Springless Seismic Gas Valve Trigger Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas shut-off valves used in seismic applications rely on spring mechanisms that lose rigidity over time, leading to unwanted gas leakage due to failure in maintaining the pipeline closed after an earthquake.
Innovation Solution
A springless gas shut-off valve assembly that utilizes a trigger mechanism with a weight platform and a vertically movable trigger bar, where seismic vibrations cause the weight to displace and push the trigger bar downward, disengaging the flapper assembly to close the gas flow, and manual reset mechanisms are used to reopen the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring mechanism is used to maintain the valve closed after seismic vibration, then the valve can automatically close off gas flow, but the spring loses rigidity over time leading to gas leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring mechanism entirely from the valve assembly. Instead of using a spring to maintain closure, the invention uses a weight-driven trigger mechanism where seismic vibration causes the weight to displace and push the trigger bar, which then disengages the latching mechanism to close the valve. This extraction of the spring eliminates the rigidity loss problem while maintaining automatic closure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical system with a weight-based gravitational system. The weight resting on the weight platform provides a constant downward force that, when displaced by seismic vibration, triggers the closure mechanism. This substitution uses gravity as a reliable, non-degrading force source compared to elastic springs.
2Extent of automation
If a spring mechanism is used to push down the valve to maintain closure, then automatic shut-off is achieved, but the spring fails over time requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the spring mechanism, the patent eliminates the component that requires maintenance due to fatigue and rigidity loss. The weight-driven trigger mechanism has fewer moving parts and no elastic elements that degrade, significantly reducing maintenance requirements while preserving automatic shut-off functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional gas valves are used with spring assistance, then the valve can close during earthquake, but gas leakage occurs due to spring failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a weight that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than relying on a spring that degrades over time. The weight-driven mechanism uses simple, robust components that don't suffer from fatigue, making the system more reliable for preventing gas leakage without the reliability issues of spring mechanisms.
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 maintains the gas conduit closed during seismic events without spring failure, reducing gas leakage and ensuring safety by using a weight-driven mechanism that does not rely on spring rigidity for closure.
Implementation Method 1
Upon a seismic vibration, the weight resting on the weight platform can move in any direction, bounce off the inner walls of the trigger mechanism housing
Implementation Method 2
allow the flapper assembly to swing downward by gravity and close off gas flow
Implementation Method 3
allow the flapper assembly to swing downward by gravity and close off gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
A gas shut-off valve assembly designed to automatically close gas flow in a gas conduit in response to a seismic vibration comprises a trigger mechanism disposed in a trigger mechanism housing, a springless sealing mechanism disposed in a valve housing, a latching mechanism configured to engage the springless sealing mechanism to keep the gas conduit open, and a pressure release valve. Upon sensing a seismic vibration, the trigger mechanism disengages the springless sealing mechanism from the latching mechanism. Simultaneously, the springless sealing mechanism swings down and rotates around an axis by gravitational force to close off gas flow in the conduit. To reopen gas flow, the pressure release valve is actuated to relieve accumulated gas pressure inside the valve housing and the springless sealing mechanism is manually reset to its original open position.