Cam-Operated Manhole Locking Mechanism for Reactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manhole opening/closing devices for reactors are inefficient, prone to corrosion, require significant maintenance, and fail to adapt to various reactor types and deformations, especially in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, and do not allow for rapid or tool-free operation.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring an intermediate flange with sealing gaskets and cam-operated locking systems that can be easily secured to the reactor, allowing for quick opening and closing without tools, and accommodating reactor deformations, with a compact design that is adaptable to all types of reactors and resistant to chemical corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional stud and nut tightening system is used to secure the buffer to the flange, then the connection is reliable and firm, but the opening and closing operation becomes very time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded fastening system (studs and nuts requiring manual tightening) with a cam-based mechanical locking system. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion into linear displacement to apply closing force and secure the buffer to the flange through interlocking surfaces, eliminating the need for threading operations and significantly reducing operation time while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic elements including the cam mechanism that can rapidly transition between locked and unlocked positions, and the spring element that provides continuous closing force. These dynamic components enable quick opening and closing operations while maintaining reliable connection during the closed state, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple studs are distributed around the flange periphery to ensure uniform tightening force, then the sealing is improved, but the number of components and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated cam mechanism for each locking system. Instead of using multiple independent studs distributed around the flange, the cam mechanism simultaneously engages with the flange at multiple points through its geometry, providing uniform distribution of closing force while reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall system structure.
3Device complexity
If the locking system is placed under the buffer closing the manhole, then the structure is compact, but the device is exposed to corrosive chemicals and suffers rapid deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate flange as a mediator between the buffer and the reactor flange. This intermediate flange serves as a protective barrier that shields the cam-based locking system from direct exposure to corrosive chemicals inside the reactor. The locking system remains structurally compact while the intermediate flange provides corrosion protection, resolving the contradiction between compactness and chemical resistance.
4Productivity
If a linkage system is used to simultaneously actuate multiple locking means, then the opening/closing operation is faster, but the device becomes bulky and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking system into multiple independent but identical cam-based units distributed around the flange periphery. Each unit operates independently to lock or unlock the buffer, eliminating the need for complex linkage systems that connect multiple locking points. This segmentation approach maintains fast operation speed while reducing overall device complexity, bulkiness, and fragility by using simple, robust individual units instead of interconnected mechanisms.
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
Enables rapid and efficient opening/closing of reactor manholes, ensuring a secure seal across a wide temperature and pressure range, with simplified maintenance and compatibility with various reactor configurations, while being resistant to chemical damage and requiring minimal physical effort.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating ring (31) having a cam (24) designed to lock the buffer (5) when it is pivoted into the closed position and to disengage the buffer (5) when it is pivoted into the open position
Implementation Method 2
The rotating ring (31) is rotated by a friction joint provided between the rotating ring (31) and the manipulation member (26) so that when the manipulation member (26) is pivoted, the ring rotating is also rotated
Data Source
AI summary
This opening/closing device (1) includes an intermediate flange (11) intended to be secured to the flange (4) of the manhole (2, 6), between this flange and the cover (5); a first sealing gasket provided between the intermediate flange and the flange of the pipe or branch; a second sealing gasket provided between the upper face of the intermediate flange and the lower face of the cover; and locking systems (22) mounted on the intermediate flange.The locking systems each comprise an operating member (26) and a rotating ring (31) having a cam (24) designed to lock the pad when pivoted in the closed position and to release the pad when pivoted in the open position, the rotation of the operating member causing the vertical displacement and pivoting of the cam so that it can lock or unlock the pad according to the direction of rotation of the operating member.