Hatch Operating Tool for Pneumatic Tank Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating the hatches of pneumatic tank trailers is difficult due to the need for manual operation under high pressure, leading to physical strain and injuries, as existing automatic solutions are expensive and not widely adopted.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a lever member and handle that attaches to pivotal levers, providing bearing surfaces for opening and closing forces, and includes retainer members to secure the tool on the lever, allowing for easier operation while avoiding interference with adjacent levers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of hatch levers is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to high physical effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool that connects to the existing hatch lever system. This tool acts as a mediator between the operator and the lever, providing mechanical advantage through its lever arm design while interfacing with the existing cam mechanism. The intermediary tool resolves the contradiction by adding operational ease without requiring fundamental changes to the hatch system's core mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a connection interface that attaches to the existing lever, a lever arm that provides mechanical advantage, and a handle for operator control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining compatibility with the existing system, improving ease of operation without overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple levers are used to secure the hatch cover, then reliability of the seal is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the number of levers that must be manually operated
Solution Approach 1:
The operating tool is designed with universal applicability to work with multiple different lever configurations and positions. The connection interface can adapt to various lever orientations, and the tool can operate on any of the multiple levers securing the hatch. This multi-functionality allows a single tool design to handle all levers, improving ease of operation while maintaining the reliability provided by multiple levers.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the operator climbs to access hatches at high position, then the hatch design is maintained, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to physical strain and injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The operating tool serves as an intermediary that extends the operator's reach and leverage capability. By providing a longer lever arm and mechanical advantage, the tool reduces the physical effort required at the high-positioned hatch, thereby reducing physical strain and injury risk without requiring changes to the hatch's elevated position.
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 tool facilitates easier and safer operation of hatch levers by providing mechanical advantage and clearance, reducing the physical effort required to open and close hatches, thereby reducing the risk of injury and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment defines proximal-lower and distal-upper bearing surfaces for contacting the pivotal lever to transmit a pivotal opening force, and the proximal-upper and distal-lower bearing surfaces for contacting the pivotal lever to transmit a pivotal closing force
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for operating pivotal levers includes a lever member having an attachment and a handle. The attachment defines proximal-lower and distal-upper bearing surfaces for contacting the pivotal lever to transmit a pivotal opening force, and the proximal-upper and distal-lower bearing surfaces for contacting the pivotal lever to transmit a pivotal closing force. Typically, the tool includes hook retainers extending from the lever member that define the lower bearing surfaces. Also, the lower bearing surfaces and the handle define a clearance angle to avoid interference with an opposite lever. Typically, the lever member includes an angle between its attachment section and its handle section to define the clearance angle. Methods of installation and use of such a tool are also disclosed.