Quick-Acting Pressure Vessel Closure with Cam-Locking Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-connect arrangements for pressure vessels are cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to operate, with high production costs and complex handling requirements, and they often fail to prevent unintentional opening under pressure load, especially in smaller vessels.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect arrangement featuring a force transmission element with a trapezoidal cross-section and sloping bearing surfaces that prevents tilting under pressure, ensuring secure locking and easy operation, while being cost-effective and suitable for small dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional screw or U-bolt closure system is used, then the pressure vessel can be securely closed, but the closing and opening process requires considerable time and manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into multiple locking points around the circumference of the flange. Instead of using a single complex locking mechanism, the patent employs several simpler locking elements distributed around the perimeter, allowing parallel engagement and faster closing while maintaining secure sealing at each point.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system transitions from static screw tightening to a dynamic cam-actuated locking mechanism. The cam profile converts rotational motion into rapid linear displacement, enabling the locking surfaces to engage quickly and securely without manual tightening of multiple fasteners.
2Ease of operation
If a bayonet lock system is used, then the operation is simpler and quicker, but the production costs increase due to complex work steps for creating recesses
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating complex recesses throughout the entire flange structure, the patent concentrates the complexity only where needed - in the cam profile geometry and specific locking surface features. The majority of the flange structure remains simple and easy to manufacture using standard machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than cutting recesses into the flange as in traditional bayonet locks, the patent uses protruding cam elements that engage with corresponding recesses in the opposing flange. This inversion simplifies the manufacturing of the primary flange while maintaining the quick-locking functionality.
3Reliability
If the ring element is dimensioned to prevent deformation under pressure, then the connection security is improved, but the closure dimensions become excessively large and radial elasticity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile is designed to apply slightly excessive locking force beyond the minimum required to prevent opening under pressure. This over-engineering of the locking force allows the use of a smaller, more compact ring element that would otherwise deform under pressure, because the cam's mechanical advantage compensates for the reduced structural margin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cam profile - specifically the angle and curvature of the cam surface - to optimize the force transmission. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high locking forces with a compact ring element design, preventing both deformation and excessive size.
4Reliability
If multiple screws are used for secure closing, then the reliability is improved, but the automation of the closing and opening process becomes difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple individual screw fasteners into a single integrated cam-actuated locking system. One rotational actuation simultaneously engages all locking points around the circumference, enabling straightforward automation with a single motor or actuator while maintaining the security of multiple locking points.
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 a secure, easy-to-use, and cost-effective connection that prevents unintentional opening under pressure, suitable for both small and large pressure vessels, with reduced material usage and simpler manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a force transmission element in the form of a radially elastic, open ring element that is inserted into a groove on the flange of a closure lid
Implementation Method 2
The first bearing surface (31a) can be brought into abutment with the abutment surface (24) of the projection. The second bearing surface (31b) can be brought into abutment with the stop surface (14) of the groove
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to a quick-acting connecting arrangement (1) for a pressure vessel (20). The arrangement (1) comprises a closure lid (10) having an enclosing portion (11) on which a radially encircling groove is arranged on the inner side. The arrangement (1) further comprises a pressure vessel (20) having an engagement portion (21) which has an encircling projection (22). The closure cover (10) is pushed with its enclosing portion (11) over the engagement portion (21) of the pressure vessel (20), with the groove (12) and the projection (22) facing one another. The arrangement (1) further comprises an elastic ring element (30) having two mutually opposite bearing faces (31a, 31b). The ring element (30) is applied with the first bearing face (31a) to a stop face (24) on the projection (22) and with a second bearing face (31b) to a stop face (14) of the groove (12). The two bearing faces (31a, 31b) are inclined and converge towards one another in the direction (R) of the encircling groove (12). Furthermore, the invention also relates to an actuating device for actuating a quick-acting connecting arrangement.