Fire Hydrant Sensor Mounting Waterproof Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire hydrant systems lack effective methods for mounting sensors below the main valve to accurately measure water characteristics and transmit data in a waterproof and reliable manner.
Innovation Solution
A main valve assembly with a circular main valve plate, a circular drain valve, and a bottom plate, each featuring grooves and holes for O-rings to form waterproof seals, along with a compression fitting and lock nut system, allows for the integration of sensors to measure water characteristics and transmit data through a tube with wires, ensuring a water-tight seal and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted below the main valve to measure water characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but waterproofing reliability deteriorates due to the difficulty of creating water-tight seals in the underwater environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested sealing structures where multiple O-rings are positioned within grooves of the bottom plate, sensor mounting plate, and cap assembly. Each sealing layer is nested within the previous one, creating redundant waterproof barriers that maintain reliability while enabling sensor installation below the main valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom plate and sensor mounting plate serve as intermediary structures between the underwater environment and the sensors. These plates provide sealed mounting surfaces with integrated O-ring grooves that mediate between the water pressure environment and the sensor components, maintaining waterproofing while enabling precise measurements.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing components (O-rings, grooves, seals) are added to achieve waterproofing, then waterproof seal reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates waterproof seals through integrated O-ring grooves, and serves as a mounting surface for sensors. The cap assembly similarly provides both sealing and structural functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sealing components, managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges sealing functions into the structural components themselves. O-ring grooves are integrated directly into the bottom plate and mounting plate structures, and seals are combined with cap assemblies. This integration consolidates multiple functions into fewer components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining waterproof reliability.
3Reliability
If a robust sealing system with multiple components is implemented, then waterproof seal reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased assembly steps and component integration
Solution Approach 1:
O-rings and seals are pre-installed into grooves during component fabrication rather than during final assembly. The bottom plate, sensor mounting plate, and cap assembly are manufactured with precision-machined grooves that receive sealing components, allowing seals to be installed before final assembly. This preliminary action simplifies the final assembly process while maintaining high sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into modular components that can be manufactured and tested separately. The bottom plate, sensor mounting plate, and cap assembly are distinct segments with standardized sealing interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using optimized processes and assembled in a systematic sequence, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliability.
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 accurate measurement of water pressure and temperature below the main valve of a fire hydrant, providing reliable data transmission while maintaining a waterproof seal, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the fire hydrant system.
Implementation Method 1
a groove formed circumferentially in one side of the drain valve facing the main valve plate, the groove having a same center axis as the periphery and extending between the periphery and the second hole such that an O-ring disposed within the groove forms a waterproof seal with the main valve plate
Implementation Method 2
at least one port hole extending through the bottom plate within the chamber and having threads formed therein to receive a respective threaded water characteristics sensor therein, the threads of the at least one port hole forming a water-tight seal with the water characteristics sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A main valve assembly and a method of forming the same which can contain sensors therein that are in contact with water below the main valve and provide water characteristic signals above ground to a water characteristic monitoring device at atmospheric pressure.