Dual Auto Hydrant for Snowmaking Gun Fluid Supply Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snowmaking equipment requires separate and often inconvenient supply of pressurized water and compressed air, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased operational costs, as well as issues with water freezing in the delivery system.
Innovation Solution
A dual auto hydrant system that selectively controls the delivery of compressed air and pressurized water to a snowmaking gun, featuring a piston mechanism with seals, a rack and pinion system, and a controller housing to manage three operating positions, allowing for efficient charging and discharging of both air and water sources, and includes a unique water pipeline tap to prevent freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate supply systems for pressurized water and compressed air are used, then each fluid can be independently controlled, but the system complexity and operational inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate water and compressed air supply systems into a single dual hydrant unit. The hydrant base integrates both water and air outlets in one location, allowing operators to access both fluids from a single point rather than managing separate supply systems, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining independent control of each fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual hydrant is designed as a multi-functional device that serves both water supply and compressed air delivery functions. The single hydrant structure incorporates multiple outlets and control mechanisms that can handle different fluid types independently, making the system versatile and reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
2Productivity
If water is delivered to elevated locations for snowmaking, then snowmaking can occur at desired terrain locations, but water pressure is lost and freezing risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-pressurizes water in underground storage tanks before delivery, ensuring adequate pressure is maintained even when delivering water to elevated snowmaking locations. This preliminary pressurization action compensates for elevation losses and reduces the need for additional pressure boosting at higher altitudes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic pressure systems with underground pressurized tanks to maintain water flow pressure to elevated locations. The system incorporates pressure regulation mechanisms that ensure consistent water delivery pressure regardless of elevation changes, preventing pressure loss and associated freezing risks.
3Productivity
If conventional separate hydrants are used for water and air, then each fluid can be controlled independently, but operational costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dual hydrant merges water and compressed air supply functions into a single operational unit. Operators can access both fluids from one location and control both flows through integrated valves, eliminating the need to travel between separate hydrants and significantly reducing the time required to set up and manage snowmaking operations.
4Quantity of substance
If pressurized water is stored in above-ground tanks, then water availability is ensured, but water freezing becomes a significant problem
Solution Approach 1:
The system places water storage tanks underground, nesting them within the earth's structure. This underground positioning provides natural insulation from cold air temperatures, preventing water freezing while ensuring adequate storage capacity. The tanks are accessed through insulated piping that maintains water temperature during delivery to snowmaking equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a dual auto hydrant configured to interface independent pressurized water and compressed air sources with snowmaking equipment, such as a snowmaking gun and methods of using same.