Control Valve Sealing Surface Cleaning Tool for Safer Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for cleaning the sealing surfaces of control valve bodies are inefficient, often requiring manual scrubbing which can be dangerous and time-consuming, and do not consistently clean hard-to-reach areas effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tool and method featuring a stem with cleaning elements and a handle mechanism that allows for safe and efficient cleaning of both first and second sealing surfaces within the valve body, eliminating the need for manual scrubbing and reducing exposure to hazardous materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual scrubbing is used to clean sealing surfaces, then the operator can directly contact and clean the surfaces, but the process is time-consuming and exposes the operator to dangerous chemicals and sharp features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cleaning tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the sealing surfaces. The tool includes a handle, stem, and cleaning elements that allow the operator to clean hazardous surfaces without direct contact, eliminating exposure to dangerous chemicals and sharp features while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool is designed to be self-contained with all necessary cleaning components integrated into the tool structure. The tool performs the cleaning function autonomously once positioned, requiring minimal operator intervention and reducing the time spent on the cleaning process
2Reliability
If manual scrubbing is used to clean sealing surfaces, then the operator can clean the surfaces, but the process is inconsistent and cannot effectively clean hard-to-access areas
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool is segmented into multiple components including a handle, stem, and multiple cleaning elements positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the tool to reach complex geometries and hard-to-access sealing surfaces while maintaining consistent cleaning action through the structured arrangement of cleaning elements
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning elements are designed to be movable relative to the stem, allowing them to adapt to the contours of the sealing surfaces. This dynamic capability ensures consistent contact and cleaning effectiveness across varying surface geometries and hard-to-reach areas
3Reliability
If multiple cleaning elements are added to clean both sealing surfaces, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool is designed as a universal device that can clean both first and second sealing surfaces using the same basic structure. The stem serves multiple functions by providing support for multiple cleaning elements and allowing rotational movement to access different surfaces, reducing the need for multiple separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cleaning elements are merged into a single integrated tool structure rather than using separate tools. The cleaning elements are combined on a common stem that can be rotated to position different cleaning elements against different sealing surfaces, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage
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
The tool enables consistent and safer cleaning of control valve bodies, reducing the time and risk associated with manual cleaning processes while ensuring thorough cleaning of all sealing surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The stem includes first and second apertures corresponding to first and second positions of the stem relative to the handle, respectively, and a locking element is configured to be removably disposed in the first or second aperture to secure the stem in the first or second position, respectively.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool and a method are provided for cleaning a sealing surface of a valve body. The tool includes a stem adapted to be disposed in the valve body, at least one cleaning element coupled to the stem, and a handle operatively coupled to the at least one cleaning element via the stem. The at least one cleaning element includes at least one cleaning surface adapted to engage the sealing surface when the stem is disposed in the valve body. The at least one cleaning element is movable responsive to actuation of the handle such that the at least one cleaning surface cleans the sealing surface of the valve body.