Interlocked Pipe Joint Sleeve for Safe Valve-Closed Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe joints require complex rotational maneuvers to fix or unfix connections between joint halves, leading to potential erroneous decoupling, especially when fluid is flowing, and do not allow attachment or detachment regardless of pressure differences.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint design featuring first and second valves with rotating levers and a movable sleeve, where the rotating levers restrict the sleeve's movement based on valve positions, allowing simple coupling and decoupling by rotating the levers without additional operations, and incorporating protrusions and recesses for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the joint half rotates with respect to the mating joint half to fix connection, then the connection between joint halves is secured, but the operation becomes complex and erroneous decoupling may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary valve mechanism automatically controls the locking elements' engagement and disengagement based on its opening/closing state. When the valve opens, the locking elements automatically fit together to secure the connection; when closed, they automatically release. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual locking operations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are pre-positioned on the valve shaft and mating joint half respectively, ready to engage. The rotary valve's opening motion preliminarily aligns these locking elements before full engagement occurs, ensuring secure connection is established as part of the normal valve operation sequence rather than requiring additional steps.
2Reliability
If the rotary valve opens in the state where locking elements are fitted together, then connection is secured, but the valve cannot be operated freely and flow path control is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection securing function and flow path control function are merged into a single rotary valve operation. The same rotational motion that opens/closes the flow path also simultaneously engages/disengages the locking elements. This merging allows the valve to perform dual functions without requiring separate operations, maintaining both connection security and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static, always-engaged state to a dynamic state that automatically adjusts based on valve position. The locking elements are designed to engage only when the valve is in the open position and disengage when closed, creating a dynamic system that adapts its locking state to the operational requirements of the valve.
3Ease of operation
If the joint halves are detachably connected, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but erroneous decoupling may occur during fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary valve's position provides feedback control for the locking mechanism. The valve's open/closed state automatically feedback-controls the engagement state of the locking elements, creating a interlocked system where connection security is maintained during fluid flow operations. The system feedback ensures that detachment can only occur when the valve is in the closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are pre-positioned and automatically engage when the valve opens, establishing connection security before fluid flow begins. This preliminary locking action prevents erroneous decoupling during operation, while the same mechanism automatically releases for intentional disassembly when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe joint includes a first tubular body inserted into a second tubular body to be detachably connected to each other. The joint includes: a first valve including a first valve body that opens and closes a flow path in the first tubular body and a first rotating lever provided outside of the first tubular body and connected to and rotates the first valve body; a second valve configured to open and close a flow path in the second tubular body; and a sleeve movably provided on an outer peripheral surface of the second tubular body and configured to move toward the first tubular body to connect the tubular bodies to each other in an inserted state. The first rotating lever restricts the sleeve from moving when the flow path in the first tubular body is open, and the sleeve is allowed to move the flow path is closed.