Valve Holding Wrench Geometry for Tight-Space Nut Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle fixing wrenches interfere with wrenches used to tighten or loosen valve nuts due to their parallel extension, making it difficult to operate in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A selectively positionable angle fixing wrench with a threaded tube and perpendicular drive handle that allows for angular engagement with the valve assembly, preventing rotation and enabling easy installation or removal of valve assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the handle extends parallel planarly with the wrench, then the valve assembly is securely held, but the handle interferes with the wrench operation in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is repositioned from a parallel planar extension to a perpendicular orientation relative to the wrench axis. This dimensional change allows the handle to extend in a different spatial dimension, eliminating interference with wrench rotation while maintaining the locking function through the drive mechanism that engages with the valve assembly.
2Reliability
If the handle is positioned to prevent valve rotation, then the valve assembly is secured, but the handle blocks access in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the handle perpendicular to the wrench axis rather than parallel, the device utilizes a different spatial dimension for handle placement. This allows the handle to be positioned away from the wrench rotation path, maintaining rotation prevention capability while improving accessibility in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism allows the handle to be selectively engaged or disengaged from the valve assembly. This dynamic capability enables the handle to be positioned for rotation prevention when needed, while allowing greater flexibility in handle positioning or removal when workspace is limited.
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
Facilitates the installation and removal of valve assemblies in tight spaces by allowing the wrench handle to be positioned non-interferingly, overcoming the limitations of prior art designs.
Implementation Method 1
a tube (12), which is internally threaded so as to be complementary to an outlet connector (14) of a valve assembly (16)
Implementation Method 2
Tightening of the nut is done with a wrench and fixedly attaches the valve assembly to a pipe by compressing a flange onto the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A valve installation and removal device for preventing rotation of a valve while installing or removing the valve includes a tube, which is internally threaded so as to be threadedly attachable to an outlet connector of a valve assembly. The valve assembly has a compression fitting that is nonlinear with the outlet connector. A pair of openings is opposingly positioned in the tube substantially equally distant from opposed ends of the tube. A drive is attached to and extends substantially perpendicularly from an elongate handle proximate to a first end of the elongate handle. The drive is complementary to, and thus selectively insertable through, the openings, which are noncircular, to engage the elongate handle to the tube. The elongate handle can be grasped in a hand of a user to prevent rotation of the valve assembly as a nut of the compression fitting tightened or loosened.