Pipe Shut-Off Interlocking Assembly for Interchangeable Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off devices for pipes in chemical or petrochemical facilities are complex to manufacture and require dedicated interlocking plates for specific valve combinations, making it difficult to replace faulty components without replacing the entire system.
Innovation Solution
A modular shut-off device with a three-part interlocking system that allows interchangeable and adjustable parts, enabling the replacement of upstream or downstream valves without needing identical components from the same supplier, and featuring reversible securing means and longitudinal adjustment for adaptable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated interlocking plate is used for a specific valve combination, then the interlocking function is precise and reliable, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking plate is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other. Each segment can independently engage with control members, allowing the plate to adapt to different valve combinations while maintaining precise interlocking function. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity as each segment can be produced separately and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking plate transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic structure with movable segments. The plate can change its configuration to match different valve arrangements, providing both precision for specific combinations and versatility for different applications without increasing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated interlocking plate is manufactured for a specific valve combination, then the interlocking precision is high, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the interlocking plate into standardized modules, each module can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances. The modules are then assembled to create the final interlocking structure, which achieves high precision through modular assembly rather than complex single-piece manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented interlocking plate design creates universal components that can be used across multiple valve combinations. A single set of standardized segments can interlock with different control members, eliminating the need to manufacture dedicated plates for each specific application while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Reliability
If a faulty valve is replaced in a system with a dedicated interlocking plate, then the system integrity is maintained, but the ease of repair decreases due to the need to replace the entire interlocking plate
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented interlocking plate allows individual segments to be independently removed and reattached. When a valve fails, only the segment associated with that valve's control member needs to be detached and repositioned, while other segments remain in place. This maintains system integrity during repair and significantly simplifies the replacement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic nature of the segmented plate allows it to be partially reconfigured during maintenance. Segments can be independently manipulated to accommodate valve replacement, enabling repairs without compromising the interlocking function of the remaining segments and maintaining overall system integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable parts are used in the interlocking system, then the adaptability increases for different valve models, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interchangeable parts are designed with universal interfaces and standardized dimensions that work across different valve models. By establishing a common interface standard for all segments and control members, the system achieves high adaptability without requiring extremely tight tolerances, as the universal design compensates for minor manufacturing variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for shutting off a pipe, the pipe allowing fluidic circulation of at least one fluid, the shut-off device having an in-line shut-off means for shutting off the pipe in a sealed manner and, conversely, for opening the pipe, an upstream valve arranged upstream of the in-line shut-off means, and a downstream valve arranged downstream of the in-line shut-off means. The shut-off device has an interlocking system for interlocking a member for tightly closing the in-line shut-off means with, for the one part, an upstream control member of the upstream valve and, for the other part, a downstream control member of the downstream valve, the interlocking system being movable in translation in a direction OX between a first end position and a second end position, the interlocking system having at least three separate parts assembled together.