Remote Hydrant Pressure Estimation Using Valve Status and Branch Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for remotely monitoring hydrant water pressure at the end of a branch pipe are costly and inefficient, often leading to incorrect pressure estimates due to factors like valve and hydrant status changes, which can result in inappropriate hydrant selection during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect the valve open-close status, hydrant open-close status, and branch water pressure, transmitting this data wirelessly to an external data system for accurate hydrant water pressure estimation, using sensors and communication means strategically placed between the stop valve and hydrant to ensure correct pressure readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is installed on the underground valve at the hydrant, then the water pressure can be monitored, but the installation becomes difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressure sensor installation location - the aerial valve - which serves as a mediator between the main pipe and the hydrant. By installing the pressure sensor on the aerial valve instead of the underground valve, the system achieves pressure monitoring without the installation difficulties of underground access, while the aerial valve provides easy accessibility for sensor installation and maintenance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the water pressure in the branch pipe is detected, then the installation is simpler, but the pressure estimation at the hydrant becomes faulty when the stop valve is closed or hydrant is open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting the open/close status of the stop valve and hydrant in advance. This status information is used to determine whether the branch pipe pressure reading is valid for estimating hydrant pressure. By checking the valve and hydrant status beforehand, the system avoids faulty pressure estimations that would occur if the stop valve were closed or the hydrant were open, thus maintaining measurement precision while keeping installation simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the stop valve and hydrant open/close status and using this information to validate pressure readings. The system feedback loop ensures that pressure data is only used for estimation when the system state is appropriate (stop valve open, hydrant closed), thereby maintaining accurate pressure estimation while using the simpler branch pipe sensor installation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and wireless transmission components are added to ensure accurate pressure readings, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the aerial valve serve multiple functions: it acts as both a pressure control valve and a mounting platform for the pressure sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor installation structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to obtain accurate pressure readings at the hydrant location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pressure sensing function with the existing aerial valve structure. Instead of adding a completely separate sensing system, the pressure sensor is integrated onto the aerial valve that already exists in the system. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity by utilizing existing components while still achieving the goal of accurate hydrant pressure estimation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for remote estimation of the hydrant water pressure at a hydrant (1) located at the end of a branch pipe (2) being branched of a main pipe (3). The method comprises the steps of - detecting a valve open-close status of a stop valve (4) arranged in the branch pipe (2) and transmitting the valve open-close status wirelessly to an external data system (5), - detecting a hydrant open-close status of the hydrant (1) and transmitting the hydrant open-close status wirelessly to an external data system (5), - detecting a branch water pressure of water in the branch pipe (2) and transmitting the branch water pressure wirelessly to the external data system (5), and - estimating the hydrant water pressure at the hydrant (1) based on the valve open-close status, the hydrant open-close status and the branch water pressure. A hydrant water pressure estimation system (7) for remote estimation of the hydrant water pressure at a hydrant (1) located at the end of a branch pipe (2) being branched of a main pipe (3) is also disclosed.