Hydrant Spindle Assembly for Key-Driven Removal and Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing and installing spindle assemblies in hydrants are complicated, time-consuming, and require separate tools, often leading to tilting and making it difficult to access hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A hydrant design incorporating a spindle assembly with a journal/journal support assembly that allows for the spindle assembly to be removed and installed without separate tools, utilizing a rotational movement to convert into axial movement, enabling easy and quick operations even on difficult-to-access hydrants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate extended screws are used to install the spindle assembly, then the spindle assembly can be securely fastened to the riser pipe, but the installation process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening function and the alignment function into a single integrated mechanism. The spindle cover includes integrated fastening elements that simultaneously secure the spindle assembly to the riser pipe and maintain proper alignment, eliminating the need for separate extended screws and their complex alternating tightening procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex multi-step screw fastening process and replaces it with a simplified single-step fastening mechanism. The spindle cover is designed with built-in fastening features that accomplish the same securing function without requiring separate tools or multiple components.
2Ease of operation
If the spindle assembly is removed by pulling the spindle cover upward, then the assembly can be detached from the riser pipe, but the main valve body remains in sealing contact with the sealing seat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a preliminary action mechanism that automatically breaks the sealing contact between the main valve body and sealing seat before the spindle assembly is fully removed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for additional manual steps to separate the valve body from the seat, making the removal process complete and straightforward.
3Ease of operation
If screws are applied between the riser pipe and spindle cover for removal, then the spindle assembly can be extracted, but the process requires separate tools and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the spindle cover with self-contained fastening and extraction features that eliminate the need for external tools. The integrated mechanism allows the spindle assembly to be both secured and removed using the hydrant key already present in the system, making the process self-sufficient and time-efficient.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the spindle cover is loosened by unscrewing it from the riser pipe, then the spindle assembly becomes accessible, but the process is complicated and requires separate tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the spindle cover with multi-functional features that allow it to be both secured and removed using the same hydrant key tool. The integrated fastening elements serve multiple purposes: securing the assembly during operation and enabling tool-free extraction during maintenance, eliminating the need for different tools for different operations.
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
The spindle assembly can be easily and quickly removed or installed using a hydrant key, eliminating the need for additional tools and simplifying the process, even on underground hydrants, while maintaining accessibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The spindle and the spindle nut are in thread engagement with each other. The spindle assembly converts a torque applied to the spindle into an axial movement of the valve rod
Implementation Method 2
The journal can be brought to bear against the first and the second support, in order thus to introduce into the second support, via the journal, a force which is generated by a rotational movement
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrant has a riser pipe and a main valve. The main valve comprises a main valve body, a sealing seat which can be sealed with respect to the main valve body, a valve rod connected at one end to the main valve body, and a spindle arrangement. The spindle arrangement contains a journal/journal support arrangement, comprising at least one journal and at least one journal support arrangement, wherein the journal support arrangement has a first support and a second support against each of which the journal can be brought into contact.