Remote-Access Slam-Shut Mechanism for Fluid Regulator Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slam-shut safety devices in fluid regulators are often inaccessible, complicating normal line startup, maintenance, and troubleshooting due to their integrated position within the regulator body.
Innovation Solution
A slam-shut mechanism that includes a shaft, cam, latching pin, latch, and lever, allowing for remote operation by a controller to move the slam-shut control element between fully open and closed positions, facilitating accessibility and ease of maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the slam-shut device is integrated within the regulator body, then the device provides compact structure and safety function, but the device becomes inaccessible for maintenance and troubleshooting
Solution Approach 1:
The slam-shut device is segmented from the regulator body into a separate accessible location. The mechanism is divided into modular components (cam, shaft, control element) that can be independently accessed and maintained while maintaining the integrated safety function within the regulator system.
Solution Approach 2:
A cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the accessible control location and the internal slam-shut control element. The cam translates rotational motion from the shaft into linear motion that actuates the control element, enabling remote operation while maintaining functional integration.
2Productivity
If the slam-shut device is positioned between input and output, then the device provides effective flow control, but the device becomes inaccessible depending on installation configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is extended into a third dimension outside the main regulator body. The shaft and cam are positioned in an external dimension that allows access from the top or side of the regulator, while the control element maintains its position within the flow path for effective flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam and shaft mechanism is pre-positioned in an accessible location during manufacturing, allowing maintenance personnel to access and operate the slam-shut function without disassembling the regulator body or disrupting the flow path components.
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 provides improved accessibility and ease of maintenance for slam-shut safety devices, enabling users to manage fluid regulators more effectively and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a cam carried by the shaft, the cam having a cam surface adapted to be operatively connected to the slam-shut control element
Implementation Method 2
a latching pin carried by the shaft, a latch, and a lever operably connected to the latch
Data Source
AI summary
A slam-shut mechanism for operatively connecting a slam-shut control element of a fluid regulator with a controller for the control element. The mechanism includes a shaft and a cam carried by the shaft and having a cam surface adapted to be operatively connected to the slam-shut control element. The mechanism also includes a latching pin carried by the shaft, a latch, and a lever operably connected to the latch and adapted to be selectively engaged by the controller. When the controller engages the lever, the latch is movable from a first position, in which the latch securely retains the latching pin, such that the cam surface is arranged to retain the slam-shut control element in a fully open position, to a second position, in which the latching pin is released from the latch, thereby allowing the slam-shut control element to move from the fully open position to a closed position.