Hydrant Auxiliary Valve Assembly for Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high operating torque required to open main valves in hydrants due to pressure differentials between the fluid pressure below the valve and atmospheric pressure above the valve makes it difficult for operators to rotate the operating nut, necessitating cumbersome tools that can cause damage.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary valve assembly is integrated into the hydrant system, featuring an upper and lower auxiliary valve shaft with a sealing element, allowing vertical movement and fluid channeling to equalize pressure, reducing the torque needed to open the main valve by enabling fluid flow through the auxiliary valve before opening the main valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the main valve is designed to seal against high fluid pressure, then the valve can reliably prevent fluid flow, but the operating torque required to open the valve increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into a main valve and an auxiliary valve. The auxiliary valve is positioned to equalize pressure on both sides of the main valve before the main valve needs to be opened. This segmentation allows the main valve to maintain its sealing reliability while the auxiliary valve reduces the operating torque by pre-balancing the pressure differential.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary valve performs a preliminary action by equalizing the fluid pressure on both sides of the main valve before the main valve is opened. This preliminary pressure equalization reduces the torque required to operate the main valve, making it easier to open without compromising the main valve's sealing reliability when closed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a coupling connects the upper and lower stems, then the stem assembly operates as a unified mechanism, but the coupling creates potential failure points and increases maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling connecting the upper and lower stems is extracted and replaced with a magnetic coupling mechanism. This magnetic coupling allows the stems to remain magnetically connected for unified operation while enabling easy separation for maintenance. The magnetic field provides the necessary mechanical linkage without physical contact points that would create failure modes or complicate repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical coupling between stems is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. This substitution eliminates physical contact points and mechanical wear while maintaining the unified operation of the stem assembly. The magnetic field provides the coupling force without requiring physical connectors, thereby simplifying maintenance and reducing failure points.
3Ease of operation
If the operating nut is positioned at the top of the hydrant, then it is easily accessible to operators, but the long stem assembly required to reach the main valve increases the moment of inertia and makes operation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling between the upper and lower stems replaces the traditional mechanical linkage. This magnetic coupling reduces the moment of inertia of the stem assembly because the magnetic field transmission requires less force than mechanical rigid coupling. The operating nut remains accessible at the top while the magnetic coupling reduces the operating force needed to move the stems.
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 auxiliary valve assembly significantly reduces the operating torque required to open the main valve, allowing for easier operation without the need for cumbersome tools, enhancing user safety and reducing the risk of damage to the hydrant system.
Implementation Method 1
opening a fluid channel defined in the auxiliary valve, the auxiliary valve extending through a main valve of the hydrant and a fluid of the system able to thereby flow through the auxiliary valve
Implementation Method 2
a sealing element preventing fluid flow through the fluid channel
Implementation Method 3
An operator can therefore experience difficulty in rotating the operating nut and opening the main valve due to high operating torque requirements to overcome the pressure differential
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for a hydrant can include a main valve defining a bore; and an auxiliary valve assembled to and extending through the bore of the main valve, the auxiliary valve defining a fluid channel through the auxiliary valve, the auxiliary valve including: an upper auxiliary valve shaft; a lower auxiliary valve shaft, the upper auxiliary valve shaft movable in a vertical direction with respect to the lower auxiliary valve shaft, a position of the lower auxiliary valve shaft restrained with respect to a position of the upper auxiliary valve shaft within a predetermined movement range; and a sealing element preventing fluid flow through the fluid channel.