Tamper-Proof Valve Plug With Hidden Polygon Tool Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing unauthorized access to valves for fluid theft are inadequate as they often require special keys or anti-siphoning blocks that are not well-hidden from visual inspection, making them susceptible to tampering.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-proof plug with polygon-shaped indentations on one side that requires a matching tool for torque application, featuring threads on the outer circumference to engage with valve threads, and can be fabricated from metals, ceramics, or polymers, with the option to be hidden inside the valve for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special keys or anti-siphoning blocks are used to prevent unauthorized access, then security against fluid theft is improved, but visibility of the lock mechanism makes them susceptible to tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plug is nested within the valve body, with only a small portion extending outward. The polygonal indentation tool receptacle is nested within the plug structure, requiring a specialized tool to access the locking mechanism. This nesting approach maintains security while minimizing visual exposure of the lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug features a non-circular polygonal cross-section (triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, or star-shaped) that is asymmetric and requires a matching specialized tool for removal. This asymmetric design prevents unauthorized access while maintaining a compact, minimally visible profile when installed in the valve.
2Reliability
If a specialized tool is required for plug removal, then unauthorized access is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug incorporates a polygonal indentation with specific geometric shapes (triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, or star) that requires a correspondingly shaped specialized tool for torque application. This asymmetric feature prevents unauthorized removal while the tool design remains relatively simple, consisting of a handle with a molded protrusion matching the indentation shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into distinct components: the plug body with external threads for valve engagement, the polygonal indentation for tool interface, and the specialized removal tool. This segmentation allows the plug to remain simple and minimally complex in the installed state, while the specialized tool provides the necessary security feature.
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper proof plug comprising a circular plug of material having a first side and a second side, with a first plurality of threads on the outer circumference to enable the circular plug to screw into a second plurality of inner circumference threads of a valve outlet that can control the flow of a liquid, wherein the circular plug has a polygon indentation in the middle of the first side of the plug, which is accessible to a tool having a protrusion the fits the size and shape of the polygon indentation, that allows a torque to be applied to the circular plug to screw the circular plug into a valve or unscrew the circular plug from a valve.