Hazardous Material Valve Plug Assembly for Drop-Test Leak Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve systems for chemical containers fail drop tests due to damage to the upper lip, especially when handling hazardous materials, and stainless steel valves are either corrosive or cost-prohibitive for certain applications, leading to leaks and failure in stringent regulatory standards.

Innovation Solution

A valve-plug assembly with a plug that includes an outer wall with keys and grooves for secure fitting, a socket drive for rotation, and a tamper-evident pin to prevent unauthorized access, providing reinforcement to the upper lip during drop tests and preventing leaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If stainless steel valves are used to reinforce the upper lip, then the strength and drop-test performance are improved, but the valve becomes susceptible to corrosion from certain chemicals and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupper lip reinforcementVSAvoidchemical corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve system is divided into two separate components: a plastic composite valve body and a stainless steel plug. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the plastic body provides chemical compatibility while the stainless steel plug provides the necessary structural strength and upper lip reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines two different materials - plastic composite and stainless steel - into a single functional assembly. The plastic composite valve body resists chemical corrosion, while the stainless steel plug provides mechanical strength and reinforcement to the upper lip, creating a composite system that leverages the advantages of both materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If stainless steel valves are used to reinforce the upper lip, then the drop-test performance is improved, but the cost becomes prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupper lip reinforcementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If plastic composite valves are used for corrosive chemicals, then chemical compatibility is improved, but the upper lip reinforcement strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical corrosion resistanceVSAvoidupper lip reinforcement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If the plug is made with keys and grooves for secure fitting, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug- valve connectionVSAvoidplug structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is segmented into discrete geometric features - keys on the plug and corresponding grooves in the valve body. This segmentation creates distinct, easily manufacturable features that provide reliable mechanical engagement while keeping the overall design simple and modular.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11598447B2Hazardous material container plug

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 MICRO MATIC USA INC

AI summary

A plug for a valve for a container that may contain hazardous materials is provided. The plug may include an outer wall, and one or more keys disposed on an external surface of the outer wall. The keys may be sized and shaped to respectively fit within one or more corresponding notches and one or more circumferential grooves in the valve to secure the plug to the valve.