Double Disk Gate Valve Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-plate slide valves face issues with locking the actuating rod and slide plates in a firmly defined position, leading to suboptimal sealing due to wear and varying compression paths, which can result in leaks and inefficient force distribution, requiring strong materials and additional space for the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A locking device that moves longitudinally with the actuating rod, allowing for variable locking based on the current closed position of the slide plates, ensuring maximum contact pressure and compensating for varying compression paths, using a threaded section and locking nut with hydraulic or pneumatic drive for precise locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking wedge is used to fix the actuating rod in a firmly defined position, then the locking position is stable and reliable, but the slide plates cannot be brought into the optimal closed position with maximum sealing force due to wear and varying compression paths
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to be movable along the actuating rod rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to varying compression paths and wear conditions. The locking device can be positioned at different locations on the actuating rod to compensate for changes in the compression path, ensuring that the slide plates always reach the optimal closed position with maximum sealing force while maintaining reliable locking.
2Device complexity
If the locking device is firmly positioned on the actuating rod, then the locking mechanism is simple and robust, but the actuating rod moves back 2-3 mm after reaching closed position causing leakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to move along the actuating rod and can be positioned to engage at the exact moment when the slide plates reach the closed position, preventing any backward movement. The locking device engages with a locking element on the actuating rod to prevent reversal, ensuring sealing reliability without requiring excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If a locking wedge moved perpendicularly to the actuating rod is used, then locking can be achieved, but additional space is required and strong materials are needed to handle the full opening force
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the locking device perpendicularly to the actuating rod, the invention moves the locking device longitudinally along the actuating rod. This dimensional change allows the locking mechanism to be more compact and better integrated with the actuating rod, reducing the space required while maintaining locking capability.
4Device complexity
If the locking device is positioned firmly, then the structure is simple, but the compression path variation of 12 mm +/- 8 mm cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed with movable positioning along the actuating rod, allowing it to adapt to compression path variations of 12 mm +/- 8 mm. The locking device can be positioned at different locations to compensate for these variations, ensuring proper locking despite changes in the compression path while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Double-plate slide valve (10) whose locking or sliding plates (16, 17) can be moved from an open to a closed position and vice versa by means of an actuating rod (21), wherein the actuating rod (21) is associated with a locking device (31) by means of which the sliding plates (16, 17) together with the actuating rod (21) can be fixed in the closed position. The locking device (31) is movable in the longitudinal direction of the actuating rod (21) relative to it from an unlocked to a locked position and vice versa, wherein the locking position is variable depending on the closed position of the slide valve with a predetermined maximum contact force of the sliding plates (16, 17) on the associated slide valve housing sealing seats.