Post Yard Hydrant Adjustable Flow Control Linkage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current yard hydrants lack the ability to control water flow from trickle to full pressure without altering their complex design, and there is a need for a retrofit solution to provide adjustable flow control.
Innovation Solution
A slotted flow control linkage system that includes adjustable slot links and an adjustment arrangement, allowing the handle to pivotally rotate and limit the operating rod's movement, enabling adjustable flow rates from trickle to full pressure without requiring tools for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional yard hydrant design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow rate cannot be controlled and is always at full pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the operating rod's travel distance adjustable through a slot linkage mechanism. The operating rod can move dynamically between different positions (fully retracted for trickle flow, partially retracted for medium flow, fully extended for full flow) based on the handle's rotation angle, which is limited by an adjustable stop. This allows a single hydrant structure to provide multiple flow rates without changing the basic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the travel distance of the operating rod to control flow rate. By adjusting the position of the stop along the slot linkage, the maximum travel distance of the operating rod changes, which directly controls the flow rate from trickle to full pressure. This transforms a fixed-parameter system into an adjustable-parameter system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flow control mechanism is added to the hydrant, then adjustable flow rates are achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a slot linkage mechanism that serves multiple functions: it acts as both the connection linkage between the handle and operating rod, and simultaneously provides the adjustment feature for flow control. The slot in the linkage allows the operating rod to travel different distances while maintaining the structural integrity of the hydrant. This multi-functional design avoids adding separate complex flow control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow control function into discrete adjustable positions using the slot linkage and stop mechanism. The slot can be positioned at different locations along the linkage, creating distinct flow rate settings (trickle, medium, full). This segmented approach to flow control simplifies manufacturing compared to continuous adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the operating rod travel is limited to control flow, then trickle and medium flow rates are achieved, but the handle rotation range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a slot linkage mechanism as a mediator between the handle and the operating rod. The slot linkage translates the handle's rotational motion into controlled linear motion of the operating rod, while the adjustable stop limits the maximum travel distance. This intermediary mechanism allows flow control without directly restricting the handle's rotation in a way that would make operation difficult.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a post yard hydrant with controlled adjustable flow. The post yard hydrant includes a valve housing located below ground level for connection to a water supply under pressure, a head portion with an integral discharge nozzle positioned above ground level, and a casing portion with a first end connected to the head portion and a second end connected to the valve housing. The post yard hydrant further includes an operating rod disposed in the casing portion for reciprocation therein and an operating means configured to interact through a flow control linkage to reciprocate the operating rod. The flow control linkage is adapted to adjust water flow from a trickle level to a full pressure level.