Spring-Loaded Relief Valve With Locking Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing relief valves on railroad tank cars do not remain open after the initial pressure release, preventing further emptying of contents during a fire or system failure, which can lead to vessel rupture.

Innovation Solution

A direct spring-loaded pressure relief valve that opens at a preset pressure, remains held open at a predetermined height using a locking assembly, allowing continuous flow of contents even after pressure drops, and includes a mechanism for remote release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional relief valve opens at preset pressure, then pressure release is achieved, but the valve re-seats and prevents additional pressure or contents from being relieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure relief effectivenessVSAvoidvalve open duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking assembly is pre-configured with locking surfaces and engagement features that automatically activate when the poppet moves to the open position. The biasing member is pre-loaded to provide the necessary force to overcome spring pressure and engage the locking mechanism, ensuring the valve remains open without requiring continuous external control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the poppet and the valve body. It translates the linear motion of the poppet into a locked state through engagement of locking surfaces, effectively mediating the transition from temporary pressure-driven opening to sustained open position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the relief valve remains held open at a predetermined height, then continuous content flow is enabled, but device complexity increases due to locking mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous pressure reliefVSAvoidlocking assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking assembly is merged with the existing valve body structure, utilizing the same material and integrating the locking surfaces directly into the valve components. This eliminates the need for separate locking devices and reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining the held-open functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is self-activating through the motion of the poppet itself. As the poppet moves to the open position, its geometry automatically engages the locking surfaces on the valve body, and the biasing member provides the necessary force to maintain engagement without external intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the poppet translates to full open position using momentum, then maximum flow capacity is achieved, but control precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent flow rateVSAvoidpuppet position control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The valve transitions from a static spring-loaded design to a dynamic system where the poppet's momentum during opening is utilized to achieve full open position. The locking assembly then captures this dynamic motion in a controlled locked state, combining the benefits of high-speed opening with precise position control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures complete emptying of the vessel's contents during a fire, reducing the risk of rupture by maintaining flow beyond the initial pressure drop and allowing for remote reactivation of the valve.

Implementation Method 1

a bias member disposed configured to exert a bias force against the poppet to retain the poppet in the closed position and prevent the valve seat from disengaging from the inlet portion when the bias force is greater than a release pressure at the inlet portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the poppet is configured to translate to the open position when the release pressure is greater than the spring force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10167969B1Pressure relief valve for railroad tank cars

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 ENGINEERED CONTROLS INT

AI summary

A relief valve configured to allow content held within a vessel to be release under pressure is disclosed. The relief valve is configured to expose a release outlet when pressure within the vessel exceeds a release pressure, and the relief valve is further configured to maintain exposure of the release outlet after pressure within the vessel falls below the release pressure.