through the first orifice. In the open position, the selector element actuates the valve arm to open the second orifice for passage of a second type of gas through both the first orifice and the second orifice. In some embodiments, in the open position, the second type of gas passes through both the first orifice and the second orifice substantially simultaneously. 
     The first orifice can be calibrated for passage of the first type of gas. A combination of the first orifice and the second orifice can be calibrated for passage of the second type of gas. In some embodiments, the first type of gas can be liquefied petroleum gas (e.g., propane gas). In some embodiments, the second type of gas can be natural gas. 
     In some embodiments, the selector element can include a selector valve, the selector valve including a lever arm and a cam. The gas switching device includes a gas selector cover including an opening restricting rotational motion of the lever arm of the selector lever to a predetermined radial distance. The predetermined radial distance can include a first endpoint position and a second endpoint position. In some embodiments, the predetermined radial distance can be approximately 90°. The first endpoint position can correspond to the closed position of the valve arm. The second endpoint position can correspond to the open position of the valve arm. 
     The valve arm includes a central opening configured and dimensioned to receive the cam of the selector valve. In some embodiments, the cam can define a half-circle cross-section or configuration with two flat edges. The two flat edges can be adjacently disposed at an approximately 90° angle. The two flat edges can snap the cam into a position corresponding to either the first endpoint position or the second endpoint position of the valve arm, and prevent the cam from being positioned between the first endpoint position and the second endpoint position. 
     The gas switching device can include a spring imparting pressure on the valve arm. Rotating the lever arm into the first endpoint position can expand the spring to impart pressure on the valve arm. The pressure on the valve arm forces the valve arm to translate and close the second orifice. Rotating the lever arm into the second endpoint position can translate the valve arm away from the second orifice (based on interaction of the cam with the central opening of the valve arm) and compresses the spring to open the second orifice. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary gas switching device is provided that includes a body, a first orifice, a second orifice, a valve arm, and a selector element. The body includes an inlet. The first orifice can be in fluid communication with the inlet. The second orifice can be in fluid communication with the inlet. The selector element can be configured to actuate the valve arm between a closed position and an open position to close and open the second orifice, respectively. The selector element includes a cam defining a half-circle cross-section or configuration with two flat edges. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary method of switching gas is provided. The method includes providing a gas switching device as described herein. The method includes actuating the valve arm with the selector element into a closed position to close the second orifice for passage of a first type of gas through the first orifice. The method includes actuating the valve arm with the selector element into an open position to open the second orifice for passage of a second type of gas through both the first orifice and the second orifice. 
     The method can include restricting rotational motion of the selector element (e.g., a lever arm of the selector element) with an opening of a gas selector cover to a predetermined radial distance. The predetermined radial distance can include a first endpoint position and a second endpoint position. The method can include rotating the selector element (e.g., the lever arm of the selector element) into the first endpoint position to expand a spring imparting pressure on the valve arm such that the spring imparts pressure on the valve arm to force the valve arm to translate and close the second orifice. The method can include rotating the selector element (e.g., the lever arm of the selector element) into the second endpoint position to translate the valve arm away from the second orifice and compress the spring to open the second orifice. 
     Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed gas switching devices and associated methods, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of a traditional gas switching device in accordance with the prior art. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary gas switching device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an exemplary gas switching device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded, perspective view of a first embodiment of an exemplary gas switching device of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an exemplary gas switching device of  FIG. 3  in a first position. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an exemplary gas switching device of  FIG. 3  in a second position. 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed, bottom view of a cam of a first embodiment of an exemplary gas switching device of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a prototype of a first embodiment of an exemplary gas switching device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a prototype of a first embodiment of an exemplary gas switching device of  FIG. 8  mounted to a gas valve and a blower of a swimming pool heater. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a second embodiment of an exemplary gas switching device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an exemplary gas switching device of  FIG. 10  mated with a gas source. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a connection mechanism between a second embodiment of an exemplary gas switching device and a gas source in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an assembled connection mechanism of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of an assembled connection mechanism of  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary gas switching devices are provided that allow for selection between two types of gases without modifying the gas injection system. In particular, the gas switching devices can be positioned into a first position for use of a first orifice for one gas type, and can be positioned into a second position for use of a combination of the first orifice and a second orifice for a second gas type. The exemplary gas switching devices further include a system for positioning a valve in either a fully open or a fully closed position (not an intermediate position), ensuring proper gas flow. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , a diagrammatic view of an exemplary gas switching device  50  (hereinafter “device  50 ”) is provided. The device  50  includes an inlet  52  and an outlet  54 . The device  50  includes a first path or piping leading to a first orifice  56 . The first orifice  56  can be sized or calibrated for the desired flow of a first type of gas, e.g., propane gas. The device  50  includes a second path or piping leading to a second orifice  58 . The second orifice  58 , in combination or in parallel with the first orifice  56 , can be sized or calibrated for the desired flow of a second type of gas, e.g., natural gas. The device  50  includes a gas selector mechanism including a 2-way valve  60  associated with the second path or piping leading to the second orifice  58 . Thus, rather than being disposed at an intersection of the first and second paths or piping and regulating flow to both the first and second orifices  56 ,  58 , the 2-way valve  60  can be actuated to regulate flow only to the second orifice  58 . In addition, the 2-way valve  60  is more cost effective and provides for a simpler design than traditional 3-way valves, resulting in less potential maintenance issues. 
     During operation, if the gas injection system is using a first type of gas (e.g., propane gas), the 2-way valve  60  can be actuated into a closed position. Propane gas flowing from the inlet  52  passes only through the first orifice  56  and exits the device  50  through the outlet  54 . Due to the calibrated size of the first orifice  56 , the proper amount of propane gas passes through the outlet  54 . If the injection system is using a second type of gas (e.g., natural gas), the 2-way valve  60  can be actuated into an open position. Natural gas flowing from the inlet  52  passes through both the first and second orifices  56 ,  58  in parallel and substantially simultaneously, and exits the device  50  through the outlet  54 . Due to the calibrated size of the first and second orifices  56 ,  58 , the combination of natural gas flowing through the first and second orifices  56 ,  58  results in the proper amount of natural gas passing through the outlet  54 . 
     Sizing or calibration of the orifices  56 ,  58  for natural gas and propane (or any fuel gas) can be based on the heating value or heat content of the fuel gas. Heating value units can be in energy per unit volume, such as Btu per cubic foot (CF). In general, natural gas (e.g., methane gas) has a heating value of approximately 1,000 Btu/CF, and propane gas has a heating value of approximately 2,500 Btu/CF. For example, if generation of 250,000 Btu per hour of heat energy is desired from combustion of a fuel gas, approximately 100 CF of propane gas should be burned per hour or 250 CF of natural gas per hour. Thus, different volumetric flow rates are needed for each type of gas. In order to take into account the different volumetric flow rates of the types of gases being used, an equation can be used for sizing the gas orifices  56 ,  58 . The equation generally takes into account the injection pressure (regulated by a pressure regulator in a gas control valve), the specific gravity of the gas, the heating value of the gas, and the desired heat output rate. The equation also has a “K” factor which varies depending on the orifice geometry. Therefore, the equation can be used to estimate the orifice  56 ,  58  size. In some embodiments, tests can be conducted using a calibrated gas flow meter to determine the orifice  56 ,  58  size precisely. 
