Split Clamp Closure With Pressure Alert Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick actuating closures for pressure vessels and pipelines face issues with insufficient clearance for locking pin removal, risk of pin damage or misplacement, and lack of redundancy in safety features, which can lead to unintentional operation and compromised safety.
Innovation Solution
A clamp-style closure device with a hinge assembly, split annular ring mechanism, and pressure alert stem that requires complete removal of the pressure alert stem to unlock the locking pin, ensuring the pin is not misplaced and providing redundancy by preventing closure without the locking pin in place, thus ensuring safety and preventing differential pressure leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking pin is completely removed from the assembly to manipulate toggle linkages, then the closure can be unlocked and opened, but the locking pin may be dropped, damaged or misplaced, and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is extracted from the assembly during the unlocking process, but the patent addresses the safety concern by providing a retrieval mechanism that ensures the pin cannot be lost or misplaced. The pin is designed to be removable for operation but with built-in features to prevent permanent separation from the closure system.
2Ease of operation
If the locking pin is completely removed from the assembly, then the toggle linkages can be manipulated to open the closure, but insufficient room or clearance exists behind the closure mechanism to remove the locking pin completely
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complete removal of the locking pin from the assembly, the patent inverts the approach by designing the pin to remain partially engaged or attached to the closure mechanism. The pin can be manipulated or actuated without being fully separated, eliminating the need for excessive clearance behind the closure.
3Reliability
If the pressure alert stem is not removed completely, then the locking pin cannot be translated outward to unlock the toggle linkages, but this may complicate the opening operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires the pressure alert stem to be removed as a preliminary action before the locking pin can be translated and the closure opened. This sequence ensures safety checks are performed first (pressure verification), and the design provides clear guidance or mechanical guidance to ensure this sequence is followed, maintaining both safety and operational clarity.
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 ensures safe operation by requiring the pressure alert stem to be removed before the locking pin can be translated, preventing accidental opening and maintaining the closure in a locked position, thereby enhancing safety and redundancy in pressure vessel or pipeline operations.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure alert stem can be sealed against the threaded bushing by means of an elastomer o-ring
Implementation Method 2
A hinge arrangement can be attached to both the hub and door to allow for pivoting the contact surfaces of the door
Implementation Method 3
two halves of a split annular ring can be rotated via hinge arrangement over the hub/door flange, with the ends drawn together with a toggle mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A closure is provided for a pressure vessel or pipelines that can provide quick and easy access to the interior of a pressure vessel or pipeline and means for a pressure tight seal between the hub and door. The closure can incorporate means for mechanically fastening the door to the hub using an external split clamp ring actuated by a toggle mechanism. A locking mechanism can be provided to safeguard against unintended closure actuation and provides a layer of redundancy to the holding characteristics of the toggle mechanism. The locking mechanism can be interlocked to a pressure alert system to ensure any differential pressure condition contained within the closure is detected prior to disengaging the locking mechanism and actuating the toggle mechanism.