Electronic Pipe Lock for Stationary Vessel Inlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing and managing the unloading of bulk commodities into stationary storage vessels are prone to human error, leading to incorrect material delivery and mixing, which results in significant losses and manufacturing disruptions due to the reliance on manual sign-off and multi-key padlocks, which are time-consuming and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
An electronic pipe lock system that automates the unlocking process by using a controller unit to selectively unlock the appropriate inlet pipe for the correct storage vessel, minimizing human intervention and ensuring accurate material delivery through a combination of electronic and mechanical locking mechanisms, including a retractable rod or rotating disc lock, and a self-latching mechanism that secures the pipe cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sign-off and multi-key padlocks are used for securing pipe inlets, then security and access control are provided, but human error increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking systems (multi-key padlocks) with an automated electronic locking system. The electronic pipe lock uses a motorized actuator to rotate a locking element, controlled by an electronic controller that receives signals from mobile devices or computing devices. This substitution eliminates manual intervention, reducing both time consumption and human error while maintaining security through electronic access control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where authorized users can unlock pipe inlets independently using mobile devices or computing devices with appropriate credentials. The electronic controller automatically processes unlock requests without requiring manual sign-off from multiple personnel, allowing the system to serve itself and reducing dependency on human coordination while maintaining proper authorization protocols.
2Ease of operation
If manual sign-off processes are used, then access control is maintained, but human error and material mixing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking systems (multi-key padlocks) with an automated electronic locking system. The electronic pipe lock uses a motorized actuator to rotate a locking element, controlled by an electronic controller that receives signals from mobile devices or computing devices. This substitution eliminates manual intervention, reducing both time consumption and human error while maintaining security through electronic access control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the electronic controller receives signals from mobile devices or computing devices, processes authorization information, and provides status feedback about the locking state. The system can communicate whether the pipe inlet is locked or unlocked, and whether authorization was successful, allowing users to verify the system state without manual checking, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability.
3Productivity
If electronic pipe lock system is implemented, then time efficiency and accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic pipe lock system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical locking through the actuator and locking element, electronic control through the controller, communication with mobile devices and computing devices, and status indication. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional device, the system achieves high productivity through automated operation while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical locking mechanism (actuator with locking element), the electronic control system (controller), and the communication interface (signals from mobile/computing devices) into an integrated electronic pipe lock system. This consolidation combines multiple subsystems into a unified device that operates automatically, improving productivity while containing complexity through integration rather than requiring separate manual systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for securing storage vessel inlet pipes may include (i) an actuator, configured to be anchored to an inlet pipe that includes a movable portion, (ii) a cap lock configured to secure to a cap for the inlet pipe and that (a) secures to the movable portion of the actuator when the actuator is in an extended position and (b) releases from the actuator when the movable portion is retracted, and (iii) a control unit configured to, in response to receiving an unlock signal, trigger the actuator to retract the movable portion of the actuator.