Valve Extension Assembly for Remote Handwheel Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face difficulties in reaching or operating valve hand wheels, especially in high or narrow locations, and in dangerous scenarios like fires, where safety protocols require maintaining a distance from the valve.
Innovation Solution
A valve extension tool with a handle and pipe assembly, allowing two operators to work together to engage and rotate the valve hand wheel from a safe distance, using a joint that can be adjusted in length and configured to fit various valve sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators directly grasp and operate the valve hand wheel, then the operation is simple and direct, but operators cannot reach the valve in high or narrow locations and cannot maintain safe distance in fire emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve extension tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the valve hand wheel. This tool includes a handle, pipe assembly, joint, and crank mechanism that transmits rotational force from the operator to the valve hand wheel, enabling remote operation while maintaining safe distance from hazardous environments such as fires or confined spaces
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pipe assembly is made longer to increase distance from the valve, then operator safety is improved, but the tool becomes more complex and harder to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe assembly is divided into multiple pipe segments that can be connected in series to achieve the required length. This segmentation allows the tool to be extended to maintain safe distance from hazards while keeping each individual segment manageable in size and weight, preventing excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The joint connecting the pipe segments to the crank is designed with rotational freedom, allowing the pipe assembly to dynamically adjust its orientation and position. This dynamic capability enables the tool to maintain safety distance while adapting to different valve locations and operator positions, reducing maneuvering difficulty
3Adaptability or versatility
If the joint is made adjustable to fit various valve sizes and orientations, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is designed with rotational freedom around multiple axes, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different valve orientations and positions. This dynamic adjustability enables the tool to engage with various valve configurations without requiring multiple specialized components, achieving versatility through simple rotational movement rather than complex mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A valve extension tool is configured to operate a hand wheel of a valve. The valve extension tool includes a handle configured for operation by a first operator and a pipe assembly connected to the handle. The pipe assembly includes a proximal pipe segment connected to the handle, a crank connected to the proximal pipe segment and configured for operation by a second operator, and a distal pipe segment connected to the crank. In addition, the valve extension tool includes a front pipe segment connected to the distal pipe segment of the pipe assembly. Further, the valve extension tool includes a joint connected to the front pipe segment, wherein the joint is configured to engage a hand wheel of a valve.