Fluid Transfer Device Quick-Acting Shutoff Cam Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid transfer systems experience significant fluid emissions and operational challenges, including high torque requirements for closing valves, hazardous emissions, and cumbersome equipment handling, which lead to inefficiencies and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer device with a pilot valve mechanism that reduces the force needed to open the main valve when connected, a cam profile for quick shut-off, and a pivoting connector for easier alignment and handling, along with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional valve assemblies with levers or hand wheels are used to manage fluid flow, then the valve can be opened and closed, but excessive torque is required to close the valve during inadvertent emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical lever or hand wheel system with an electric motor-driven actuator system. The actuator uses an electric motor coupled with a gear mechanism to provide the necessary torque for valve closure, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing the physical force requirement from the operator's side.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve closure operation is performed as a periodic automated action through the actuator system. The actuator receives control signals and executes closure commands at specific intervals or upon detection of emission events, transforming the continuous manual effort into discrete automated periodic actions.
2Productivity
If levers or actuators require a high degree of rotation (90 degrees or more) to close valve assemblies, then the valve can be closed, but extra effort and time result in large amounts of unnecessary fluid emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is pre-positioned and pre-charged with operational readiness. When a closure command is received, the actuator immediately begins rotation without requiring manual assembly or preparation, and the automated control system monitors the rotation to ensure complete closure is achieved within the optimized time frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual rotation mechanism is replaced with an electric motor-driven actuator that provides controlled rotational motion. The actuator's gear mechanism converts the motor's rotational output into the precise angular displacement needed for valve closure, enabling faster and more consistent operation compared to manual lever systems.
3Ease of operation
If the transfer device must be elevated and lined up accurately to the receiver for coupling, then proper connection is achieved, but the equipment is very heavy for an operator to carry and couple simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterweight mechanism that balances the heavy transfer device, reducing the effective weight that the operator must support during carrying and coupling operations. The counterweight system offsets a portion of the device's weight, making it easier for the operator to maneuver and position the equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling mechanism that serves as an intermediary between the transfer device and the receiver. This intermediary coupling system facilitates the connection process by providing alignment features and reducing the precision required for initial positioning, thereby easing the operator's task of coupling the heavy equipment.
4Reliability
If conventional coupling requires accurate alignment and simultaneous carrying of heavy equipment, then proper connection is achieved, but body strain occurs to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight mechanism reduces the effective load on the operator during equipment handling, minimizing body strain while maintaining the ability to achieve reliable connections. By offsetting a portion of the equipment weight, the operator can maneuver and position the heavy transfer device with reduced physical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The specialized coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary that accommodates minor misalignments and reduces the precision requirements for connection. This intermediary system ensures reliable coupling while requiring less strenuous operator effort during the alignment and connection process.
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 minimizes fluid emissions, reduces operator effort, and simplifies the coupling process, enhancing the efficiency and safety of fluid transfers by allowing easier control of fluid communication and reducing the strain on operators during equipment handling.
Implementation Method 1
the pilot valve and the main valve are each moveable in response to the movement of the actuator with the pilot valve reaching the open-pilot valve position before the main valve reaches the open-main valve position
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer system includes a transfer device coupled to a dry break coupler. The transfer device includes a valve assembly moveable between an open and a closed position. The valve assembly includes a main valve and a pilot valve. An actuator controls both the main valve and the pilot valve. A cam plate interconnects the actuator and the valve assembly. The cam plate provides a quick acting shutoff to quickly move the valve assembly to the closed position. A pivotal and rotatable connector couples the transfer device to the dry break coupler. A lock is integrated with the actuator to lock the valve assembly in the closed position.