Secondary Vapor Valve Indicator for Ground-Level Actuation Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vapor recovery valve actuation indicators on cargo tanks are often obstructed by rollover damage protection devices, making it difficult for operators to visually verify the valve's open position from ground level, posing safety concerns due to restricted access and limited visibility of the primary indicator's stroke.
Innovation Solution
A secondary indicator system comprising a torsional spring, fixed pin, and signal, acting as a second-class lever, provides a visual indication of valve actuation independently from the primary indicator, with the option to trigger additional alarms, and is mounted within the rollover damage protection device to avoid obstructions and ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the vapor valve is mounted lower than the rollover damage protection device, then the valve is protected from damage, but the visibility of the valve actuation status from ground level is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A secondary indicator mechanism acts as an intermediary between the primary indicator (attached to the piston) and the operator at ground level. This mechanism includes a signal element that rotates to provide visual indication, allowing operators to verify valve actuation without climbing on the tank or reaching into the spill-dam area where the primary indicator is located.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system transitions from a linear vertical indication (primary indicator moving up and down with the piston) to a rotational horizontal indication (signal element rotating to different positions). This dimensional change allows the indication to be visible from ground level while the actual valve remains protected in its mounted position.
2Loss of information
If the primary indicator is attached directly to the piston, then it provides direct visual indication of valve position, but its stroke is limited by the usable stroke of the hydraulic/air piston system
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary indicator mechanism dynamically amplifies the limited linear stroke of the primary indicator into a larger rotational movement of the signal element. As the primary indicator moves through its limited stroke range, it drives the signal element to rotate through a wider angular range, making the indication more visible and easier to detect from ground level.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly observing the limited stroke of the primary indicator, the system creates a copied indication through the secondary mechanism. The signal element replicates the valve actuation status but with enhanced visibility and larger movement amplitude, allowing operators to verify actuation without directly observing the constrained primary indicator.
3Reliability
If operators are restricted from climbing on top of the tank to verify valve actuation, then safety is improved, but the ability to visually verify the vapor valve actuation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary indicator mechanism serves as an intermediary that allows operators to verify valve actuation from ground level without climbing on the tank. The signal element provides the necessary visual confirmation that would otherwise require direct observation of the primary indicator, thereby maintaining safety while preserving operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system is designed to automatically provide verification information to operators without requiring them to physically access the valve location. The mechanism self-activates based on valve actuation and provides continuous visual feedback, eliminating the need for operators to climb on the tank for verification.
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
Enhances the visibility of vapor recovery valve actuation from ground level, preventing tampering and ensuring safe operation by providing a clear visual indication and optional alarm notifications, even when the primary indicator is obstructed by the rollover damage protection structure.
Implementation Method 1
The secondary indicator comprises a signal, a torsional spring, and a fixed pin. The secondary indicator is second class lever, the torsional spring is the effort, the fixed pin is the fulcrum, and the primary indicator is the load between the torsional spring and the fixed pin
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary indicator for a vapor recovery valve is presented. The vapor recovery valve comprises a piston and a primary indicator, the primary indicator is attached to the piston, and the piston moves linearly in relation to the actuation of the valve and moves proportionally in conjunction with the piston to provide a visual indication that the valve has actuated. The secondary indicator is mounted to the vapor recovery valve and is not attached to the primary indicator. The secondary indicator comprises a signal, a torsional spring, and a fixed pin. The secondary indicator is second class lever, the torsional spring is the effort, the fixed pin is the fulcrum, and the primary indicator is the load between the torsional spring and the fixed pin, such that the signal rotates with the linear movement of the primary indicator to multiply the effect of the primary indicator.