Multi-Angle Valve Position Indicator With Lock Ring Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid dispensing systems, particularly those used in gas storage and delivery, often lack a reliable valve position indicator, making it difficult to determine if the valve is open, partially open, or closed, which can lead to safety hazards and operational confusion, especially in semiconductor facilities where orientations and robustness are critical.
Innovation Solution
A valve system with a unique valve position indicator that includes a side and top indicator, securely locked by a lock ring, allowing for clear viewing of the valve position from multiple orientations and ensuring robust operation through a threaded engagement with the valve body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve position indicator is added to the valve assembly, then the visibility and reliability of valve status is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator assembly is nested within the valve body structure, with the indicator sleeve fitting inside the valve body and the lock ring integrating with the threaded portion. This nesting approach allows the indicator functionality to be incorporated without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator assembly serves multiple functions: it indicates valve status through visual display, provides structural support through the indicator sleeve, and ensures secure mounting through the lock ring mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the valve position indicator is made robust for multiple open/close operations, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is pre-configured to engage with the threaded portion of the indicator assembly, providing secure locking before the valve undergoes multiple open/close operations. This preliminary locking action ensures durability without requiring complex locking mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the indicator sleeve for visual display, the threaded portion for mounting, and the lock ring for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the valve position indicator is placed on the top and side of the valve assembly, then the viewing accessibility from multiple orientations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator assembly is positioned asymmetrically on the valve body, with the indicator sleeve oriented to provide optimal viewing angles from both top and side positions. This asymmetric placement ensures accessibility from multiple orientations without requiring symmetric duplication of components.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve system having a valve position indicator is disclosed. The valve position indicator allows for viewing of the valve position from one or more viewing locations. In one example, the valve position indicator includes a side valve open/close indicator and a top valve open/close indicator on a valve assembly. An indicator locking mechanism securely locks the valve position indicator in alignment with a position of a control valve.