Angled Jaw Wrench for Confined Irrigation Valve Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wrenches are ineffective in removing irrigation valve bonnets in confined spaces due to limited access and the bonnets becoming tight over time, especially when solenoids, screws, and wires are attached, requiring excavation or excessive leverage.
Innovation Solution
A wrench with two legs that extend at an angle to engage bonnets of different diameters, forming a gap to maneuver around attached devices, and incorporating a multi-purpose design with additional tools like screwdriver bits for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional cup wrenches are used to remove bonnets, then gripping force is improved, but the tool cannot accommodate bonnets with attached devices (solenoids, screws, wires) and has fixed diameter limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench is divided into multiple adjustable segments or jaws that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the wrench to adapt to different bonnet diameters and configurations, including those with attached devices, while maintaining effective gripping force through each segment's contact with the bonnet surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrench incorporates dynamic, adjustable components that can change configuration during use. The adjustable jaws or segments can be repositioned to match different bonnet sizes and shapes, transforming the tool from a fixed-diameter design to an adaptive system that maintains optimal gripping force across various configurations.
2Force
If handheld pliers are used in confined spaces, then gripping capability is improved, but working space requirements increase due to need for leverage
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench design incorporates nested or telescoping components that allow the tool to collapse into a compact form for insertion into confined spaces. Once positioned, the components can be extended or deployed to provide sufficient leverage and gripping capability, effectively nesting the full functional size within a smaller storage configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrench utilizes a folding or collapsing mechanism that transitions the tool between a compact two-dimensional profile for insertion and a three-dimensional expanded form for operation. This dimensional transformation allows the wrench to fit into confined underground valve boxes while still providing adequate leverage arm length when deployed.
3Area of stationary object
If excavation is performed to access valve, then access space is improved, but time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench changes key geometric parameters such as jaw width, segment positioning, and overall tool profile to fit within the constrained dimensions of existing valve boxes without requiring excavation. By adjusting these parameters, the tool provides full functional capability within the original access space, eliminating the need for time-consuming excavation work.
Data Source
AI summary
A wrench for a valve includes an elongated member having a first end portion and a second end portion. A first leg and a second leg are attached to the first end portion. The first leg and the second leg extend at an angle with respect to each other to form a gap therebetween. The first leg and second leg both having an inner surface for engaging with an outer surface of a bonnet and both legs having a front surface for engaging with a side surface of a rib attached to the outer surface of the bonnet. The wrench also including a handle attached to the second end portion.