Rotary Valve Shaft Locking With Cam-Driven Opposed Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locking rotary valves in a desired position are cumbersome, requiring separate pins and precise alignment, which can lead to misplacement and safety concerns during piping maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A bottom-mounted lockout apparatus that pinches opposed flatted surfaces of the valve/actuator shaft or coupler, with adjustable alignment and cam mechanisms to ensure secure locking, and optional padlocking for authorization, providing visual and remote position indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin and mounting bracket method is used to lock the valve, then the valve can be locked in a desired position, but the device complexity increases due to requiring separate pins, chains, and precisely aligned holes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the actuator assembly itself. The cam mechanism and movable plates are integrated components that work together to provide locking, eliminating the need for separate pins, brackets, and chains. The actuator housing incorporates the locking mechanism directly, reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining reliable locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator performs both its primary function of operating the valve and the secondary function of locking the valve in position. The same actuator that provides torque to open/close the valve also contains the cam mechanism that engages with the valve shaft to prevent rotation when locked. This self-service approach eliminates dedicated separate locking components.
2Reliability
If a pin insertion method is used, then the valve can be locked, but the ease of operation decreases due to requiring precise alignment of shaft and bracket holes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses movable plates that can shift position dynamically. The plates are not fixed in a single position but can move to accommodate variations in shaft position due to manufacturing tolerances, installation alignment, or thermal expansion. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for precise pre-alignment of holes while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism allows for adjustment of the locking position parameters. The movable plates can be positioned at different locations along the actuator shaft to accommodate different valve designs or positions. This adjustability ensures easy operation across various applications without requiring precise factory alignment.
3Device complexity
If fixed alignment locking is used, then the locking structure is simple, but the adaptability decreases due to inability to accommodate shifting valve shaft positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure incorporates movable plates that can dynamically adjust their position along the actuator shaft. This dynamic capability allows the simple cam-based locking mechanism to adapt to shifting valve shaft positions caused by bracket slippage, thermal expansion, or manufacturing variations, maintaining both simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be universal and adaptable to different valve types and positions. The movable plates can engage with flatted surfaces at various locations, and the cam mechanism works with different shaft configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single locking design to accommodate diverse applications without compromising structural simplicity.
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
The apparatus effectively locks rotary valves in any required position, ensuring safety by preventing unauthorized operation and allowing for adjustable alignment to accommodate various valve designs and shifting positions, while providing clear visual and remote status indication.
Implementation Method 1
two cams and a lever to cause rotation of the cams which then impart opposite directional movement of the moveable plates
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for locking the position of the rotary valve, wherein the valve has a valve shaft adapted to have first and second opposed flatted formations. The apparatus includes first and second cam followers. The cam followers are reciprocally movable via the action of a cam assembly comprising first and second cams mounted on a rotatable cam stem. The cam followers can be simultaneously moved in opposite directions whereby engagement walls in the first and second cam followers can engage the first and second opposed flatted formations simultaneously.