Arcuate Segment Cap for Pressure Vessel Quick Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems for pressure vessels, especially those submerged in water, lack efficient mechanisms for quick and easy opening, and often require complex and error-prone bolt removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A cap for a pressure vessel featuring a plate and a plurality of arcuate segments that can be radially moved by an actuator to engage or disengage from the pressure vessel, allowing for quick opening and closing without the need for individual bolt removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bolted closure systems are used for pressure vessels, then the closure can be securely fastened, but the opening process becomes time-consuming and complex requiring individual bolt removal
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into multiple arcuate segments that can move independently relative to the plate. Each segment is connected through guide arms that allow radial movement, enabling the segments to be quickly deployed or retracted without manual manipulation of individual fasteners. This segmentation transforms a complex bolted connection into a simplified mechanical deployment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system transitions from a static bolted connection to a dynamic mechanism where arcuate segments can radially move relative to the plate. The guide arms enable controlled radial motion of segments during deployment and retrieval, allowing the system to adapt its configuration quickly in response to operational needs without time-consuming manual operations.
2Productivity
If complex closure mechanisms are used to achieve quick opening, then opening speed improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated components. The guide arms simultaneously perform multiple functions: guiding radial movement of arcuate segments, transmitting actuation forces, and maintaining proper alignment during deployment. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall mechanism while achieving rapid opening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate segments serve multiple functions within the closure system. They provide structural support for the closure, create sealing surfaces against the pressure vessel, and act as the moving elements that enable quick deployment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional bolt removal processes are used, then the closure can be opened, but there is a risk of losing fastening components
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional bolt fastening elements are extracted and replaced with an integrated mechanical deployment system. Instead of using separate bolts that could be lost during removal, the arcuate segments themselves become the fastening mechanism through their radial movement and engagement with the pressure vessel flange. This extraction of traditional fasteners eliminates the risk of losing loose fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is designed to be self-contained with all fastening functions integrated into the arcuate segments and guide arms. The segments automatically engage and disengage from the pressure vessel through their radial movement, without requiring external fasteners or manual intervention. This self-service design ensures that no loose fastening components are available to be lost during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Present embodiments relate generally to a cap for a pressure vessel. More specifically, but without limitations, present embodiments relate to a cap for a pressure vessel, for non-limiting example a submerged pipeline or other pressurized structure wherein the cap engages a flange and the assembly is removable to open the pressure vessel at the flange.