Disengaging Handle Assembly for Bottom Outlet Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tank cars equipped with bottom outlet valves (BOVs) are susceptible to leaks due to the operating handle inadvertently opening during train movement or accidents, caused by vibrations or deformation forces.
Innovation Solution
A disengaging handle assembly that disconnects mechanically from the BOV when not in use, featuring mechanisms like four-bar linkages, slot and taper pin systems, and locator pins to prevent accidental operation, ensuring the handle remains disengaged during transit and only engages when the BOV is intentionally opened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle remains mechanically connected to the BOV, then the BOV can be easily opened and closed during operation, but the handle may inadvertently open the BOV during train movement or accidents due to vibration or deformation forces
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly transitions from a static connected state to a dynamic disengageable state. The handle is designed to be mechanically connected to the BOV during operation for ease of use, but can be disengaged when not in use to prevent accidental opening. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between operational ease and safety reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is divided into separable components: the handle itself and the BOV connection mechanism. This segmentation allows the handle to be disconnected from the BOV when not in use, eliminating the risk of accidental opening while maintaining easy operation when connected and needed.
2Reliability
If the handle is disconnected from the BOV when not in use, then accidental opening is prevented, but the mechanism becomes more complex with additional engagement and disengagement components
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is extracted from the permanent connection to the BOV, creating a removable assembly. This extraction allows the handle to be disconnected when not in use to prevent accidental opening, while the connection mechanism itself remains relatively simple, minimizing the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the handle and the BOV. This intermediary component enables both connection and disconnection states, providing the necessary functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized mechanical interfaces.
3Device complexity
If a permanent mechanical connection is used between the handle and BOV, then the structure remains simple, but the BOV is susceptible to leaks during train movement or accidents due to inadvertent handle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly transitions from a static connected state to a dynamic disengageable state. The handle is designed to be mechanically connected to the BOV during operation for ease of use, but can be disengaged when not in use to prevent accidental opening. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between operational ease and safety reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is extracted from the permanent connection to the BOV, creating a removable assembly. This extraction allows the handle to be disconnected when not in use to prevent accidental opening, while the connection mechanism itself remains relatively simple, minimizing the added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly for an outlet valve for a tank, where the outlet valve has a stem that is actuated to open and close the outlet valve, is provided. The handle assembly includes a handle. A shaft is attached to the handle, and an adapter attached to the shaft. A bracket is adapted to mount the shaft to the tank so that the shaft is pivotally mounted with respect to the tank and movable with respect to the outlet valve between an engaged position, where the adapter is connected to the stem, and a disengaged position, where the adapter is disconnected from the stem.