Hydrant Nozzle Cap Spacer for Antenna Indexing and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire hydrant nozzle cap systems face challenges in adjusting the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap relative to the nozzle connector, which affects the orientation of leak detection system components like antennas, and can prevent water from draining due to gasket deformation into leak paths.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle cap spacer with a resilient spring arm is introduced, which can be inserted into the threaded bore of the nozzle cap to adjust the rotational indexing and maintain the desired orientation of the antenna, while also allowing water to drain through a leak path notch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gasket is positioned between the nozzle cap and the fire hydrant to adjust the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap, then the orientation of the antenna is improved, but the gasket may resiliently deform into the leak path blocking water from draining out of the nozzle cap
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is segmented into multiple sections around the circumference, with specific segments removed to create leak paths. This segmentation allows the gasket to maintain its sealing function in most areas while providing dedicated channels for water to drain through, preventing complete blockage by the resilient material.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket exhibits local quality differentiation: certain angular regions contain material for sealing and adjustment, while other specific regions are removed to create open leak paths. This localized variation in material presence allows simultaneous achievement of rotational indexing (where gasket material exists) and water drainage (where gasket material is absent).
2Reliability
If the nozzle cap is tightly sealed with the nozzle to prevent leakage, then the sealing performance is improved, but water cannot drain out of the nozzle cap to relieve pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is segmented to include both sealed regions and open leak path regions. The gasket is provided with circumferential gaps or removed segments that create dedicated drainage channels, allowing the system to maintain sealing in most areas while providing controlled pressure relief paths where the seal is intentionally broken.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the conflicting requirements of sealing and drainage. By positioning the gasket with specific segments removed, it acts as a controlled barrier that allows water to pass through at designated locations while maintaining seals at other locations, thus managing both pressure containment and pressure relief functions.
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 spacer effectively adjusts the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap, ensuring proper antenna orientation and allowing for water drainage, thereby enhancing the functionality and reliability of the fire hydrant system.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient first spacer spring arm extending from the outer body edge, wherein the first spacer spring arm is biased away from the spacer body in an extended orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle cap spacer for a hydrant nozzle cap includes a spacer body defining an outer body edge, the spacer body defining a spacer body thickness; and a resilient first spacer spring arm extending from the outer body edge and biased away from the spacer body in an extended orientation, wherein the first spacer spring arm defines a first spring arm thickness; wherein the first spring arm thickness of the first spacer spring arm is equal to the spacer body thickness of the spacer body.