Pressure Container Lid Locking Device With Swivel Arm Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for pressure containers require heavy and large components to withstand high forces at large diameters and high pressures, leading to increased weight and the risk of overstraining actuators and guides, especially when accommodating eccentric loads.
Innovation Solution
The locking device employs pivotably supported segments with separate swivel arms, using linear actuators linked to the lid or its members, allowing for defined movement and support without taking inner pressure forces, and featuring a flexible joint that eliminates frictional forces and allows for overhung guidance, enabling smaller actuators and safer operation under eccentric loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy and large locking segments are used to withstand high forces at large diameters and high pressures, then the locking reliability is improved, but the weight and complexity of the locking device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into multiple locking segments that can be independently actuated. Each segment operates separately to engage with corresponding grooves on the container body, distributing the locking force across multiple points rather than requiring a single massive locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A swivel arm is introduced as an intermediary component between the linear actuator and the locking segment. This swivel arm provides a pivotable connection that allows the segment to move into position without creating excessive friction or requiring oversized actuators, thereby reducing the overall size and weight of the moving components.
2Force
If bigger locking segments with multiple circumferential grooves are used to accommodate higher pressure forces, then the force capacity is improved, but the installation size and weight of the segments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into multiple independent locking segments, each engaging with corresponding grooves on the container body. This segmentation allows the force capacity to be distributed across multiple smaller segments rather than requiring a single large segment, reducing the volume of individual moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking segments engage with grooves arranged in the circumferential direction rather than requiring axial stacking of multiple grooves. This circumferential arrangement allows force accommodation in a different dimensional orientation, reducing the axial installation space required for each segment.
3Device complexity
If linear actuators are directly linked to locking segments without swivel arms, then the actuation mechanism is simplified, but the risk of overstraining actuators and guides increases under eccentric loads
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel arm serves as a mediator between the linear actuator and the locking segment, providing a pivotable connection that accommodates eccentric loads and misalignments. This intermediary component prevents excessive forces from being transmitted to the actuator and linear guides, enhancing system reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel arm introduces a degree of rotational freedom that changes the kinematic parameters of the actuation system. This allows the locking segment to reach its engaged position through a combination of linear and rotational motion, accommodating eccentric loads and reducing the risk of overstraining components.
4Force
If circumferential grooves are stacked axially to accommodate higher pressure forces, then the force capacity is improved, but the axial installation space and segment weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of stacking grooves axially to accommodate multiple locking points, the invention arranges grooves and locking segments in the circumferential direction. This dimensional change allows the same force capacity to be achieved without increasing the axial installation space, as the locking engagement occurs around the circumference rather than along the axis.
Data Source
AI summary
In a locking device for the fixation of a lid (1) on an opening (8) of a pressure container with at least two locking segments (5) displaceable at right angles to the axis of the opening 98), which segments (5) bear protrusions (6) and groove-like recesses along their circumference, which in the locked position cooperate with recesses (7) and protrusions along the brim of the opening (8), the displacement actuator (4) of the segments (5) is linked to the segments (5) and to at least one point of application that is on the lid (1) or on a member (3) connected to the lid (1). The segments (5) are arranged in the direction of the circumference of the lid (1) and are pivotably supported on the lid (1) by a swivel arm (16), separate from the displacement actuator (4), being interposed.