Hydrant Valve Fitting Pressure Sensing via Bearing Screw Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrant systems require extensive and costly conversion or redesign to integrate pressure sensors, especially for underground installations, making it difficult to measure internal pressure without significant excavation and assembly work.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a strain gauge sensor into existing fastening screws or washers between the housing and bearing part to indirectly measure pressure by detecting forces transmitted from the valve body, allowing for pressure measurement without design changes or costly excavations, with optional wireless data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are screwed into holes in the housing, then pressure measurement is enabled, but extensive modifications and costly excavation work are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by placing strain sensors on the bearing or housing structure that indirectly measure pressure through the forces transmitted during valve operation. This mediator (the bearing/housing structure) transfers the pressure information to the sensor without requiring direct sensor insertion into the housing, thereby enabling pressure measurement while avoiding extensive modifications and excavation work.
2Measurement precision
If the housing is modified to attach sensors, then pressure measurement is possible, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strain sensors are pre-integrated into the bearing assembly or housing structure during manufacturing, so that when the hydrant is installed, the measurement capability is already in place. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for post-installation modifications and reduces installation time significantly.
3Measurement precision
If mounting screws are replaced with strain gauge-equipped screws, then pressure measurement is enabled, but screw accessibility must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the strain gauge measurement method specifically to the mounting screws or bearing fasteners, which are strategically positioned in locations that are accessible during installation and maintenance. This localized application ensures that the measurement function is achieved while maintaining ease of operation for sensor replacement or calibration.
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
Enables precise and cost-effective pressure measurement in hydrant systems without the need for extensive modifications, facilitating easy installation and maintenance by utilizing accessible fastening screws or washers for sensor placement.
Implementation Method 1
The forces acting on the bearing are detected by measuring the strain on at least one of the fastening screws used to attach the bearing to the housing. The greater the force acting on the cover-shaped bearing from the valve body, the more the fastening screws are strained, so that the pressure acting inside the housing can be indirectly determined via a strain gauge attached to the screws.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fitting with a housing (1) that can be connected to a water pipe, a valve body (2) that is slidably arranged in the housing (1), a bearing part (8) arranged on the housing (1) and an actuator (13) for moving the valve body (2) between an open position for opening a passage from an inlet channel (4) to an outlet channel (7) within the housing (1) and a closed position for blocking the passage from the inlet channel (4) to the outlet channel (7), wherein the actuator (13) includes an actuating spindle (16) that is axially secured and rotatably mounted in the bearing part (8) and a spindle nut (17) connected to the valve body (2) for engaging with the actuating spindle (16). In order to enable pressure measurement, at least one sensor (27) is arranged in the area of a separation point (28) between the housing (1) and the bearing part (8) to detect a force acting from the valve body (2) on the bearing part (8).