Pressurized Fluid Valve Locking for Controlled Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Taps for pressurized fluid, particularly those with lever or rotary control members, risk sudden valve opening, leading to pressure surges that can damage downstream equipment, especially pressure regulators, and pose safety hazards, especially with oxidizing gases like oxygen.
Innovation Solution
The tap incorporates a mechanism where the actuator opens the valve in a second, lower opening section, with a biasing member to lock the actuator in its locking position, requiring a separate unlocking action, which slows the pressurization rate and provides safety against inadvertent opening, using a combination of levers, push buttons, or rotary actuators to control the valve movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the valve is opened quickly to allow rapid fluid flow, then productivity is improved, but pressure peaks damage downstream equipment and create safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The valve opening process is segmented into two distinct phases: a first opening section that allows rapid flow for productivity, and a second opening section that limits flow to prevent pressure peaks. The control member is divided into different operational positions (first position for full opening, second position for restricted opening) that correspond to these segmented flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system dynamically adjusts the opening section based on the position of the control member. The control member can be positioned in different locations along its travel path, with each position corresponding to a different valve opening section. This dynamic positioning allows the system to select between rapid opening (when needed) and controlled opening (to prevent pressure peaks).
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent opening, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing control member structure. The control member itself serves dual purposes: it controls valve opening and simultaneously engages/disengages the locking mechanism through its movement. The cam profile integrated into the control member combines the locking function with the opening control, eliminating the need for a completely separate locking device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control member is designed with multi-functionality: it controls the valve opening section, provides the locking mechanism through its cam profile, and indicates valve status through its position. This universal design consolidates multiple safety and control functions into a single component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve opening is restricted to a lower opening section, then pressure peaks are reduced, but fluid flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by first opening the valve to a restricted second opening section before allowing full opening. This preliminary restricted opening allows downstream equipment to gradually adapt to pressure changes, preventing sudden pressure peaks. Only after this preliminary phase does the valve open fully to achieve maximum flow rate when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve opening parameter (opening section) is changed based on operational requirements. The control member can be positioned to provide different opening sections: a restricted second opening section for safe gradual pressurization, and a full first opening section for maximum productivity. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between safety and productivity as needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces pressure peaks by controlling the opening rate, ensuring safer operation and reducing the risk of mechanical damage or ignition in downstream equipment, while providing double security against untimely openings.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged to act on the actuator in order to bias it towards its locking position
Implementation Method 2
a cam arranged to cooperate with a follower mounted on the control member
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
Valve for pressurized fluid comprising a circuit (3) having an assembly of valve shutter(s) (6, 7) comprising at least one shut-off valve shutter for closing or opening the circuit, a control member (8) for controlling the assembly of valve shutter(s), the control member being mounted on the body (2) with the ability to move between a rest position in which the assembly of valve shutter(s) is in a position in which the circuit is closed and an active position in which the control member actuates the assembly of valve shutter(s) into a position in which the circuit is open with a first bore section (S1), the valve (1) comprising a locking mechanism (9, 10) for locking the control member and comprising a manual actuator (9) mounted on the body with the ability to move between a first position for locking and a second position for unlocking of the control member; in its unlocking second position, the actuator actuates the assembly of valve shutter(s) into a position in which the circuit is open with a second bore section (S2), the valve comprising a member (12) for returning the actuator to its locking first position.