Gate Valve Cable Assembly with Radially Contractible Fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing gate valve assemblies in recreational vehicles are inefficient and labor-intensive, requiring unnecessary steps and time, especially when the handle needs to be installed near the valve, which is often located underneath the vehicle, making it inconvenient and messy.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly with a radially contractible and expandable component that penetrates the panel from the inside to the outside, allowing secure mounting with a locking nut, and a pivotable handle that pivots from vertical to horizontal to facilitate easier installation and reduce labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large nut and washer are used to secure the cable end to the panel from outside the panel, then the cable can be securely mounted, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The cable end is segmented into multiple functional components: a collar for engagement, a threaded portion for adjustment, and a securement mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall installation time while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is pre-formed with engagement features that automatically engage with the panel opening as the cable is inserted. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate alignment and manual securing steps, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable mounting.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is installed close to the gate valve underneath the vehicle, then the valve operation is straightforward, but the installation becomes inconvenient and messy
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is extended through the panel to a location outside the vehicle, changing the spatial dimension of operation from underneath the vehicle to the exterior surface. This dimensional change allows operators to access the handle in a clean, convenient location while the cable assembly maintains its connection to the valve underneath the vehicle.
3Productivity
If pre-attached cable assemblies are used, then only one trip underneath the vehicle is needed, but the installation still requires multiple steps including guiding the cable, securing it, and attaching the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The collar, cable end, and handle attachment features are merged into an integrated assembly. The collar serves both as a securing mechanism for the panel and as a mounting point for the handle, combining multiple functions into a single component that reduces the number of installation steps while maintaining productivity gains.
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 significantly reduces installation time and effort by allowing the cable assembly to be pre-attached and secured from the inside to the outside of the panel with fewer steps, making the process quicker, easier, and more cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a radially contractible and expandable component (360) that contracts to penetrate the opening (50) and expands to abut the outside surface (86)
Data Source
AI summary
A valve construction for use with a holding or waste removal tank of a vehicle is provided and includes a gate valve having a valve closure member, and at least one panel having an opening extending from an inside surface to an outside surface connected to the vehicle. Also provided is an axially moveable cable with a first end connected to the gate valve to impart movement to the valve closure member and a second end having a terminus, and a first and second means for securing the second end to the panel. The first means is radially contractible and expandable for penetrating the opening by contracting as it is moved to penetrate through the inside surface of the panel and expanding as it is moved to exit the opening through the outside surface of the panel whereupon it abuts the outside surface. The second means adapts to tightly abut the inside surface of the panel to cooperate with the first means to enable the secure mounting of the second end of the cable to the panel. A handle assembly with a pivotable handle is also provided, and typically is pre-attached to the terminus of the second end before and as the second end is guided through the opening from the inside of the panel.