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 a four-bar linkage or slot and taper pin mechanisms to prevent accidental operation, ensuring the handle remains disengaged during transit and only engages when the BOV is intentionally opened or closed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a handle remains mechanically connected to the BOV during transit, then the BOV can be operated when needed, but the handle may inadvertently open the BOV due to vibration or deformation forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental BOV openingVSAvoidoperation of BOV handle

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly transitions from a static connected state to a dynamic disengageable state. The mechanism allows the handle to be mechanically connected to the BOV during operation and automatically disengages during transit, providing the necessary dynamic adaptation to resolve the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A link assembly acts as an intermediary between the handle and the BOV. This intermediate component enables controlled mechanical connection when needed and safe disconnection during transit, mediating between the operator's intent and the BOV operation while preventing inadvertent activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the handle is disconnected from the BOV during transit, then accidental operation is prevented, but the handle must be manually reconnected when operation is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of leaks during transportVSAvoidtime to reconnect handle

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is prepared in advance with the handle in a predetermined disengaged position for transit. The link assembly is pre-configured to automatically engage when the BOV is at the offloading location, eliminating the need for manual reconnection and reducing the time loss associated with reconnecting the handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a standard attached handle is used, then the structure is simple, but the BOV is susceptible to inadvertent operation during movement or accidents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of handle structureVSAvoidvibration and deformation forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handle system is segmented into distinct components: the handle itself, the link assembly, and the BOV coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the handle to be physically separated from the BOV during transit, preventing harmful vibration and deformation forces from inadvertently actuating the valve while maintaining operational capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9746873B2Disengaging handle assembly for a bottom outlet valve

Publication Date: 2017.08.29 UNION TANK CAR

AI summary

A handle assembly for an outlet valve for a tank, where the outlet valve has a coupler that is actuated to open and close the outlet valve, is provided. The handle assembly includes a handle with a shaft attached to the handle. The shaft has a tip. 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 tip of the shaft engages the coupler, and a disengaged position, where the tip of the shaft is disengaged from the coupler.