Single-Piece Hydrant Coupler Drainage and Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing yard hydrant adapters are weak due to multiple piece construction, prone to standing water accumulation, and easily clogged by debris, making replacement difficult and expensive, especially in deep or cold conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hydrant assist kit with a single piece coupler having a drain positioned above the inlet, allowing for easy drainage and enhanced strength, and adaptable to various sizes, which allows for direct threading of a new hydrant without excavation, using PVC or steel pipes and compatible with heat tape systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a multiple piece construction adapter is used to connect hydrant to water line, then the adapter can be assembled from separate parts, but the overall adapter strength is weakened and cannot withstand large removal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate adapter components into a single integrated adapter body that includes the inlet, outlet, and drain features as one piece. This eliminates the weak points created by multiple threaded connections and joints, allowing the adapter to withstand the large forces applied during hydrant removal without failing at connection points.
2Ease of manufacture
If a small drain hole is positioned above the bottom of the adapter, then drainage is provided, but standing water accumulates in the adapter
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the drain hole at the traditional location above the bottom, the patent inverts the drainage approach by positioning the drain hole at the lowest point of the adapter body. This allows water to naturally drain to the bottom and exit through the drain, preventing standing water accumulation in the adapter cavity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter inlet pipe is positioned askew from the drain, then connection flexibility is provided, but debris easily plugs the configuration preventing drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drainage function from the water flow path by providing a separate, dedicated drain hole that is not dependent on the inlet pipe orientation. The drain hole is positioned independently at the bottom of the adapter, allowing it to function reliably for drainage regardless of the inlet pipe's angular position, thus preventing debris plugging issues.
4Ease of repair
If excavation is performed to replace a broken hydrant connected to a buried water line, then the hydrant can be replaced, but the process is difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary adapter that connects the buried water line to the hydrant in a removable manner. This adapter serves as a mediator that allows the hydrant to be detached and replaced without disturbing the buried water line, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming excavation work while maintaining reliable water connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for a hydrant assist kit includes a single piece construction having an inlet, an outlet, a basin, and a drain, the drain above the inlet and at a bottom of the basin. A hydrant assist kit connects a water line to a hydrant with the coupler and a sleeve attached to the coupler to protect the hydrant pipe.