     In terms of safety, even if the 2-way valve  60  failed, the maximum amount of flow would be limited to the size of both the first and second orifices  56 ,  58 . For example, if the gas combustion system is utilizing propane gas, failure of the 2-way valve  60  would result in excessive propane gas passing through the outlet  54 , leading to potential damage of the gas combustion system. However, if the gas combustion system is utilizing natural gas, failure of the 2-way valve  60  would maintain the proper amount of natural gas passing through both the first and second orifices  56 ,  58 , preventing damage to the gas combustion system. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3-7 , perspective, exploded, cross-sectional and detailed views of a first embodiment of an exemplary gas switching device  100  (hereinafter “device  100 ”) are provided. The device  100  includes a body  102  including a valve section  104  and a venturi section  106 . In some embodiments, the valve section  104  can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the venturi section  106 . The venturi section  106  defines a proximal end  108  and a distal end  110 , with a passage  112  extending between the proximal and distal ends  108 ,  110 . In some embodiments, the venturi section  106  can define a substantially cylindrical configuration. In some embodiments, the venturi section  106  can taper gradually, with the diameter of the proximal end  108  being dimensioned smaller than the diameter of the distal end  110 . The venturi section  106  can include a circumferential flange  114  extending around the perimeter of the distal end  110 . The circumferential flange  114  can be used to mount the venturi section  106  to surrounding structures or equipment. The proximal end  108  can serve as a venturi inlet  116  for air passing through the device  100 , and the distal end  110  can serve as an outlet  118  for both the venturi section  106  and the device  100 . 
     The valve section  104  defines a proximal end  120  and a distal end  122 . The valve section  104  includes a first chamber or passage  124  extending from the proximal end  120  a partial distance in the direction of the distal end  122  (e.g., halfway, three-fourths, or the like). The valve section  104  further includes a second chamber or passage  126  disposed adjacent to the first passage  124  and separated by a wall  128 . In some embodiments, the second passage  126  can define a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional configuration, as shown in the side, cross-sectional views of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The valve section  104  includes first and second openings  130 ,  132  formed in the wall  128  and fluidly connecting the first and second passages  124 ,  126 . The first and second openings  130 ,  132  can be adjacently disposed relative to each other. The first and second openings  130 ,  132  can be dimensioned the same and are configured and dimensioned to receive first and second fittings  134 ,  136 , which will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     The proximal end  120  of the valve section  104  can serve as an inlet  138  for the valve section  104  and the device  100 . The proximal end  120  can include a circumferential flange  140  extending around the perimeter of the proximal end  120 . The circumferential flange  140  can be used to mount the valve section  104  to surrounding structures or equipment (e.g., a gas valve or source). The body  102  includes a connecting passage  142  formed therein. The connecting passage  142  can provide fluid communication between the second passage  126  and the passage  112  of the venturi section  106 . In particular, gas can enter the device  100  through the inlet  138  of the valve section  104  into the first passage  124 , flows through one or both of the first and second fittings  134 ,  136  into the second passage  126 , flows through the passage  142  into the passage  112  of the venturi section  106 , and exits the device  100  through the outlet  118  with air passing through the venturi section  106 . 
     Each of the first and second fittings  134 ,  136  can be configured to mount within the openings  130 ,  132 . In some embodiments, the fittings  134 ,  136  can include outer threads complementary to threads of the openings  130 ,  132  such that the first and second fittings  134 ,  136  can be threaded into the first and second openings  130 ,  132 . Mounting of the fittings  134 ,  136  into the openings  130 ,  132  creates a fluid-tight seal between the fittings  134 ,  136  and openings  130 ,  132 . Thus, if necessary, fittings  134 ,  136  can be interchanged depending on the types of gases to be used with the device  100 . In particular, the first fitting  134  includes a first orifice  144  centrally formed therein, and the second fitting  136  includes a second orifice  146  centrally formed therein. 
     The first and second orifices  144 ,  146  create fluid communication between the first and second passages  124 ,  126  of the valve section  104  when the fittings  134 ,  136  are secured within the openings  130 ,  132 . The diameter of the first orifice  144  can be sized or calibrated for passage of a first type of gas, e.g., propane gas. The diameter of the second orifice  146  can be sized or calibrated (in combination with the first orifice  144 ) for passage of a second type of gas, e.g., natural gas. For example, when the gas injection system is using propane gas, the second orifice  146  can be closed and the propane gas can flow through only the first orifice  144 , the size of the second orifice  146  being dimensioned for proper flow of the propane gas (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ). As a further example, when the gas injection system is using natural gas, the second orifice  146  can be opened and the natural gas can flow through both the first and second orifices  144 ,  146 , the combination in size of the first and second orifices  144 ,  146  being dimensioned for proper flow of the natural gas (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ). Thus, in some embodiments, the fittings  134 ,  136  can be interchanged with fittings having different orifice sizes if gases other than propane gas and natural gas are to be used. In some embodiments, rather than interchanging the fittings  134 ,  136  to vary the size of the first and second orifices  144 ,  146 , the openings  130 ,  132  themselves can be calibrated to regulate gas flow without the need to use the fittings  134 ,  136 . 
