Gate Valve Stem Indicator Using Cam and Gear Position Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gate valves with a mechanical slab and non-rising stem design often lack visible indicators for their operational state, posing safety and efficiency risks for field operators due to unknown valve configurations.
Innovation Solution
An indicator device that couples the valve stem to a gear mechanism and gauge, displaying the valve configuration through rotational degrees, with optional wireless transmission of the valve's configuration, using a cam and gear system to indicate open or closed states on an analog or digital gauge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a gate valve with non-rising stem design is used, then the valve structure is compact and suitable for wellhead equipment, but the valve state becomes invisible and unsafe for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indicator device as an intermediary component that couples to the valve stem through a cam mechanism. This indicator translates the rotational position of the non-rising stem into a visible gauge reading, mediating between the invisible valve state and the operator's need for information without requiring stem exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rising stem (which provides visual indication through stem elevation) with a non-rising stem coupled to a cam-based indicator system. This substitutes the mechanical visualization method with a cam-actuated gauge mechanism that provides the same information function without the space-consuming rising stem
2Reliability
If the gate valve configuration is unknown, then the valve can be operated safely without operator intervention, but process efficiency decreases due to manual checks and potential interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the indicator gauge continuously displays the valve's rotational position and configuration state. This real-time feedback eliminates the need for manual status checks while maintaining operational safety, as operators can monitor valve state remotely without compromising security or efficiency
3Loss of information
If a mechanical indicator system is added to the gate valve, then valve state visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visualization function from the valve stem itself and separates it into an independent indicator device. The cam mechanism extracts the rotational position information from the stem and translates it into gauge movement, providing visibility without adding complexity to the core valve operation
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator device serves multiple functions: it couples to the non-rising stem, translates rotational position through the cam mechanism, displays configuration state on the gauge, and optionally provides wireless transmission. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several functions into a single integrated device
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
Provides a safe and straightforward method for field operators to determine the gate valve's configuration, enhancing safety and process efficiency by clearly indicating open or closed states, and allowing for wireless communication of valve positions.
Implementation Method 1
a cam that is coupled to a valve stem of the gate valve such that rotation of the valve stem causes rotation of the cam
Implementation Method 2
a gear that is coupled to the cam such that rotation of the cam causes movement of the gear and a gauge along which the gear is movable
Data Source
AI summary
An indicator device is provided for indicating a configuration of a gate valve. The indicator device includes a cam that is coupled to a valve stem of the gate valve such that rotation of the valve stem causes rotation of the cam. The indicator device further includes a gear that is coupled to the cam such that rotation of the cam causes movement of the gear and a gauge along which the gear is movable. The gauge displays an indicator that corresponds to the configuration of the gate valve based on a first position of the gear and a second position of the valve stem.