Pipe Shut-Off Interlock for Modular Valve Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for pipes in chemical or petrochemical installations are complex to manufacture and require interlocking plates that are specific to unique combinations of upstream and downstream valves, making it difficult to replace defective components without replacing the entire interlocking system.
Innovation Solution
A modular closure device with a three-piece interlocking system that allows for interchangeable parts, featuring reversible fastening means and longitudinal adjustment, enabling adaptation to different valve models and suppliers, and allowing for the replacement of defective valves without altering the entire interlocking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-piece interlocking plate is used to interlock upstream and downstream valves with an inline plug, then precise interlocking and total sealing are achieved, but the device becomes complex to manufacture and difficult to repair/replace components
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking system is divided into multiple separate parts (first part, second part, third part) that can be assembled together. Each part can be independently replaced or adjusted, allowing defective components to be replaced without replacing the entire interlocking system, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable sealing and ease of repair.
2Manufacturing precision
If a single-piece interlocking plate with precise dimensions is used, then precise cooperation with control elements is achieved, but adaptability to different valve models and suppliers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the interlocking system into multiple parts, each part can be designed with standardized interfaces that accommodate different valve models. The modular structure allows for adaptability to different manufacturers and models while maintaining precise cooperation through carefully designed connection features.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate parts of the interlocking system are designed to be universally compatible with different valve types and suppliers. The modular design allows the same interlocking components to work with various upstream and downstream valves, enhancing versatility while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular three-piece interlocking system is used, then ease of repair and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking system is segmented into three parts, which increases adaptability and ease of repair. However, the segmentation is designed to be logical and manageable, with each part having a specific function and clear interfaces, thereby limiting the increase in complexity to an acceptable level.
Solution Approach 2:
While the system is divided into three parts for modularity, the parts are designed to work together as an integrated whole. The connection interfaces are designed to be simple and straightforward, allowing the parts to be easily assembled and disassembled, thus reducing the perceived complexity despite the modular structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for shutting off a pipe (60), said pipe (60) allowing fluidic circulation of at least one fluid, said shut-off device (1) having an in-line shut-off means (3) for shutting off said pipe (60) in a sealed manner and, conversely, for opening said pipe (60), an upstream valve (10) arranged upstream of said in-line shut-off means (3), and a downstream valve (20) arranged downstream of said in-line shut-off means (3). According to the invention, the shut-off device (1) has an interlocking system (30) for interlocking a member (4) for tightly closing the in-line shut-off means (3) with, for the one part, an upstream control member (11) of the upstream valve (10) and, for the other part, a downstream control member (21) of the downstream valve (20), said interlocking system (30) being movable in translation in a direction OX between a first end position and a second end position, said interlocking system (30) having at least three separate parts (31, 32, 33) assembled together.