Cable Valve Lockout Cover for Tool-Free Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lockout devices for valves and valve stems require multiple steps and tools for installation, are limited by the size of the valve stem, and have a higher risk of losing separable components due to their complex design involving hose clamps.
Innovation Solution
A lockout device with a cover that can be placed over the valve stem, using a cable looped around the valve or pipe and secured with a cable lockout module, which eliminates the need for hose clamps and tools, and is highly adjustable to fit various sizes, reducing the number of components and potential losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hose clamp is used to secure the lockout device to the valve stem, then the lockout device can be securely attached, but multiple tools and installation steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the hose clamp component entirely from the lockout device assembly. Instead of using a separate hose clamp to secure the device to the valve stem, the cover itself is designed to directly enclose and secure the valve stem through its opening, eliminating the need for additional fastening tools and steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the functions of the cover and the securing mechanism into a single integrated component. The cover structure incorporates the opening that directly receives and secures the valve stem, merging what were previously separate functions (cover protection and hose clamp fastening) into one unified design
2Reliability
If a hose clamp is used to secure the lockout device, then attachment is possible, but the valve stem must be large enough to accommodate the hose clamp
Solution Approach 1:
The cover opening is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate valve stems of various sizes. The opening structure can adjust to different diameters and shapes, allowing the same lockout device to securely fit small, medium, and large valve stems without requiring size-specific components or adjustments
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separable components are used in the lockout device, then assembly is possible, but the risk of losing components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates multiple previously separable components into fewer unified parts. The cable lockout module combines the cable retention mechanism, locking interface, and mounting features into a single integrated unit that attaches to the cover, reducing the total number of separable components and minimizing the risk of loss
Solution Approach 2:
The cable lockout module incorporates nested structures where smaller functional elements are contained within the main module housing. The cable retention features, locking mechanisms, and mounting elements are nested within the module's structure, creating a compact integrated assembly that is less prone to component separation and loss
Data Source
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AI summary
A lockout device can be used to secure a valve, a valve stem, or other control. The lockout device includes a cover having an internal cavity and an opening about the internal cavity, a cable that is flexible, a cable attachment point attached to the cover to which the cable is attached at its securable end, and a cable lockout module attached to the cover. The cable lockout module includes a cable engagement element having a cable-receiving pathway extending therethrough for reception of a free end of the cable and selective securement thereof to create a cable loop. The cable lockout module further has a door. When the door is in a closed position, the cable engagement element is securely covered by the door and the door is lockable relative to a remainder of the cable lockout module to prevent the door from being opened.