     The device  100  includes a gas selector mechanism  148  for regulating the open and closed configuration of the second orifice  146 . The gas selector mechanism  148  can include a gas selector housing  150 , a valve arm  152  and a selector element  154 . Although illustrated as having a selector lever, it should be understood that the selector element  154  can be any type of actuator, e.g., a knob, handle, or the like. The gas selector housing  150  can include a substantially cylindrical portion  156  including an inner chamber  158  configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the valve arm  152 . An inner surface  160  of the distal end  162  of the cylindrical portion  156  includes a central protrusion  164  extending therefrom. The central protrusion  164  can define a cylindrical configuration. The gas selector mechanism  148  includes a spring  166  disposed within the cylindrical portion  156 . The spring  166  can be positioned against the inner surface  160  with a distal end  168  of the spring  166  surrounding the central protrusion  164 . The central protrusion  164  can maintain the spring  166  centered relative to the cylindrical portion  156 . 
     The valve arm  152  includes a central body  170  (e.g., a rectangular central body) and a central opening  172  formed in the central body  170 . The central opening  172  can define a substantially rectangular configuration. The valve arm  152  includes first and second protrusions  174 ,  176  extending from opposing sides of the central body  170 . Each protrusion  174 ,  176  can include a circular flange  178 ,  180  defining the end of the protrusion  174 ,  176 . The first flange  178  can define a substantially planar surface  182 . In some embodiments, a boot  184  (e.g., a rubber boot valve seal) can be mounted over the planar surface  182  to assist in creating a fluid-tight seal between the valve arm  152  and the second orifice  146 . The second flange  180  can include an extension  186  formed thereon. A proximal end  188  of the spring  166  can surround the extension  186 , thereby cooperating with the central protrusion  164  to maintain the spring  166  centered relative to the cylindrical portion  156 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the spring  166  continuously maintains pressure on the valve arm  152 , biasing the valve arm  152  in the direction of the second orifice  146 . Depending on the rotational position of the selector element  154 , the valve arm  152  can close or open the second orifice  146 . 
     The selector element  154  includes a selector body  190 , a lever arm  192  extending from one end of the selector body  190 , and a cam  194  extending from an opposing end of the selector body  190 . The lever arm  192  and at least part of the selector body  190  can be disposed within an opening  196  formed in the gas selector housing  150 . The opening  196  can connect with the inner chamber  158 , thereby allowing the cam  194  to engage the central opening  172  of the valve arm  152 . The opening  196  can be disposed substantially tangentially relative to the inner chamber  158 . An O-ring  198  can be disposed between the selector body  190  and the gas selector housing  150  to create a fluid-tight seal. 
     The lever arm  192  can include a flange  200  extending therefrom. In some embodiments, the gas selector mechanism  148  can include a gas selector cover  202  mounted over the selector body  190  and onto the gas selector housing  150 . The gas selector cover  202  can define a substantially planar body  204  including an aperture  206  passing therethrough. The aperture  206  can include a circular portion  208  configured to allow passage of the lever arm  192 , and a radial portion  210  extending from the circular portion  208 . The radial portion of the aperture  206  can define a predetermined radial distance  212 . In some embodiments, the predetermined radial distance  212  can be approximately 90° (e.g., a ¼ turn). When assembled, the lever arm  192  can pass through the circular portion  208  of the aperture  206  and the flange  200  of the lever arm  192  can pass through the radial portion  210  of the aperture  206 . As the lever arm  192  is rotated, the flange  200  rotates within the radial portion  210  along the predetermined radial distance  212 . In particular, the rotation of the flange  200  (and thereby rotation of the lever arm  192 ) is limited by the predetermined radial distance  212  between first and second endpoint positions of the radial portion  210  of the aperture  206 . 
