Rotary Valve Handle Locking Mechanism for Misoperation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary valves lack a compact locking mechanism, making it difficult to prevent misoperation and requiring specialized structures for installation, which complicates the conversion of existing valves to include locking mechanisms, especially in small spaces and existing pipelines.
Innovation Solution
A rotary valve design featuring a locking mechanism that is compact and requires minimal space, allowing for easy conversion by replacing the handle, with a latch receiving part on the top flange and a pivotably supported locking member that uses a biasing member to latch, enabling reliable locking of flow paths without obstructing handle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent misoperation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is pivotably supported on the handle grip portion, nesting the locking mechanism within the existing handle structure. The latch part engages with the valve body's locking reception portion, creating a compact nested arrangement that adds locking functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically biases the locking member to engage with the valve body, providing self-locking functionality. When the handle is rotated to a closed position, the locking member automatically engages without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms, improving reliability while maintaining simplicity
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with latch lock is provided on the valve sleeve, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into separate components: the locking member on the handle, the latch part, and the locking reception portion on the valve body. This segmentation allows the locking functionality to be added as a separate module, improving ease of manufacture and enabling follow-up work on existing valves
Solution Approach 2:
The locking reception portion is provided in advance on the valve body, allowing the locking mechanism to be installed as a follow-up modification. This preliminary preparation enables easy conversion of existing valves without requiring complete redesign or disassembly of the valve body
3Reliability
If a specialized handle with engaging member is used, then reliability is improved, but area of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is combined with the handle grip portion, integrating the locking functionality into the existing handle structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking components, maintaining a compact handle size while providing reliable locking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is pivotably supported within the handle grip portion, nesting the locking mechanism inside the existing handle volume. This nested arrangement provides locking functionality without increasing the external dimensions of the handle, maintaining ease of installation in small spaces
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism requiring notch on valve body is provided, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking reception portion (analogous to a notch) is provided in advance on the valve body in a manner that facilitates follow-up work. This preliminary preparation allows the locking mechanism to be installed on existing valves without requiring complex modifications or temporary shutdown of fluid flow
Solution Approach 2:
The locking engagement mechanism is segmented into the latch part on the locking member and the locking reception portion on the valve body. This segmentation allows the locking functionality to be added as a separate module, improving ease of manufacture and enabling simple follow-up installation
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 solution effectively reduces misoperation by ensuring the handle can be locked in place, allowing for reliable operation and conversion of existing valves without stopping fluid flow, and facilitates installation in small spaces with minimal additional parts and labor.
Implementation Method 1
a locking member (2), having a latch part that can be latched in the latch receiving part (6) by way of a biasing member (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A conventional rotary valve in which is provided with a locking mechanism for fixing the degree of aperture so as to prevent misoperation and reduce accidents caused thereby, and even a previously installed valve can be converted to a valve having a locking mechanism, simply by replacing the handle alone. In a rotary valve wherein a valve element that is engaged with a stem is turned by turning the stem, which is connected to a handle, so as to open and close the valve, and having a top flange that is provided on a neck of a valve body that supports the stem, a notch is formed at the peripheral edge of the top flange, and a locking member, having a protrusion that can be latched in the notch in the top flange by way of a torsion spring, is pivotably supported at the center of the handle or on a grip portion thereof.