Quick-Disconnect Lockout Layout for Confined Panel Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockout tagout devices are unsuitable for use in confined spaces due to their size and may require metal-to-metal contact, which is undesirable in certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A lockout tagout device with a transformable body comprising a first and second body portion, allowing rotation about an axis parallel to the fitting, and formed from non-metallic materials to reduce size and prevent metal contact, featuring a sloped surface for sealing and a hinge mechanism for easy closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional lockout tagout device is used, then it provides adequate locking and tagging functionality, but it occupies excessive space making it unsuitable for confined control panel areas
Solution Approach 1:
The device body is divided into two separable portions: a first body portion that receives the fitting and a second body portion that can be positioned separately. This segmentation allows the device to maintain full locking functionality while reducing the space required in confined areas, as the portions can be arranged in limited spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending along an axis parallel to the fitting's longitudinal axis. The first and second body portions are positioned at different locations along this axis, allowing the device to fit within confined control panel spaces while maintaining adequate locking functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If metal-to-metal contact is used in the fitting, then structural strength is maintained, but it creates undesirable contact in certain applications requiring non-metallic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs non-metallic materials (such as polymer or composite materials) for the body portions that contact the fitting. These materials provide adequate structural strength for locking functionality while eliminating undesirable metal-to-metal contact, satisfying applications requiring non-conductive or non-metallic components.
3Volume of moving object
If the device is designed for compact size, then it fits in confined spaces, but the sealing mechanism becomes more difficult to implement effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surface incorporates a sloped geometry that tapers toward the fitting interface. This curved/sloped surface design facilitates effective sealing within the compact device structure by distributing contact pressure along the tapered surface, achieving reliable sealing without requiring excessive precision in a small space.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockout tagout device associated with a fitting includes a body having a first body portion and a second body portion. The second body portion is movable relative to the first body portion about an axis of rotation to transform the body between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The lockout tagout device is connectable to the fitting such that the axis of rotation is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fitting.