Butterfly Valve Lockout Bar for Unauthorized Rotation Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems lack effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized opening or closing, particularly when operated by motorized actuators, posing risks in applications like water and petroleum control.
Innovation Solution
A valve lockout system featuring a lockout plate and bar with a recess, allowing controlled access by positioning the lockout bar to either allow or prevent rotation of the valve shaft, thereby locking the valve in either open or closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a valve is operated by a motorized actuator for remote or local control, then the valve operation flexibility and automation are improved, but the risk of unauthorized operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lockout bar as an intermediary mechanical component between the actuator and valve shaft. This bar can be positioned to either engage with the valve shaft (preventing rotation) or disengage (allowing rotation), serving as a mediator that controls whether the actuator's rotational force is transmitted to the valve. This resolves the contradiction by adding a physical intermediary that prevents unauthorized operation while preserving automated control capability when the lockout is removed.
2Reliability
If a lockout mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized valve operation, then security and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout system is segmented into distinct functional components: a lockout bar with notches, a lockout plate with corresponding features, and a locking mechanism. The lockout bar is a separate removable component that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the security function to be added without redesigning the entire valve system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a complex active locking mechanism that requires power or complex actuation, the patent uses an inverted approach: the default state allows free rotation, and security is achieved by inserting a simple passive bar that physically blocks rotation. The lockout bar with its notches and the lockout plate create a simple mechanical interlock that prevents unauthorized operation without requiring complex control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If a lockout bar with multiple notch positions is used to control valve shaft rotation, then access control precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout bar has different local features at different positions: notches at specific locations that engage with corresponding features on the valve shaft or lockout plate. Each notch position provides a specific locking state (preventing rotation in one direction while allowing it in another). This local differentiation of the bar's geometry allows precise control of valve shaft rotation without requiring high overall manufacturing precision across the entire component.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to valve lockout systems, including valve lockout systems for use with an actuator and butterfly valves. The lockout system allows controlled access to operation of the valve, either to prevent intentional or unintentional operation of the valve. Thus, the lockout system prevents the unauthorized opening or closing of the valve. The lockout system includes a lockout plate in which a lockout bar is positioned. The lockout bar includes a surface containing a recess. Depending upon the location of the recess the valve shaft can be opened or closed.