     The body  204  of the gas selector cover  202  can include first and second labels  214 ,  216  mounted or formed in the body  204 . The first label  214  (e.g., “LP” corresponding with liquefied petroleum or propane gas) can correspond with the first endpoint position and the closed position of the valve arm  152  (e.g., the second orifice  146  is closed). The second label  216  (e.g., “NA” corresponding with natural gas) can correspond with the second endpoint position and the open position of the valve arm  152  (e.g., the second orifice  146  is open). Thus, due to the gas selector cover  202 , the lever arm  192  is restricted to a predetermined radial motion (e.g., approximately 90°). 
     With specific reference to  FIGS. 5-7 , the cam  194  (when viewed from the bottom) defines a half-circle configuration with two flat edges. In particular, the cam  194  includes a half-circle section  218 , a first flat edge  220 , and a second flat edge  222 . The first flat edge  220  can oppose the half-circle section  218 . The first and second flat edges  220 ,  222  can be adjacently disposed relative to each other at an approximately 90° angle, resulting in an L-shaped configuration. In particular, the second flat edge  222  can cut off a portion of the half-circle section  218 . The configuration of the cam  194  results in a first distance  226  between the first flat edge  220  and the half-circle section  218 , and a second distance  228  between the second flat edge  222  and the half-circle section  218 . The second distance  228  can be measured transverse to the first distance  226 . The second distance  228  is dimensioned greater than the first distance  226 . The first and second flat edges  220 ,  222  engage the inner surfaces of the central opening  172  of the valve arm  152  to maintain the valve arm  152  in the closed or open position. Due to the difference in size of the first and second distances  226 ,  228 , rotation of the cam  194  varies the engagement with the valve arm  152  and whether the spring  166  is compressed or allowed to expand. During rotation of the cam  194  within the central opening  172  of the valve arm  152 , the rounded configuration of the half-circle section  218  engages inner surfaces of the central opening  172  to allow for smooth rotation of the cam  194  and actuation of the valve arm  152 . 
     In particular, in the closed position (e.g., the second orifice  146  is closed), the lever arm  192  can be rotated to the first endpoint position, resulting in rotation of the cam  194  to an orientation with the first flat edge  220  disposed against and engaging an actuation surface  224  of the central opening  172  of the valve arm  152 . Due to the half-circle configuration of the cam  194  and the smaller dimension of the first distance  226 , positioning the first flat edge  220  against the actuation surface  224  provides room for the valve arm  152  to translate in the direction of the second orifice  146 . The additional translation room allows the spring  166  to expand, bias and translate the valve arm  152  against the second fitting  136 , thereby covering and closing the second orifice  146 . In the open position (e.g., the second orifice  146  is open), the lever arm  192  can be rotated to the second endpoint position, resulting in rotation of the cam  194  to an orientation with the second flat edge  222  disposed against and engaging the actuation surface  224  of the central opening  172  of the valve arm  152 . Due to the larger dimension of the second distance  228 , positioning the second flat edge  222  against the actuation surface  224  translates the valve arm  152  away from the second fitting  136 , overcomes the bias of the spring  166  and compresses the spring  166 , thereby uncovering and opening the second orifice  146 . Thus, closing and opening of the second orifice  146  is accomplished via spring pressure and is preferably not required to be dependent on tight tolerances. 
