External Slam-Shut Mechanism for Accessible Fluid Regulator Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slam-shut safety devices in fluid regulators are often inaccessible, complicating normal line startup, maintenance, and troubleshooting due to their integrated position within the regulator.
Innovation Solution
A slam-shut mechanism that operatively connects a slam-shut control element of a fluid regulator with a controller, featuring a shaft, cam, latching pin, latch, and lever, allowing the slam-shut control element to move between fully open and closed positions responsive to the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the slam-shut device is integrated within the regulator body, then the device structure is compact, but the slam-shut device becomes inaccessible for maintenance and troubleshooting
Solution Approach 1:
The slam-shut device is separated from the regulator body into an independent, externally mounted unit. This segmentation allows the slam-shut mechanism to be accessed, maintained, and troubleshooted independently while the regulator body remains compact and functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The slam-shut device is extracted from the internal structure of the regulator body and repositioned as an external component. This extraction provides direct accessibility to the slam-shut mechanism for maintenance operations while maintaining the integrated functionality between the regulator and slam-shut device through operational linkage.
2Ease of operation
If the slam-shut device is positioned between input and output, then the device achieves compact integration, but user access is blocked depending on installation configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The slam-shut device is repositioned from an internal location between input and output to an external dimension on the regulator housing. This dimensional relocation allows users to access the slam-shut mechanism from any direction depending on installation orientation, eliminating accessibility blockages while maintaining compact overall device dimensions.
3Ease of repair
If the slam-shut mechanism is made accessible externally, then maintenance is facilitated, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The external slam-shut mechanism incorporates universal mounting and linkage features that allow it to interface with various regulator configurations. The mechanism maintains functional integration with the regulator through shared operational components while providing external accessibility, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing overall device 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 provides enhanced accessibility and facilitation of maintenance by allowing the slam-shut mechanism to be moved and accessed independently, improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a cam carried by the shaft, the cam having a cam surface adapted to be operatively connected to the slam-shut control element
Implementation Method 2
a latch, and a lever operably connected to the latch, the lever adapted to be selectively engaged by the controller. Responsive to the controller engaging the lever, the latch is movable from a first position, in which the latch securely retains the latching pin
Data Source
AI summary
A slam-shut mechanism for operatively connecting a slam-shut control element of a fluid regulator with a controller for the control element. The mechanism includes a shaft and a cam carried by the shaft and having a cam surface adapted to be operatively connected to the slam-shut control element. The mechanism also includes a latching pin carried by the shaft, a latch, and a lever operably connected to the latch and adapted to be selectively engaged by the controller. When the controller engages the lever, the latch is movable from a first position, in which the latch securely retains the latching pin, such that the cam surface is arranged to retain the slam-shut control element in a fully open position, to a second position, in which the latching pin is released from the latch, thereby allowing the slam-shut control element to move from the fully open position to a closed position.