Valve Handle Locking Collar with Adjustable Fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve locking mechanisms do not provide adequate security against inadvertent movement while allowing intermediate secured positions without the need for a padlock.
Innovation Solution
A sliding locking collar with spaced-apart tines and a threaded tab that secures over valve stops, offering adjustable locking without a padlock, and additional padlock security for tampering prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking ring or tab with aperture is used to engage the valve handle, then the valve can be secured from tampering with a padlock, but it cannot provide an intermediate secured position without requiring a padlock
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two distinct levels: a first locking level using a locking collar with a fastener for intermediate positions, and a second locking level using a padlock through an aperture for full security. This segmentation allows the system to provide different security levels for different operational needs without requiring a padlock for all positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking collar is designed to be movable along the valve handle, allowing dynamic adjustment between different locking positions. The collar can be positioned at intermediate locations on the handle shaft, enabling secured positions without full padlock engagement, while still maintaining security when needed.
2Reliability
If a valve lock with locking ring is used to prevent inadvertent movement, then the valve position is secured, but it requires a separate padlock mechanism adding complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking collar integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical engagement with the valve handle, incorporates a fastener for securing at intermediate positions, and includes an aperture for padlock engagement. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking collar serves multiple purposes: it prevents inadvertent movement through mechanical engagement, allows intermediate secured positions via the fastener, and enables tamper prevention through the aperture for padlocks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components and simplifies the overall locking system.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the valve handle, then security is improved, but the device becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking collar is designed to slide over and nest onto the existing valve handle shaft, utilizing the handle's existing structure. The fastener threads into the collar's integrated aperture, creating a nested configuration that secures the valve without requiring separate mounting structures or additional components beyond the collar itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking collar slideably fits over the control handle of a valve, such as a ball valve, and can be moved to locking and unlocking positions. The collar includes a pair of fork-like tines which are spaced apart to span a stop member on the valve body. One of the tines includes a tab with a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded adjustment screw. When tightened against the stop member, the screw secures the locking collar and, therefore, the valve handle in a fixed position, preventing inadvertent changing of the valve position. An aperture in the handle allows a lock to be inserted through the handle preventing movement of the locking collar to prevent changing of the valve position by unauthorized tampering.