Hydrant Control Pipe with Telescopic Drainage for Contamination Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire hydrants connected to drinking water lines face challenges in preventing contamination and germ entry, as existing solutions either leave residual water that can re-enter the system or risk germ formation in storage reservoirs, and lack effective methods for complete drainage verification.
Innovation Solution
A control pipe system with a connection for suction or pumping at the lower end and an access area at the upper end, connected to a drainage pipe that is open at the top, allowing for visual, mechanical, or electronic verification of emptying, and equipped with a telescopic design and non-return valve to prevent water re-entry and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a drainage pipe is added to drain residual water from the hydrant, then contamination and germ entry into the drinking water line is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrant system is divided into functional segments: the main hydrant body, a separate drainage pipe system, and a control pipe. The drainage pipe is positioned at the lowest point to specifically handle residual water drainage, while the control pipe enables remote operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its dedicated function, preventing contamination without requiring complete redesign of the entire hydrant system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control pipe acts as an intermediary element that connects the operating area to the drainage mechanism. It allows operators to control the drainage valve from a distance, enabling the drainage function without requiring direct access to the valve mechanism. This intermediary control system adds minimal complexity while enabling effective drainage control.
2Productivity
If a reservoir chamber is added to temporarily store removed water, then water removal capability is improved, but the risk of germ formation in stored water increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the stored water from the hydrant system through the drainage pipe and discharges it to the external environment. By removing the water completely rather than storing it in a reservoir chamber, the system avoids creating conditions for germ formation while maintaining effective water removal capability. The drainage pipe provides a direct path from the hydrant bottom to external discharge.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drainage pipe is made telescopic and adjustable in length, then adaptability to different installation scenarios is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage pipe is designed with telescopic sections that allow it to extend or contract based on installation requirements. This dynamic structure enables the pipe to adapt to varying depths and distances to the drainage point without requiring multiple fixed-length pipes. The telescopic mechanism provides adjustability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the control pipe is designed for underfloor installation, then hygiene standards are improved by preventing contamination, but the ease of operation and maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control pipe serves multiple functions: it acts as a seal to prevent contamination when installed through the floor, provides a passage for operating the drainage valve from the dry side, and can accommodate inspection or maintenance activities. This multi-functional design addresses hygiene requirements while maintaining operational accessibility through a single structural element.
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
Ensures complete drainage of hydrants, preventing water re-entry into the drinking water system, reducing contamination risks, and allowing for easy adaptation to different installation scenarios while maintaining hygiene standards.
Implementation Method 1
a drainage pipe (40) which is open at the top and arranged alongside the riser pipe (30), through which water can drain off
Implementation Method 2
a check valve (22, 26, 28) which allows water to flow through it in only one direction from the control tube (20) into the drainage pipe (40)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2g
Figure 3a~3e
AI summary
The invention relates to a hydrant (10) with a control pipe (2) for mounting thereon, wherein the control pipe (20) has a connection for the hydrant and an access area (29) for suction, pumping and/or visual or automatic inspection of the control pipe, the connection being formed at a lower end of the control pipe and the access area being arranged at an opposite upper end of the control pipe. The hydrant (10) is additionally equipped with a drainage pipe (40).