Axial Locking Slide Plate for Insulated Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve locking mechanisms for insulated valves, particularly those used in hot or cold fluid systems, face challenges in providing reliable locking without interfering with the insulated valve body and pipes, as they often require additional components and complex designs to accommodate different valve diameters and prevent inadvertent movement.
Innovation Solution
A locking slide plate that extends axially and offset from the valve stem, with spaced-apart tines and a bias spring, selectively engages stop tabs on the valve body and handle, allowing for locking in open or closed positions using a minimal number of parts, and includes a compound locking mechanism with two sections to accommodate different diameters, ensuring reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional valve locking mechanisms are used on insulated valves, then the valve can be locked in position, but the locking mechanism interferes with the insulated valve body and pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a radial configuration (traditional locks that engage the valve body directly) to an axial configuration (locking slide plate that engages stop tabs along the valve stem axis). This dimensional change allows the locking mechanism to operate in a space that does not interfere with the radial insulation layers surrounding the valve body and pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from the main valve body structure and implemented through a separate, dedicated locking mechanism (locking slide plate, stop tabs, and locking member) that operates independently. This separation allows the locking mechanism to be designed specifically for axial engagement without compromising the insulation integrity of the valve body.
2Reliability
If additional locking components are added to accommodate insulated valves, then locking functionality is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism integrates multiple functions into a minimal set of components: the locking slide plate simultaneously engages stop tabs on the valve body, passes through the valve handle, and aligns with the locking member aperture. The stop tabs themselves serve dual purposes as both valve position indicators and locking engagement points, eliminating the need for separate locking surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking slide plate is designed as a universal component that can lock the valve in either the open or closed position by engaging different stop tabs. The same basic mechanism (slide plate with tines, spring bias, and aperture) works for both positions, providing multi-functionality without requiring position-specific locking components.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is designed for insulated valves, then it can lock the valve, but it cannot accommodate different valve diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs a spring-biased locking slide plate that can dynamically adjust its position along the axial direction. The spring allows the slide plate to float and accommodate variations in valve body diameter and stop tab positioning, while still maintaining reliable engagement. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same locking mechanism to work with different valve sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the engagement parameter from fixed radial positioning to adjustable axial positioning. By allowing the locking slide plate to move axially within the range permitted by the spring bias, the mechanism can adapt to different valve diameters and stop tab locations without requiring redesign or reconfiguration.
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 provides a reliable and efficient locking mechanism for insulated valves, allowing them to be securely locked in open or closed positions without disturbing the insulation, using a minimal number of parts and accommodating various valve diameters, thus preventing inadvertent movement and ensuring operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
includes a bias spring which urges the locking slide plate toward an unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A valve system includes a spring-biased locking slide plate which extends in an axial direction parallel to and offset from the axis of the valve stem and selectively extends through a base plate mounted to the top of a valve to selectively engage stop tabs on the valve body. The locking slide plate also extends through the valve handle and through a locking member to selectively lock the valve in open or closed positions. In one embodiment, the locking slide plate comprises two sections which include a lower section having tines which selectively engage tabs on the valve body and a second upper section which is spring-biased to the lower section to float to allow the lower section to accommodate different diameter valve bodies.