External Latching Safety Fitting for Fluid Line Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety fittings for fluid lines struggle with correct positioning of the blocking body in response to pressure and flow rate fluctuations within permissible values, requiring removal and replacement of springs for recalibration, which is impractical and delays system commissioning.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an adjustable latching unit that can be set externally, using a compression spring and spherical latching member, allowing for precise positioning of the blocking body without opening the fluid line, ensuring it remains in the neutral position until pressure or flow exceeds permissible limits, at which point it shifts to block the line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If springs are used to position the blocking body in the neutral middle position, then the blocking body can be held in the open position, but the positioning becomes incorrect when pressure or flow rate fluctuations occur within permissible values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect positioning of blocking bodyVSAvoidresponse to pressure and flow rate fluctuations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of the latching force by providing multiple latching units with different spring forces. This allows the system to adapt to different installation positions and operating conditions while maintaining reliable positioning of the blocking body within the permissible pressure and flow rate range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the positioning system dynamic by allowing the blocking body to transition between latched and unlatched states. The latching units can dynamically engage and disengage based on the operating conditions, enabling the system to respond to pressure and flow rate fluctuations while maintaining stable positioning when conditions are within permissible limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the blocking body and springs are removed and replaced for recalibration, then the positioning can be adjusted, but the system commissioning is significantly delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of blocking bodyVSAvoidsystem commissioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service adjustment by allowing the latching units to be adjusted from the outside of the safety fitting without opening the fluid line. The locking members can be manually positioned to engage with different positioning elements, enabling recalibration of the blocking body position without requiring disassembly or removal of components, thus avoiding commissioning delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If external intervention to change spring preload is attempted, then the positioning can be modified, but considerable technical effort is required and only to a limited extent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of spring forceVSAvoidease of adjusting spring preload

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables easy external adjustment by designing the latching units with locking members that can be manually operated from the outside of the safety fitting. The locking members can be engaged or disengaged from different positioning elements without requiring opening the fluid line or performing complex technical operations, making the adjustment process simple and accessible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables problem-free positioning of the blocking body within permissible pressure and flow values, preventing flow restriction and allowing for quick and secure closure when limits are exceeded, without the need for internal access or spring replacement, thus ensuring reliable operation and reducing commissioning delays.

Implementation Method 1

the latching unit has a compression spring, in particular a helical compression spring, acting on a spherical latching member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A latching force acting on the latching member of the latching unit can be adjusted from outside the safety fitting in the installed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatching force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2637748B1Safety fitting

Publication Date: 2017.03.29 BECKER DOMINIC

AI summary

The safety fitting (1) has a blocking element (8) that is restrained on both sides by springs (9) in a widened section (6) of a housing (2) that is provided with sealing seats (7). In the open position, the blocking element (8) is held in position by at least one detent unit (13) that acts transversally to the direction of movement (B) of said unit.