Valve Lock Device with Axial Protrusion Recess Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock devices for valve devices fail to prevent rotation of the valve stem due to external forces or fluid pressure changes, leading to unintended changes in the valve's open or closed state, which can disrupt fluid flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A lock device with a tubular member that moves along the central axis of the rotating part, featuring protrusions and recesses that engage to lock the rotating part in place, preventing rotation from external forces or fluid pressure changes, while allowing controlled movement between obstructing and communicating positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lock device is used to lock the valve position, then the valve position can be maintained, but the rotating part can still rotate due to external forces or fluid pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking protrusion can engage or disengage from the locking groove based on the position of the operating part. When the operating part rotates to a locked position, the locking protrusion engages with the locking groove to prevent rotation. When the operating part rotates to an unlocked position, the locking protrusion disengages to allow rotation. This dynamic engagement/disengagement resolves the contradiction by providing position-dependent locking that maintains stability when needed while allowing movement when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock device applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the locking protrusion to engage with the locking groove before external forces or pressure changes can cause unintended rotation. The locking mechanism is pre-configured to counteract the harmful rotational forces by creating a mechanical interlock that prevents the rotating part from moving due to external influences until the operating part is deliberately moved to disengage the lock.
2Reliability
If the lock device prevents rotation completely, then position stability is improved, but the operating part cannot be rotated to change valve position
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device uses dynamic engagement where the locking protrusion and locking groove are positioned to engage only when the operating part is at specific locked positions. The operating part can be rotated to disengage the locking protrusion from the locking groove, allowing position changes. Once the operating part reaches a new desired position, the locking protrusion can be re-engaged with the locking groove to maintain stability. This dynamic on-demand locking resolves the contradiction between preventing rotation and allowing controlled rotation for position changes.
3Reliability
If a separate lock device is used, then locking function is provided, but the device complexity increases and the lock device may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device is merged with the rotating part as an integrated assembly. The locking protrusion is formed as part of the rotating part structure, and the locking groove is formed on the rotating part holder. This integration eliminates the need for a separate standalone lock device, reducing component count and the risk of loss while maintaining the locking function. The merging principle resolves the contradiction by embedding the locking functionality within the existing rotating mechanism rather than adding a separate device.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a valve device free of changes in the position of the valve member caused by external force and fluid pressure, and a lock device for the valve device. The lock device has a tubular member fitted to the rotating part of the valve device so that the member is movable along the axis of the rotating part in both directions, wherein the member has a protrusion on its inner circumferential face along its axis, and the protrusion engages with or disengages from recesses in an outer circumferential face of a holder of the rotating part formed along its axis when the member moves in either direction; or the member has recesses in its inner circumferential face formed along its axis, and the recesses engage with or disengage from a protrusion on the outer circumferential face of the holder along its axis when the member moves in either direction.