Movable Valve Operating Arm for Stable Underground Valve Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve turning machines mounted on vehicles face challenges with limited mobility and stability due to uneven terrain and contamination, leading to unpredictable movement and potential operator injury, as they struggle to maintain orientation and apply torque effectively to underground valves.
Innovation Solution
A movable arm system for valve operating devices, mounted on a vehicle, featuring rotatable arms around multiple axes and a telescoping mechanism, along with an electronic controller and brake assemblies, allows precise positioning and stabilization of the valve turning machine over underground valves, enabling efficient operation without manual stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a valve turning machine is mounted on a horizontally slideable structure attached to a vehicle, then the machine receives rigid support while exercising the valve, but the structure has limited mobility and cannot accommodate uneven ground or obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static horizontally slideable mounting structure with a dynamic multi-axis manipulator system that can actively adjust its position and orientation. The manipulator includes multiple articulated arms with joints that allow movement in multiple directions, enabling the valve turning machine to reach valves regardless of ground unevenness or obstacles while maintaining stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional horizontal sliding motion to a multi-dimensional manipulator system capable of movement in three-dimensional space. The manipulator can position the valve turning machine at various heights, angles, and horizontal positions, providing both the mobility needed to overcome terrain challenges and the rigid support required for stable valve exercise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a valve turning machine is mounted on a multi-hinged backhoe arm with spring-loaded compensating structures, then the free end of the arm can be positioned over difficult to reach shafts, but the machine shakes and tosses violently when torque is applied due to uneven torque from contamination and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the form of brakes that can be applied to the manipulator joints during valve exercise. The system detects the operational state and automatically engages brakes to prevent unwanted movement, providing stabilizing feedback that counteracts the violent shaking and tossing caused by uneven torque from contamination and deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by equipping the manipulator with brakes that can be engaged before or during torque application. These brakes preemptively counteract the unstable forces generated when the valve turning machine encounters contamination and deterioration, preventing the machine from shaking and tossing before the problem fully manifests.
3Power
If the valve turning machine is positioned directly over the valve shaft, then effective torque can be applied, but the key may be pulled free from the valve stem due to vertical components of force from shaking and tossing
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism through brakes on the manipulator joints prevents vertical movements that would pull the key free from the valve stem. By detecting operational conditions and automatically engaging brakes, the system maintains the key's secure connection while allowing effective torque to be applied to the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The brakes provide preliminary anti-action by preventing the vertical components of force from developing in the first place. By stabilizing the manipulator and valve turning machine before torque application, the system ensures the key remains firmly connected to the valve stem throughout the exercise operation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If an operator grasps the machine with arms and uses body weight to hold it in desired orientation, then the machine can be stabilized during valve exercise, but operator safety is compromised due to unpredictable movement from contamination and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by equipping the manipulator with automatic braking capabilities that stabilize the valve turning machine without operator intervention. The system monitors its own operational state and automatically engages brakes to maintain proper orientation, eliminating the need for operators to physically hold the machine and thereby removing the safety hazard of unpredictable movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism through automated brakes provides continuous stabilization of the valve turning machine during operation. The system detects when torque is applied and automatically adjusts the brake application to maintain proper machine orientation, replacing the dangerous manual stabilization method with a safe automated control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve operating device includes first and second pivots, a first arm portion extending therebetween, a second arm portion extending from the second pivot, a valve operating machine on the second arm portion, and an actuator connected between the first pivot and the first arm portion. The first arm portion can rotate around a first vertical axis defined by the first pivot and can pivot around a horizontal axis defined by the first pivot. The second arm portion can rotate around a second vertical axis defined by the second pivot. The actuator causes the first and second arm portions, the second pivot, and the valve operating machine to pivot upward and downward relative to the first pivot around the horizontal axis.