Valve Set Screw Cap Locking Against Tampering and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve designs with set screws lack effective protection against unauthorized adjustments and tampering, particularly in hazardous environments, and current solutions are complex and expensive, with a risk of accidental changes due to vibrations or misinterpretation by unexperienced personnel.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a protective cap with a locking nut and a cap portion that provides double locking for the set screw, requiring a specific tool for adjustment, ensuring secure locking and preventing unauthorized changes, while allowing for easy fine-tuning and repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a set screw is provided without protection, then the valve can be easily adjusted and operated, but the set screw can be unauthorizedly changed or tampered with
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap is divided into two distinct portions: a first cap portion that fits over the nut and a second cap portion that threads onto the set screw. This segmentation allows the cap to provide comprehensive protection while maintaining adjustability through proper tool access features.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-part cap acts as an intermediary protective mechanism between the set screw and unauthorized users. It requires specific tools for removal, thereby mediating between easy operation for authorized users and protection against tampering for unauthorized users.
2Device complexity
If a simple protective cap is used, then the construction is simple and cost-effective, but the cap may not provide sufficient protection against tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap is segmented into two functional portions that work together to provide enhanced protection. The first cap portion covering the nut and the second cap portion threading onto the set screw create multiple barriers to tampering while maintaining relatively simple construction and cost-effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to protect the set screw, then protection against tampering is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protection is achieved through a segmented two-part cap design rather than a complex integrated locking mechanism. This segmentation provides effective protection while keeping the overall device complexity and cost relatively low.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-part cap serves multiple functions: it protects against tampering, provides structural support, and includes integrated tool access features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting device complexity.
4Reliability
If the cap is made securely locked, then protection against vibrations and external forces is improved, but the ease of adjustment for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The two-part cap structure acts as an intermediary that provides stable protection during normal operation but can be systematically removed for maintenance. The segmented design allows for controlled access during repair while maintaining stability under vibrations and external forces during operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve comprises a set screw (37) that is screwable into and out of a complementary female threaded opening in a valve part for changing a setting of the valve, preferably for changing an adjustable flow restriction of the valve, in which the set screw (37) comprises a free outer end that projects outside the valve part, and a gripping part (39) on its free outer end for a tool to be engageable thereupon. The free outer end of the set screw (37) comprises a male thread onto which a locking nut (38) is screwed. A protective cap (50) is provided for covering the free outer end, that comprises a first cap portion with a rotation space for fitting freely rotatable over the locking nut (38), and a second cap portion with a complementary female thread that is screwed onto the male thread towards a locked position.