Pressure Vessel Closure With Interlocked Locking Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick actuating closures for pressure vessels and pipelines lack effective safety mechanisms to prevent unintentional operation and ensure redundancy in holding elements, leading to potential safety hazards and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A clamp-style closure device with a split annular ring and toggle mechanism, featuring a locking pin and pressure alert stem assembly that requires differential pressure release before the closure can be opened, ensuring safe operation and redundancy through a secure locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a quick actuating closure mechanism is used for rapid access to pressure vessels, then access speed is improved, but safety against unintentional operation under pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism requires preliminary verification of pressure conditions through the pressure alert stem before the locking pin can be removed. This preliminary action ensures that the closure is only opened when it is safe to do so, preventing unintentional operation under pressure while maintaining quick access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure alert stem acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the pressure environment and the locking pin. It provides a mediating verification step that must be completed before the closure can be opened, ensuring safety without significantly impeding the quick access function.
2Reliability
If a locking pin mechanism is used to secure the closure, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure alert stem must be verified in the safe position before the locking pin can be removed. This preliminary verification ensures reliable secure locking while maintaining operational simplicity through a clear, sequential process that guides the operator through necessary safety checks.
3Reliability
If redundancy is added to the holding elements to prevent accidental opening, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure alert stem serves as a compact intermediary component that provides safety redundancy without significantly increasing overall device complexity. It integrates into the existing closure mechanism and provides a verification function that prevents accidental opening under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure alert stem is nested within the existing closure assembly structure, integrating the safety verification function into the available space without adding significant external complexity. The component fits within the existing mechanical framework of the closure device.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure is provided for a pressure vessel or pipelines that can provide quick and easy access to the interior of a pressure vessel or pipeline, and means for a pressure tight seal between the hub and door. The closure can incorporate means for mechanically fastening the door to the hub using an external split clamp ring actuated by a toggle mechanism. A locking mechanism can be provided to safeguard against unintended closure actuation, and provides a layer of redundancy to the holding characteristics of the toggle mechanism. The locking mechanism can be interlocked to a pressure alert system to ensure any differential pressure condition contained within the closure is detected prior to disengaging the locking mechanism and actuating the toggle mechanism.