Actuating Key with Deformable Rod for Valve Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keys for adjusting underground pipeline shut-off valves are heavy, difficult to handle, and pose a risk of sudden, abrupt movement when opening, leading to injuries due to high forces and moments required for operation.
Innovation Solution
A key rod made partially or entirely of plastic, with at least the lower partial rod designed to be elastically deformable, providing a damping effect to absorb sudden forces and reduce the risk of injury, and incorporating edge protection and reflectors for improved safety and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the key rod is made of steel to withstand high forces and moments, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the weight increases and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The key rod combines steel partial rods for strength with plastic coating for weight reduction. The steel core provides the necessary mechanical strength to withstand high forces and moments when opening closures, while the plastic coating reduces the overall weight and improves handling. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between strength and weight by integrating two materials with complementary properties.
2Strength
If the key rod is made of steel to withstand high forces, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome handling
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic-coated steel key rod reduces weight while maintaining strength, making the key easier to handle and operate. The reduced weight decreases the physical effort required to maneuver the key, improving ease of operation without compromising the strength needed to open stubborn closures.
3Productivity
If high forces are applied to open closures that have not been operated for a long time, then the closure opens, but the operator risks injury from sudden movement
Solution Approach 1:
The key rod incorporates elastic elements that act as a cushioning mechanism before the closure opens. When high forces are applied to stubborn closures, the elastic components deform and absorb the sudden release energy, preventing the abrupt movement that could injure the operator. This beforehand cushioning allows the closure to open while protecting the operator from harmful sudden movements.
4Weight of moving object
If the key rod is made lighter to improve handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength may be insufficient to withstand high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The steel-plastic composite structure provides both reduced weight and sufficient strength. The steel core maintains the mechanical strength needed to withstand high forces and moments, while the plastic coating reduces the overall weight. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between weight reduction for easier handling and maintaining sufficient strength for opening stubborn closures.
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
The solution results in a lightweight, easy-to-handle key that gently opens valves, reducing the risk of injury from sudden movements and improving visibility with integrated reflectors.
Implementation Method 1
at least the lower partial rod is designed to be elastically deformable about its longitudinal axis, so that the lower partial rod is elastically deformed in a targeted manner during operation, initially when rotating about the longitudinal axis and when suddenly opening of the valve in the opposite direction to its original shape, thus dampening the opening impact
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The key (1) has three partial rods (5-7) interconnected with a key bar (3), where a lower part of the third partial rod is elastically formed about a longitudinal axis (9). A linkage unit (2) is made of plastic and carbon. A shoulder is provided between a middle part of the second partial rod and the lower part of third partial rod, where the second and third partial rods are arranged with each other. The lower part of third partial rod is provided with an internal profile and equipped with a metal insert and edge protection parts (18).