Fluid Conduit Interlock for Spill-Safe Quick Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid conduit systems lack a reliable mechanism for safe and quick release of fluid conduits without risking spillage, requiring lengthy safety sequences to avoid accidents.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conduit interlock system that includes retention members and a valve member linked by an interlock mechanism, allowing for safe retention and release of fluid conduits, with the interlock mechanism ensuring the valve stays closed when the conduit is released and open when retained, minimizing spillage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is used to control fluid flow without an interlock mechanism, then the valve can be operated independently, but the fluid conduit may be released while the valve is open causing spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve operation and conduit retention functions into a single interlocked system. The retention member and valve member are mechanically linked through an interlock mechanism that ensures they operate together - when the retention member releases the conduit, the valve automatically closes, and when the retention member secures the conduit, the valve is permitted to open. This merging eliminates the need for separate independent operations and prevents the hazardous state of an open valve with a released conduit.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the retention member and the valve member. It mediates their operations by controlling the permissibility of each action based on the state of the other. The interlock mechanism includes components that detect the position of the retention member and accordingly enable or disable the valve's opening capability, ensuring safe operation without requiring complex control systems.
2Reliability
If safety protocols are extended to prevent spillage during conduit release, then spillage risk is reduced, but the release process becomes lengthy and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock mechanism is pre-configured to automatically execute the safety action of closing the valve when the retention member is moved to release the conduit. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for operators to perform lengthy sequential safety checks and manual valve closures. The system is designed so that the safe state is automatically achieved through the mechanical interlocking, enabling quick release while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the safety function automatically without requiring external intervention. When the retention member is actuated to release the conduit, the interlock mechanism self-activates to close the valve, and when the retention member secures the conduit, the interlock mechanism self-enables the valve opening capability. This self-service approach eliminates the need for operators to follow extended safety protocols, achieving both safety and speed.
3Ease of operation
If the retention member can move freely between retention and release positions, then operation is simple, but the valve may be opened when the conduit is not properly retained
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock mechanism dynamically adjusts the operational freedom of the valve based on the state of the retention member. When the retention member is in the retained position, the interlock mechanism dynamically enables the valve to be opened. When the retention member moves to the release position, the interlock mechanism dynamically disables the valve opening capability. This dynamic control maintains operational simplicity for the retention member while ensuring reliable safe operation of the valve.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conduit interlock comprises at least one retention member for engaging a fluid conduit, the or each retention member configured to be movable between a retention position for retaining the fluid conduit and a release position for releasing the fluid conduit, a valve member configured to be movable between a valve open position for opening a hollow bore and a valve closed position for closing the hollow bore, and an interlock mechanism configured to operably link the movement of the or each retention member and the movement of the valve member so that the or each retention member in the release position locks the valve member in the valve closed position and so that the valve member in the valve open position locks the or each retention member in the retention position.