Freeze-Resistant Wall Hydrant With Internal Valve and Drain-Back
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall hydrants face challenges in resisting freezing temperatures, particularly when installed in external building walls, and require improvements for easier installation and integration with building structures.
Innovation Solution
A freeze-resistant wall hydrant design featuring a valve assembly located inside the building, an outlet tube made from expandable plastics like PEX-A, and a stem element with a draining feature to prevent pressure buildup, allowing for flexible installation and adaptation to varying wall thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve assembly is located outside the building structure, then the hydrant is easily accessible, but the water in the hydrant is exposed to freezing temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrant system is divided into two separate components: the valve assembly (containing water) is located inside the building structure, while the outlet tube with housing extends outside. This segmentation allows the water-containing portion to be protected from freezing temperatures while the external portion remains accessible for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet tube acts as an intermediary element connecting the protected valve assembly inside the building to the external housing. This intermediary allows water to be delivered outside without exposing the main water supply to freezing conditions, as the tube can be made of freeze-resistant material or insulated.
2Strength
If the outlet tube is made from rigid material, then the hydrant structure is strong, but the installation is difficult due to varying wall thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet tube is made from expandable plastic material (such as PEX) that can change its physical parameters. The tube is initially in a compressed state for easy insertion through walls of varying thickness, then expanded to its final diameter to provide structural strength and maintain water pressure. This parameter change allows the tube to adapt to different installation conditions while maintaining required strength.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure buildup is prevented in the outlet tube, then freezing is avoided, but additional draining mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The draining mechanism is designed to automatically remove water from the outlet tube before freezing conditions can cause pressure buildup. The drain hole in the valve part allows water to drain out when the valve is closed, performing the protective action in advance before freezing damage can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The draining system operates automatically using the valve's own structure. When the valve part is in the closed position, gravity and pressure differential cause water to drain through the drain hole without requiring external intervention or complex mechanical draining mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the valve part is movable between multiple positions, then draining capability is improved, but the valve assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve part is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be in a fully open position for water flow, a fully closed position for shutting off water, and an intermediate draining position where the drain hole is exposed. This multi-functionality allows a single valve component to handle both water control and draining operations, reducing the need for separate draining mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The draining function is merged into the valve assembly itself rather than being a separate system. The drain hole is integrated into the valve part structure, and the stem mechanism that controls water flow also controls the draining function. This merging reduces overall system complexity by combining two functions into one integrated component.
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
The design effectively prevents freezing by isolating the valve assembly from external cold temperatures and includes a draining mechanism to manage pressure, ensuring reliable operation and easy installation in diverse building structures.
Implementation Method 1
The outlet tube can be made from any suitable material, optionally including a cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), a cross-linked high density polyethylene (HDPE), a cross-linked medium density polyethylene (MDPE), a peroxide cross-linked polyethylene, a peroxide cross-linked high density polyethylene, PEX-A, a silane cross-linked polyethylene, a silane cross-linked high density polyethylene, PEX-B, an electron beam cross-linked polyethylene, an electron beam cross-linked high density polyethylene, PEX-C, an azo cross-linked polyethylene, an azo cross-linked high density polyethylene, PEX-D, a bendable PEX, an expandable PEX, an expandable plastic
Implementation Method 2
The valve part can be movable between a first position for closing the drain hole and a second position for opening the drain hole. The outer end of the stem can optionally be provided with a second drain hole in communication with the passageway of the stem.
Data Source
AI summary
A freeze resistant wall hydrant including an outdoor housing joined to the outer end of an outlet tube for securing to a building and a fitting joined to the inner end of the outlet tube for coupling to a water supply. The fitting includes a fluid closure valve having a valve part movable between first and second positions for closing and opening the valve. A stem extends through the outlet tube and has an outer end coupled to a handle of the outdoor housing and an inner end coupled to the valve part. The handle moves the valve part to close and open the valve. The outlet tube and the stem can each be made from a cross-linked polyethylene or flexible plastic to facilitate installation of the wall hydrant. Methods for using or resizing the wall hydrant are provided.