Segmented Closure Cap With Release Tool for Securing Slide Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Slide valves in pipes, such as water and gas pipes, are often not secured against unauthorized operation, allowing unauthorized persons to manipulate the flow.
Innovation Solution
A closure cap with a hollow cylindrical design, featuring a thicker upper section and a lower section divided into segments with locking hooks that snap into place on the slide, and a release tool with a guide channel to easily detach the cap, ensuring secure operation and easy dismantling by authorized personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure cap is added to secure the slide valve, then security against unauthorized operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure cap is divided into multiple segments in its lower section, allowing it to be split into separate pieces. This segmentation enables the locking hooks to be distributed across different segments, providing secure attachment to the slide valve while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be easily manufactured and installed.
2Reliability
If locking hooks are used to secure the closure cap, then reliability of attachment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removal
Solution Approach 1:
A release tool is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate the removal of the closure cap. The release tool engages with the segments of the closure cap and applies force to spread them outward, releasing the locking hooks from the slide valve. This mediator enables easy removal without requiring excessive force or complex manual manipulation, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of removal.
3Strength
If the wall thickness is increased for stability, then strength is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wall thickness of the closure cap is not uniform throughout; instead, it varies locally to provide strength where needed while maintaining ease of manufacture in other areas. The upper section has a thicker wall for stability and strength, while the lower section is divided into segments with thinner walls that are easier to manufacture. This local variation in quality optimizes both structural integrity and manufacturability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking cap for attachment to a slide to secure the slide against tampering and a release tool for removing the locking cap (1) from the slide, wherein the locking cap (1) is essentially hollow cylindrical, has an upper opening (4) and a lower opening (5) and a wall located between the upper opening (4) and the lower opening (5) with an inner and an outer side, and wherein the locking cap (1) is divided into an upper section (2) and a lower section (3), and the upper section (2) comprises the upper opening (4) and the lower section (3) comprises the lower opening (5), wherein locking hooks (10) project from the edge of the lower opening (5) into the interior of the lower opening (5);and the wall of the closure cap (1) in the lower section (3) is divided into segments (7) by a plurality of incisions, the incisions (6) completely severing the wall and the locking hooks (10); and the closure cap (1) comprises a guide channel (9) for guiding the release tool at least for each segment (7) on which locking hooks (10) are provided; and the guide channel (9) in the lower section (3) of the closure cap (1) is open inwards to form a guide rail (9b) and undergoes a rotation of 70° to 110°.