Pressurized Fluid Valve with Connection Detection Safety Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lever valves for pressurized fluids pose a risk of accidental or unintended opening, leading to user exposure to high pressures, as existing solutions like double-action lever structures do not fully mitigate these risks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a connection detector member at the outlet connection that prevents the flow control member from transitioning to an active state unless a connection is detected, utilizing a locking pin mechanism and various detection types (mechanical, magnetic, pneumatic, electronic) to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lever valve is used for pressurized fluid, then opening-closing speed and practicality are improved, but the risk of accidental opening and user exposure to high pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates a safety mechanism that applies counter-action in advance by detecting the absence of a connected installation and automatically blocking the flow path before accidental discharge can occur. The detector member monitors the outlet connection status and pre-activates the blocking function to prevent harmful effects before they can manifest.
Solution Approach 2:
A detector member is introduced as an intermediary element between the lever control and the flow control member. This intermediary detects whether an installation is properly connected to the outlet and transmits this information to the blocking mechanism, which then mediates whether fluid flow is permitted, adding a safety layer without compromising the lever's operational speed.
2Reliability
If a double-action lever structure is used, then the risk of involuntary opening is reduced, but the complexity of the valve structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control system is segmented into functionally independent components: a lever for user input, a detector member for monitoring connection status, and a blocking mechanism for flow control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple structure, avoiding the need for complex multi-action mechanisms while achieving enhanced safety through their coordinated interaction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a connection detector member and blocking mechanism are added, then safety against accidental opening is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector member and blocking mechanism are merged with the existing valve body structure, sharing common mounting surfaces, sealing interfaces, and structural support. The detector member is positioned to utilize the existing outlet connection geometry, and the blocking mechanism integrates with the flow path already present in the valve, thereby adding safety functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Valve for pressurized fluid comprising a body (2) housing a fluid circuit (3) having an upstream end (4) and a downstream end (5) provided with an outlet fitting (8), the circuit (3) comprising a flow control element in the circuit (3), the flow control element (6) being controlled by a control mechanism (7, 14) comprising a manually actuated movable control element (7), the control element (7) being movable and mounted on the body (2) of the valve (1) between a rest position and an active position, the valve (1) comprising a connection detection element (9) located at or adjacent to the outlet fitting (8) and configured to detect a connection at the outlet fitting (8), the valve (1) further comprising a device (10) for overriding the mechanism (7,14) control unit connected to the connection detector element (9) and configured to prevent the flow control element (6) from switching from its first to its second state until the connection detector element (9) detects a connection at the outlet fitting (8).