Valve Lock Bracket Design for Secure Handle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locking gear actuated hand valves using chains or cables fail to securely prevent handle movement, potentially causing leaks due to accidental bumps.
Innovation Solution
A valve lock system comprising a lower and upper lock bracket with flange plates and lock tabs that securely position the valve stem and handle within channels and slots, allowing a padlock to be used for locking without chains or cables, ensuring the handle cannot move.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chains or cables are used to lock the valve handle, then the valve can be secured, but the handle cannot be secured tightly enough to completely prevent movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: a lock body with a U-shaped channel, a lockable element that moves between positions, and a handle. The U-shaped channel segments the locking space, allowing the handle to be secured in specific positions (open or closed) while preventing intermediate movements that could cause leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockable element provides localized securing at critical points within the U-shaped channel. Instead of relying on a loose chain or cable, the lockable element makes direct contact with the handle at specific locations, ensuring tight security precisely where needed to prevent accidental bumps or movement.
2Reliability
If the valve handle is locked tightly to prevent movement, then security is improved, but the lock structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body serves multiple functions: it provides the U-shaped channel for receiving the handle, houses the lockable element, and incorporates the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable security for the valve handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockable element is nested within the lock body, moving along the U-shaped channel. The handle is nested within the U-shaped channel when locked. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be compact and integrated, reducing structural complexity while ensuring secure positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve lock is provided. The valve lock includes a lower lock bracket and an upper lock bracket. The lower lock bracket has a first flange plate having at least one lock hole formed therethrough. A lock plate extends from and is substantially perpendicular to the first flange plate. The lock plate is positioned to abut against a valve body when the valve lock is locked to a valve. The upper lock bracket includes a second flange plate having at least one lock hole aligned with the at least one lock hole of the first flange plate. A pair of upper lock tabs extends vertically from the second flange plate and forms a vertical channel. The vertical channel is sized to receive at least a portion of a valve handle within.