Quake Plug Mechanism for Earthquake Fluid Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively shut off a main fluid source during severe earthquakes, posing a risk of fluid leakage and damage.
Innovation Solution
A quake plug mechanism using a steel ball and magnet, where seismic vibrations dislodge the steel ball to engage a momentary switch, powering a motorized ball valve to close, and can be reset manually to allow fluid flow again.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional valve system is used to shut off fluid source, then the system structure is simple, but it fails to respond effectively during severe earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The steel ball is pre-positioned in a holding mechanism above the valve stem, ready to drop and activate the shutdown function immediately when seismic vibrations occur, eliminating response delays associated with traditional earthquake-activated valve systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensors and control systems with a simple mechanical drop mechanism activated by seismic vibrations, achieving reliable earthquake response through passive mechanical action rather than complex electronic control
2Reliability
If power is continuously supplied to keep valve open, then valve remains open for normal operation, but power failure during earthquake prevents reliable shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using power to maintain the open state, the system uses the absence of power (gravity) to maintain the closed state, with power only needed momentarily to reopen the valve. This inversion ensures shutdown reliability during power failures while minimizing overall power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gravity as a free, passive force to drive the steel ball downward and activate the shutdown function without requiring external power, achieving reliable operation during power failures
3Ease of operation
If manual reset procedure is used, then the system can be reset after shutdown, but the reset process requires human intervention and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service through automatic shutdown activation via the dropping steel ball, while the reset function accepts simple manual input (pushing the reset button) that triggers automated reopening of the valve, minimizing both human intervention and reset time
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
Effectively shuts off and reopens a main fluid source during earthquakes, ensuring safety by using gravity and magnetism to activate and deactivate the valve, with redundancy in power sources for reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A steel ball is held at an elevated position by a secured magnet within the housing
Implementation Method 2
Gravity will cause it to fall down
Implementation Method 3
The momentary switch, in the engaged position will send direct current voltage to a normally open motorized ball valve and cause it to close
Data Source
AI summary
An original apparatus that will react and shut off a main fluid source during a severe earthquake. A steel ball is held at an elevated position by a secured magnet. In a severe earthquake, the seismic vibrations will cause the steel ball to break away from the magnet and fall onto the slide trigger. The weight of the steel ball and slide trigger will be pushed down and the slide trigger shall engage a momentary switch that will send voltage to a normally open motorized ball valve and cause it to close. The apparatus can be reset by manually pulling upward the lift handle towards the top cap. Resulting in the momentary switch to disengage and the voltage will seize to power the normally open motorized ball valve, causing it to go back to its normally open state. Thus allowing the fluid to pass through the ball valve.