Remote Actuation Apparatus for Hazardous Equipment Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating hazardous industrial equipment, such as electrical switches, often put personnel at risk due to the need for direct interaction with potentially dangerous systems, leading to hazards like explosions and toxic material releases during maintenance or repair.
Innovation Solution
A remote actuation apparatus comprising an elongate member coupled with a support member and a drive mechanism allows for the operation of switches or valves from a safe distance, using a motor or manual crank to move the elongate member and thereby actuate the equipment, with various configurations for rotary or linear motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If personnel directly operate switches or valves at hazardous equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to exposure to explosions, toxic material release, and arcing faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote actuation apparatus as an intermediary device between the operator and the hazardous equipment. The apparatus includes a support member with a movable portion and an elongate member that can be positioned and actuated remotely, allowing operators to control switches or valves without direct contact with dangerous equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If remote actuation apparatus is used to operate hazardous equipment from a distance, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components like drive mechanisms and elongate members
Solution Approach 1:
The remote actuation apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a support member, a movable portion, a drive mechanism, and an elongate member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and operation, reducing the perceived complexity despite the multiple parts involved
3Adaptability or versatility
If elongate member is coupled with movable portion at non-axial positions, then versatility in positioning is improved, but mechanical precision deteriorates due to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable portion that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to accommodate the elongate member at various angles and locations. This dynamic capability allows the system to achieve proper alignment during operation even when components are initially positioned non-axially, resolving the contradiction between positioning versatility and mechanical precision
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
This solution enhances safety by allowing the operation of hazardous equipment from a distance, reducing the risk of injury or death during maintenance by providing improved torque and versatility in positioning, enabling safer handling of high-energy or toxic material management systems.
Implementation Method 1
A motor or other way of providing motive force (e.g., hand crank) acts to move the drive mechanism and thus the movable portion and elongate member
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for remote (at a distance) actuation of points of control, such as valves and switches. Controlling a switch or valve at a distance is achieved by a support member having a movable portion, with the moveable portion including an elongate member, and a drive mechanism in communication with the moveable portion. A motor, hand crank, or other force transmission apparatus acts to move the drive mechanism and thus the movable portion and elongate member such that a valve or switch is actuated at a distance.