Dual-Valve Handle With Flexible Arm Lockout for Precise Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve handles for dual-valve assemblies are often cumbersome and expensive to manufacture, and they do not easily accommodate compact system designs, lacking efficient lockout features and precise control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A dual-valve assembly with a handle featuring a flexible arm and a lock edge that fits within a notch on the valve plate, allowing for precise positioning and locking, and constructed using additive manufacturing for reduced material waste and cost, enabling compact designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional rigid handle structures are used for dual-valve assemblies, then manufacturing precision and structural strength are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing traditional rigid handle structures with a flexible arm that can dynamically adapt its shape. The flexible arm bends to engage with notches on the valve plate, providing precise positioning while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction by achieving positioning precision without requiring complex rigid mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the physical state of the handle from rigid to flexible. The flexible arm's ability to change its curvature and conform to the notch geometry allows it to achieve precise positioning. This parameter change in material rigidity enables the handle to maintain both precision and simplicity, avoiding the complexity of traditional rigid mechanisms.
2Volume of moving object
If compact dual-valve assembly designs are implemented, then space utilization is improved, but ease of operation and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible arm's dynamic bending capability allows the handle to maintain a compact form factor while still providing adequate leverage for operation. When engaged with the notch, the flexible arm creates a mechanical advantage that enables easy rotation despite the compact design. This resolves the contradiction by allowing compact dimensions without sacrificing operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible arm acts as an intermediary between the operator's input and the valve shaft rotation. Its ability to bend and engage with the notch creates a mechanical linkage that amplifies the operator's force, making it easier to rotate the valves even in a compact configuration. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between compact size and operational ease.
3Reliability
If lockout features are added to the handle, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible arm provides self-service locking functionality by naturally engaging with the notch through its bending action. The geometry of the flexible arm and notch creates a self-locking mechanism where the flexible material's elasticity maintains the locked position without requiring additional locks or complex mechanisms. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable lockout through the flexible arm's inherent properties rather than adding separate locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible arm itself serves as the locking feature, utilizing the properties of flexible materials to create a simple yet reliable lockout mechanism. The flexible arm's ability to bend and snap into the notch provides positive locking without requiring rigid mechanical locks, pins, or complex assemblies. This approach maintains reliability while minimizing structural complexity.
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
The solution allows for efficient, cost-effective, and compact dual-valve assemblies with enhanced lockout features, enabling precise control and reduced manufacturing costs while maintaining operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The handle includes a body and a flexible arm coupled to and extending from the body. The flexible arm has a lock edge sized to fit within the notch to limit rotation of the handle relative to the first and second valves.
Data Source
AI summary
Valve handles and dual-valve assemblies having handles are disclosed herein. An example dual-valve assembly includes a first valve having a first shaft. The first valve has a plate with a notch. The dual-valve assembly also includes a second valve having a second shaft. The dual-valve assembly further includes a handle coupled to the first and second shafts, such that when the handle is rotated, the first and second shafts are rotated simultaneously. The handle includes a body and a flexible arm coupled to and extending from the body. The flexible arm has a lock edge sized to fit within the notch to limit rotation of the handle relative to the first and second valves.