Universal Indicator Post Bogie Assembly Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indicator posts for underground and wall-mounted valves require different designs and components, necessitating disassembly for adjustment of display targets to accommodate varying valve rotations, leading to inefficiency and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A universal indicator post design featuring a shared upper body, operating stem, and bogie assembly with slideable and lockable adjustment targets, allowing for easy adjustment of display positions regardless of valve type or rotation requirements, using the same components for both underground and wall-mounted applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different designs and components are used for underground and wall-mounted indicator posts, then each valve type can be optimized for its specific application, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal head assembly design that serves both underground and wall-mounted valve applications. The same head assembly, operating stem, and bogie assembly components are used across different valve types, eliminating the need for separate designs. This multi-functional approach reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining application-specific performance through configurable elements like adjustable targets and adaptable mounting options.
2Device complexity
If display targets are fixed in position, then the indicator post structure is simpler, but adjustment is required when valves with different rotation requirements are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static display target system into a dynamic, adjustable one. The bogie assembly incorporates slideable targets that can be repositioned along the operating stem thread, allowing the indicator post to adapt to valves requiring different numbers of rotations (9 to 50+ turns). This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through threaded movement mechanisms and lockable positions, enabling the same structure to serve multiple valve types.
3Manufacturing precision
If disassembly is required to adjust display targets, then precise positioning can be achieved, but installation time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing pre-configured lockable positions on the threaded operating stem where display targets can be quickly secured. Rather than requiring complete disassembly for adjustment, the system allows targets to be slid to the desired position and locked in place using set screws or locking mechanisms that are pre-positioned on the stem. This reduces installation time while maintaining precise positioning capability for different valve rotation requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An indicator post has a head assembly for use with an underground post indicator valve or a wall mounted post indicator valve. The head assembly includes an upper body having a removable cap rotatably supporting an operating stem coupled to an operating rod for engaging the valve. A leading bogie assembly is threadably mated to a threaded sleeve of the operating stem and includes open and shut targets slideably supported on the bogie assembly to allow adjustment of the targets for valves that open and shut with different numbers of revolutions.