Elevating Fire Hydrant Assembly Automatic Hydraulic Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevating fire hydrants require manual operation to project and retract the discharge pipe, leading to slow operation speeds and susceptibility to freezing and damage, especially in cold weather.
Innovation Solution
An elevating fire hydrant assembly that automatically projects the elevating pipe from the ground using water pressure, with adjustable rising and lowering speeds, featuring a water control valve, elbow pipe, fixed pipe, elevating pipe with a guide block, sealing plate, head block, air valve, and check valve, allowing for automatic operation and controlled speed adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the discharge pipe is manually projected from the ground by grasping the handle, then the fire hydrant can be operated, but the operation speed is slow and requires manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The elevating pipe automatically rises using water pressure from the fire hydrant system itself, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system uses its own water supply to power the elevation mechanism, achieving self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic pressure from the water supply to automatically elevate the pipe. The water pressure drives the elevating mechanism, replacing manual mechanical operation with hydraulic actuation for faster response.
2Ease of operation
If the discharge pipe is manually retracted by applying downward force, then the pipe returns to ground level, but the lowering operation is difficult and very slow due to water filling the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts water from the elevating pipe through a drainage mechanism during retraction. By removing the water that slows down lowering, the pipe can return to ground level faster and with less manual effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic principles to control the lowering speed. A valve mechanism regulates water flow during retraction, enabling controlled and accelerated lowering compared to pure gravitational descent.
3Productivity
If the elevating pipe is automatically projected by water pressure, then operation speed increases, but the rising speed must be controlled to prevent abrupt movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through air valves that monitor and regulate the elevation process. The air valve opens/closes based on water pressure changes to maintain controlled rising speed and prevent abrupt movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters during elevation. The air valve adjusts opening degree based on water pressure, modifying the rising speed parameter in real-time to ensure safe and controlled operation.
4Productivity
If air is discharged between the fixed pipe and elevating pipe, then rising speed can be controlled, but requires additional valve mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The air valve serves multiple functions: it controls rising speed by regulating air discharge, prevents water ingress during retraction, and acts as a safety release mechanism. This multi-functionality justifies the added component.
Solution Approach 2:
The air valve automatically opens and closes based on water pressure changes without external control. The system self-regulates air discharge to control rising speed, eliminating the need for manual valve operation.
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
Enables quick and safe operation of the elevating pipe during emergencies, reduces manual effort for retraction, and prevents abrupt rising and smooth lowering, eliminating the need for separate tools and minimizing damage risks.
Implementation Method 1
the elevating pipe is risen by pressure of the firefighting water supplied through the water pipe
Implementation Method 2
a lower end part of which is coupled to a guide block that slides along the inner surface of the fixed pipe
Implementation Method 3
an air valve that is opened/closed so as to discharge air between the fixed pipe and the elevating pipe or introduce air into between them
Implementation Method 4
a check valve which is connected to the elbow pipe and closed at the time of opening of the water control valve, and opened at the time of closing of the water control valve to outwardly discharge the firefighting water remaining in the elevating pipe and elbow pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an elevating fire hydrant assembly. The elevating fire hydrant assembly includes: a water pipe which supplies firefighting water in accordance with the open or shut operation of a water control valve buried underground; an elbow pipe connected to the water pipe; a fixing pipe connected to the elbow pipe; an elevating pipe which is coupled to the fixing pipe to retract into or extend from the ground, and the lower end of which is coupled to a guide block that slides along the inner surface of the fixing pipe; a sealing plate coupled to the top of the fixing pipe to prevent the elevating pipe from escaping; a head block which is coupled to the top of the elevating pipe, and which has a hose connector for connecting a firefighting hose; and valve means for opening or shutting the lower end of the elevating pipe.