Frost-Proof Mixing Hydrant With Independent Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrants face issues such as freezing and bursting in cold conditions, independent and inefficient temperature control, and leakage from vacuum breakers, leading to water waste and surface damage.
Innovation Solution
A frost-proof hydrant design with integrated hot and cold water mixing, cammed wheel-actuated poppets for temperature regulation, and a turbulence reducer in the vacuum breaker to prevent leakage, allowing independent flow and temperature control and self-draining to prevent freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is supplied to the exterior of a building in cold environments, then water availability is improved, but freezing and bursting risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrant shut-off valve is extracted from the exterior and relocated to the interior of the building where temperatures remain above freezing. This allows the exterior portion of the hydrant to be completely drained of water, eliminating the freezing and bursting risk while maintaining water supply capability through the interior valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrant is designed with a downward pitch that automatically drains water from the exterior portion before freezing conditions can cause damage. This preliminary drainage action prevents water accumulation that would otherwise freeze and burst the hydrant.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual hydrants with hot and cold outlets are provided, then temperature versatility is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Hot and cold water hydrants are merged into a single dual-outlet hydrant unit. The cammed wheel mechanism simultaneously controls both hot and cold water poppets, allowing temperature regulation through a single integrated control system rather than separate controls for each temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The cammed wheel provides dynamic control by varying the position and opening degree of hot and cold water poppets based on rotational position. This allows continuous adjustment of water temperature and flow distribution between hot and cold outlets through a single dynamic control element.
3Reliability
If vacuum breaker is used to prevent backflow, then water safety is improved, but leakage and water waste occur
Solution Approach 1:
A turbulence reducer is introduced as an intermediary element between the water flow and the vacuum breaker poppet. This mediator absorbs and reduces the turbulent forces that cause the poppet to lift and leak, allowing the vacuum breaker to maintain its backflow prevention function without constant water discharge.
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 solution provides reliable, efficient, and leak-free water supply at various temperatures, preventing freezing damage and water waste, while allowing easy servicing and installation.
Implementation Method 1
A turbulence reducer integrated in the vacuum breaker prevents leakage during use of the hydrant by reducing turbulence acting on the vacuum breaker poppet
Implementation Method 2
a chamber in which the water is mixed based on the position of a cammed wheel acting on a pair of poppets
Implementation Method 3
These poppets act as temperature regulators and check valves to prevent cross-flow leakage and/or contamination
Implementation Method 4
The flow from the inside tube to the outside body tube reduces turbulence and provides a better outlet flow from the spout
Data Source
AI summary
A fully serviceable frost proof mixing hydrant for supplying water at various temperatures to the exterior of a building. The mixing hydrant includes hot and cold water inlets and a chamber in which the water is mixed based on the position of a cammed wheel acting on a pair of poppets. These poppets act as temperature regulators and check valves to prevent cross-flow leakage and/or contamination. The mixing hydrant includes an inside tube or flow sleeve for delivery of water to an outside body tube in communication with a spout on the head of the hydrant. The flow from the inside tube to the outside body tube reduces turbulence and provides a better outlet flow from the spout. Flow control and temperature control are independent allowing the user to set the flow as desired then adjust the temperature as desired without affecting the flow.