Freezeless Hydrant Maintenance System for Drain Obstruction Clearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for maintaining freezeless hydrants are time-consuming and costly, requiring manual inspection or excavation to detect and clear obstructions in the drain mechanism, which can lead to further issues and are not effectively addressed by prior art.

Innovation Solution

A maintenance system comprising a pressure vessel, actuator, and adapter hose with a pressure gauge that allows for testing and clearing obstructions in the drain mechanism of freezeless hydrants without excavating the hydrant, by pressurizing the system and using compressed fluid to clear blockages through the drain hole.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If manual inspection or excavation is performed to detect and clear obstructions in the drain mechanism, then the obstruction can be removed, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of clearing obstructionVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-diagnosis and self-clearing of obstructions through automated pressure testing and compressed air clearing mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual intervention and excavation to maintain the drain mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical inspection and clearing methods are replaced with an automated system using pressure gauges, actuators, and compressed air delivery mechanisms to detect and clear obstructions in the drain mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the drain mechanism is inspected by removing the hydrant valve or excavating, then obstructions can be detected, but this causes further damage and is unnecessary in many cases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of obstructionVSAvoiddamage to hydrant

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediary testing system is introduced that connects to the hydrant through existing ports (spigot end or operating valve) to perform pressure-based obstruction detection without requiring removal of components or excavation, thus preventing additional damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary obstruction detection through pressure testing before any invasive inspection or repair work is undertaken, allowing operators to identify blockages and clear them using compressed air without needing to excavate or disassemble the hydrant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If water remains in the riser during winter, then the hydrant can function properly, but the water may freeze and cause the riser to burst

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrant functionalityVSAvoidrisk of rupture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Compressed air is delivered through the water system to clear obstructions in the drain mechanism, ensuring proper drainage functionality and preventing water accumulation that could lead to freezing and rupture during winter months

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure gauge provides real-time feedback on pressure changes during testing, allowing operators to detect obstructions and verify proper drainage operation, ensuring the hydrant is functioning correctly before winter conditions set in

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 efficient testing and clearing of obstructions, reducing the need for manual inspection and preventing hydrant rupture due to freezing, thus ensuring proper functionality and extending the lifespan of the hydrant.

Implementation Method 1

pressurizing the hydrant and riser pipe in order to determine whether the drain mechanism may be functioning properly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a compressed fluid from the maintenance system may be released to clear any obstruction from the drain hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed fluid flow: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

actuator, and connecting hose for testing and troubleshooting the functionality of the drain mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed gas expansion: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS9523624B2Method and maintenance system for testing and clearing freezeless water hydrants

Publication Date: 2016.12.20 DAVIS CHANTRY

AI summary

A freezeless hydrant maintenance system for testing, troubleshooting, and repairing the functionality of a freezeless water hydrant prior to the seasonal freezing temperatures, the system comprising a pressure vessel adapted to receive and hold a fluid under pressure, an actuator adapted to release the pressurized fluid upon the user's command, at least one display and an adapter hose adapted to engage a hydrant and seal to prevent pressure loss, whereby the system is attached to a freezeless hydrant, the user opens hydrant pressurizing the vertical pipe and hydrant with water and air, observes the display determining if the freezeless hydrant drain hole is block, then operates the system applying additional pressure to clear blockage, and identifies a hydrant that needs replacement.