     Due to the orientation of the first and second flat edges  220 ,  222 , the difference in dimension of the first and second distances  226 ,  228  of the cam  194 , and the continued biasing force of the spring  166 , a spring-loaded snapping action is generated that prevents the lever arm  192  from being positioned at an intermediate position between the first and second endpoint positions. Thus, the snapping action ensures that the valve arm  152  is either in an open position or a closed position, preventing undesired gas flow through the second orifice  146 . As a result, the exemplary device  100  allows for switching between two different gas types while maintaining proper gas flow through the device  100 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  provide perspective views of a prototype  300  of the exemplary device  100 . The prototype  300  is substantially similar in structure and function to the device  100 . Therefore, like reference numbers represent like structures. In  FIG. 9 , the prototype  300  is mounted between a gas valve  310  and a blower  320  of a swimming pool heater. In particular, the inlet  138  of the prototype  300  is mounted to the outlet of the gas valve  310  and the outlet  118  is mounted to the inlet of the blower  320 . The design of the prototype  300  allows the swimming pool heater to function with two different types of gases and ensures that proper gas flow is passing through the swimming pool heater. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , side and cross-sectional views of a second embodiment of an exemplary gas switching device  400  (hereinafter “device  400 ”) are provided. The device  400  can be substantially similar in structure and function to the device  100 , except for the distinctions noted herein. Therefore, like reference numbers are used to describe like structures. 
     In particular, rather than including a circumferential flange  140  directly at the proximal end  120  for attachment of the proximal end  120  to a gas source (e.g., a gas valve), the proximal end  120  of the device  400  can define a piston style O-ring connection mechanism  402  (e.g., a mating connector). The connection mechanism  402  generally includes a circumferential flange  404  spaced from the proximal end  120  by a distance  406 . The flange  404  can define a circumferential step  414 . In between the proximal end  120  and the circumferential flange  404 , the connection mechanism  402  includes a circumferential groove  408  configured and dimensioned to receive therein a seal  410  (e.g., an O-ring). In some embodiments, the proximal end  120  can include an outwardly tapered inlet edge  412 . 
       FIG. 11  shows the proximal end  120  of the device  400  mated relative to a gas source  500  (e.g., a gas valve). The gas source  500  generally includes a receiving portion  502  with an opening  504  configured and dimensioned to receive the proximal end  120  of the device  400  therein. The distal end of the receiving portion  502  includes a circumferential flange  506  with a circumferential step  508 . The circumferential flange  506  and circumferential step  508  can be substantially complementary to the circumferential flange  404  and circumferential step  414  of the device  400 . The proximal end  120  of the device  400  can be inserted into the opening  504  the distance  406  until the circumferential flanges  404 ,  506  abut each other. The seal  410  maintains a fluid tight connection between the device  400  and the gas source  500 . 
       FIGS. 12-14  show disassembled and assembled views of the device  400  and the gas source  500 . For clarity, only the receiving portion  502  of the gas source  500  is shown.  FIG. 12  shows the device  400  and the gas source  500  prior to assembly, and  FIGS. 13 and 14  show the proximal end  120  of the device  400  inserted into the receiving portion  502  of the gas source with the circumferential flanges  404 ,  506  abutting each other. 
     The assembly includes a spring retainer clip  510  for securing the device  400  relative to the gas source  500 . The retainer clip  510  can define a substantially C-shaped configuration with two ends  512 ,  514  biased towards each other. The body  516  of the retainer clip  510  includes an elongated slot  518  extending between the two ends  512 ,  514 . The slot  518  can be configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive therein both of the circumferential flanges  404 ,  506 . In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the retainer clip  510  can be snapped over the connection mechanism formed by the abutting circumferential flanges  404 ,  506  such that at least a portion of the circumferential flanges  404 ,  506  extends into and through the slot  518 . Due to the interlocked position of the circumferential flanges  404 ,  506  relative to the slot  518 , the retainer clip  510  prevents separation between the device  400  and the gas source  500 . Thus, a quick release connection mechanism can be used for connections between the device  400  and the gas source  500 . The exemplary quick release mechanism provides an efficient and easy-to-use mechanism for coupling and separating the components of the assembly, and advantageously eliminates the potential problem of over-torquing threads when creating a fluid-tight seal between the components of the assembly. 
     While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.