One-Touch Lock Valve Handle With Integrated Auto-Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mechanisms for one-touch lock valves in semiconductor manufacturing are cumbersome, require additional components, and degrade usability due to complex locking processes and increased component count, leading to poor workability and potential leakage risks from hazardous process fluids.
Innovation Solution
A one-touch lock valve with a spring-based lock mechanism integrated into the rotating handle and holder, featuring a spherical body and engagement groove for automatic locking and easy unlocking with minimal force, maintaining compactness and reducing wear on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover is attached to the handle for locking, then the handle is prevented from being loosened by external force, but the attachment and detachment becomes cumbersome and requires separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is merged with the handle itself, forming an integrated structure where the lock groove is directly formed on the handle. This eliminates the need for separate covers or attachment components, allowing the handle to be locked and unlocked by simple rotation without cumbersome attachment/detachment operations, while maintaining reliable locking against external forces
2Reliability
If a padlock is used for locking, then the handle is secured against unintended operation, but the locking work becomes complex and requires additional hardware components and key management
Solution Approach 1:
The external padlock and key management system are extracted and replaced with an integrated lock groove mechanism built into the handle. The locking function is achieved through the interaction between the lock groove on the handle and the protrusion on the valve body, eliminating the need for separate padlocks, keys, and complex locking procedures
3Reliability
If a position restriction mechanism with spring is used, then the handle rotation is restricted to prevent unintended operation, but the mechanism requires firm holding force to release and causes wear on components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a spring mechanism that restricts rotation and requires force to overcome, the design inverts the approach by using a lock groove that passively engages with a protrusion. The handle is restricted by the geometric interlocking of the groove and protrusion, and released by simple rotation that disengages them, eliminating the need for spring force and firm holding operations
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 provides reliable automatic locking and easy operation with reduced force requirements, preventing unintended opening or closing and minimizing wear, while maintaining compactness and ensuring safe handling of hazardous materials.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (33) inserted into the holder (21), a spherical body (40) provided on a lower side of the spring (33), a lock member (25) having a rear end side axially attached to the holder (21) and having a rear end part pressed by the spring (33) via the spherical body (40)
Data Source
AI summary
A one-touch valve including a valve main body (1) having a valve body incorporated therein, a stem (3) mounted on the valve main body, a rotating handle (6) fixedly attached to an upper part of the stem, a holder (21) accommodated in the rotating handle, and a lock mechanism (10) arranged in the holder and the rotating handle. The lock mechanism is formed of a spring inserted into the holder, a spherical body provided on a lower spring-back side of the spring, a lock member having a midway on a rear end side axially attached to the holder, having a rear end part pressed by spring-back via the spherical body, and having a tip part side abutting on a lower edge part of the rotating handle in a spring-back state, and an engagement groove where the tip end part side of the lock member is locked by the rotating handle.