Tool-less Closure Spool Mechanism for Pressurized Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure mechanisms for pressure vessels and pipes face difficulties in applying sufficient force to open or release the locking ring, which can lead to unintentional disengagement while the system is pressurized, requiring a system that balances ease of operation with safety.
Innovation Solution
A tool-less closure system featuring a hub and head with a spool and radial arms that pivotally connect to a locking ring, allowing for controlled radial and axial movement through a spline and pin mechanism, enabling secure engagement and disengagement with minimal user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking ring is used to secure the head to the hub, then the system safety is improved, but the force required to open the closure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is divided into multiple locking segments that can be independently actuated by radial arms. This segmentation allows the opening force to be distributed and applied progressively, reducing the peak force required compared to a single monolithic locking ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking segments are designed to move dynamically from a locked position (engaged with the hub) to an unlocked position (disengaged from the hub). The radial arms pivot to translate rotational motion into radial movement of the locking segments, creating a dynamic opening mechanism that reduces required force.
2Ease of operation
If a minimal range of motion is used for the handle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the force application capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism translates rotational motion of the handle through multiple dimensions: the spool rotates, the radial arms pivot, and the locking segments move radially and axially. This multi-dimensional motion transformation allows a small rotational input to produce sufficient radial displacement to disengage the locking segments from the hub.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arms act as intermediary levers between the rotating spool and the locking segments. These arms amplify the motion and force from the spool, translating a small rotational movement into a larger radial displacement that effectively disengages the locking segments with minimal handle motion.
3Reliability
If the locking ring is made secure against unintentional disengagement, then the reliability is improved, but the complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the locking segments: they provide both the locking function (engaging with the hub to prevent unintentional opening) and the opening function (disengaging when actuated by radial arms). The spool and radial arms also combine sealing and locking functions, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall mechanism.
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 closure system allows for safe and efficient opening and closing of pressurized systems with reduced risk of unintentional disengagement, utilizing a minimal range of motion and controlled force application, ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The spool and the post operably engaged wherein pivotal motion of the spool causes the spool to move axially along the post. The closure further comprises a pin extending through the post. The closure further comprises a spline on one of a bushing or spool engaging the pin.
Implementation Method 2
the radial arms pivotally connected to the spool and pivotally connected to a locking ring segment
Implementation Method 3
one of the two guide pieces is a key and the other of said two guide pieces is a keyway. The closure wherein the key and the keyway constrain the locking ring segment to radial movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure comprises a hub with a central opening and a head positionable within the hub, the head sealing the central opening when in a closed position, a spool rotatable about a post extending from the head, wherein rotation of the spool causes axial movement of the spool along the post, a plurality of radial arms extending from the spool to a plurality of locking segments.