Pressure-Actuated Security Valve Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fluid piping industries, existing valves lack a mechanism to securely lock in place once moved, allowing for tampering and theft, such as in water and natural gas systems, leading to increased costs for utility companies.
Innovation Solution
A locking valve design featuring a rotatable ball with a bore, an actuator, and a piston mechanism that utilizes fluid pressure to lock the valve in position, ensuring it remains closed until pressure is released, incorporating a secondary inlet port and chamber for fluid communication and a drain port for pressure release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional valve is used to control fluid flow, then the valve can be opened and closed for maintenance and emergency needs, but the valve can be easily tampered with and unlocked by unauthorized persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a piston mechanism driven by fluid pressure differential between the inlet and outlet sides of the valve. When inlet pressure exceeds outlet pressure by a predetermined threshold, the piston is forced into a locking position that secures the valve in its closed state, preventing unauthorized tampering while maintaining operational control under normal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism activates based on changes in pressure parameters. The valve transitions from an unlocked to a locked state when the pressure differential across the valve reaches a specific threshold, using the fluid pressure itself as the triggering parameter for the security feature
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent tampering, then anti-tampering capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the locking mechanism directly into the valve body structure, combining the security function with the existing valve components. The piston, actuator, and locking elements are merged with the valve's flow control structure, eliminating the need for separate external locking devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve's own fluid pressure differential drives the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources, motors, or complex control systems. The pressure-driven piston automatically engages the lock when the valve is closed and pressures equalize, providing a self-powered security feature
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 locking mechanism effectively prevents unauthorized tampering by ensuring the valve remains locked in its closed position until the pressure is reduced, thereby reducing theft and maintenance costs for utility companies.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pressure on an inlet port of the body urges the piston out of the chamber and into the aperture of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A security valve having a body, a fluid control device, and an internal locking structure. The internal locking structure allows for partial movement of the valve before locking the fluid control device in place. A piping system based on the valve.