Locking Ring Actuator for Pressure Vessel Closures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closures for pressure vessels and pipes lack an efficient mechanism to transition the locking member between locked and unlocked positions, relying on manual operation and lacking a reliable actuator system for automatic expansion and contraction.
Innovation Solution
A locking ring actuator assembly with a cylinder and piston mechanism, along with a slider rod and ring actuating arms, allows for the automatic expansion and contraction of an arcuate 'C' shaped locking ring, enabling it to move between locked and unlocked positions, and can be powered by springs, pneumatics, or hydraulics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manually operated lever is used to move locking members between locked and unlocked positions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and productivity are worsened due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lever operation with an automated actuator system comprising a motor, drive mechanism, and control system. This substitution eliminates manual intervention while managing complexity through integrated automated components that perform the locking member transition automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system is designed to automatically transition locking members between locked and unlocked positions without requiring external manual operation. The system serves itself by detecting the need for locking/unlocking and executing the transition through its integrated motor and drive mechanism, thereby improving ease of operation.
2Extent of automation
If an actuator assembly with cylinder, piston, and slider rod is implemented to automatically transition the locking ring, then the extent of automation and productivity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cylinder and piston mechanism, likely pneumatic or hydraulic, to automatically transition the locking ring between locked and unlocked positions. This pneumatic/hydraulic actuation system provides automated operation with controlled force application, managing the complexity through standardized actuator components rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider rod acts as an intermediary component between the piston and the locking ring, translating the linear piston motion into the required locking ring movement. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system by providing a straightforward motion transformation rather than requiring complex direct coupling between the piston and locking ring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking member is designed to expand and contract between locked and unlocked positions, then the functionality is improved, but the manufacturing precision and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is designed as a dynamic component capable of expanding and contracting between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic design allows the locking member to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, providing versatility while managing manufacturing precision through controlled expansion/contraction mechanisms rather than requiring multiple fixed-position components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring may be segmented or divided into sections that can independently expand and contract, allowing for controlled movement between locked and unlocked positions. This segmentation enables the locking member to achieve the required functionality while managing manufacturing precision through modular construction rather than requiring a single complex precision-machined component.
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 actuator assembly provides a reliable and automatic means to transition the locking ring between locked and unlocked states, enhancing the operational efficiency and ease of use by eliminating the need for manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
The piston rod rotatingly engages a second point of the locking ring and the cylinder rotatingly engages a first point of the locking ring
Implementation Method 2
The actuator assembly may be single acting with spring extending or spring contracting
Implementation Method 3
The actuator assembly may be single acting with spring extending or spring contracting, double acting, pneumatic, or hydraulic
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure retaining closure assembly has a door hingedly mounted to a pipe, vessel, or hub extending therefrom with an arcuate locking ring movably retained proximate an outer perimeter surface thereof. The locking ring is suitable to contract out of a groove in an opening in the pipe, vessel, or hub extending therefrom into an unlocking position and is suitable to expand wherein an outer portion of the locking ring extends into the groove in the opening in the pipe, vessel, or hub extending therefrom into a locking orientation. A locking ring actuator is provided having cylinder with a piston therein. The piston has a rod extending axially therefrom with a portion extending beyond the cylinder. Optionally, a bracket is mounted to the portion of the piston rod extending beyond the cylinder and a bracket is mounted proximate the bottom of the cylinder. In this embodiment, a slider rod may be incorporated where the slider rod has a first end portion mounted to one of the brackets and a second end portion slidingly engaging the other bracket providing stability to the actuator assembly. A ring actuating arm may be pivotally connected to each bracket and secured proximate each end of the arcuate locking ring providing rotating engagement between the piston rod and a first point of the locking ring and rotating engagement between the cylinder and a second point of the locking ring.