Gate Valve Box Adjuster for Hydraulic Ring Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually adjusting and maintaining gate valve boxes is labor-intensive and time-consuming due to issues like rusting and corrosion of metal pipes, requiring manual labor to align and rethread connections, which complicates repairs and installations in utility and agricultural applications.
Innovation Solution
An industrial gate valve box adjuster system that uses a fabricated custom fit attachment and hydraulic power to align, unthread, and rethread gate valve box rings, allowing for rapid adjustments and reducing manual labor, compatible with various equipment like tractors and skid loaders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used to adjust gate valve boxes, then labor intensity and time consumption increase, but the process is simple and requires no special equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter assembly as an intermediary device between the existing gate valve box threading and the adjustment equipment. This adapter provides a interface that allows hydraulic or mechanical equipment to engage with and adjust the valve box without directly modifying the original threading, thus improving productivity while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with hydraulic or powered mechanical systems. The adapter assembly enables connection to hydraulic actuators or powered tools that can automatically perform the adjustment operations, eliminating the need for manual unscrewing and repositioning of heavy valve boxes
2Reliability
If rusted and corroded threads are present on gate valve boxes, then connection reliability deteriorates, but manual removal attempts can still be made
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly serves as a mediator that interfaces with the existing (even corroded) threads without requiring complete removal. It provides a new connection path that bypasses the problematic old threads, allowing adjustment operations to proceed while maintaining connection reliability through the adapter's own threading mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the adjustment function from the original valve box structure by introducing a separate adapter assembly. This allows the adjustment mechanism to be independently applied without being constrained by the condition of the existing threads, enabling repair operations even when original connections are compromised
3Manufacturing precision
If gate valve boxes need to be repositioned to proper depth, then alignment precision must be maintained, but manual positioning is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning with hydraulic or powered actuation systems that can precisely control the vertical movement of the valve box. These systems provide controlled, incremental adjustment capability that maintains alignment precision while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual lifting and positioning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly and adjustment system incorporate feedback mechanisms that allow operators to monitor and control the positioning process. This enables precise depth adjustment by providing real-time information about the valve box position, allowing for accurate alignment without time-consuming trial and error manual positioning
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 system significantly reduces manpower and time required for utility development and repairs by enabling efficient alignment and adjustment of gate valve boxes, minimizing manual labor and labor costs, and accommodating various applications.
Implementation Method 1
An industrial gate valve box adjuster system that uses a fabricated custom fit attachment and hydraulic power to align, unthread, and rethread gate valve box rings
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the application can provide methods and systems for the adjustment of gate valve boxes using custom fit gate valve box adjusters and the like. A gate valve box adjuster may include an alignment portion, an engagement key, a base plate, angle plates, and perhaps even an extension bar which may be attached to a motor and equipment.