Hydrant Spindle Assembly Using Rotation for Tool-Free Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for disassembling and assembling spindle assemblies from hydrants are cumbersome, time-consuming, require separate tools, and are difficult to perform in hard-to-reach locations, particularly in underground hydrants.
Innovation Solution
A hydrant design featuring a pin/pin support assembly that allows the spindle assembly to be removed and installed without separate tools, utilizing a rotational movement to convert into translational movement, enabling easy disassembly and assembly by rotating the spindle with a hydrant wrench.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate screws and tools are used to disassemble and assemble the spindle assembly, then the main valve body can be removed from the sealing seat, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of removing the main valve body from the sealing seat and integrates it directly into the spindle assembly structure. The pin/pin support assembly is extracted from the conventional screw mechanism, eliminating the need for separate tools and simplifying the disassembly process to merely rotating the spindle with a hydrant wrench.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle assembly is designed to be self-sufficient for disassembly and assembly operations. The pin automatically engages with the pin support when the spindle is rotated, and the threaded engagement between spindle and spindle nut automatically provides the pulling force needed to remove the main valve body, eliminating the need for external tools or assistance.
2Ease of operation
If separate tools and screws are required for disassembly, then the main valve can be removed, but additional tools and equipment are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple separate components (screws, tools, pin support mechanism) into a single integrated spindle assembly. The pin is integrated into the spindle cover, the pin support is integrated into the riser pipe, and the threaded engagement between spindle and spindle nut provides both the pulling force and the positioning function that previously required separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it converts rotational motion to linear motion to pull the main valve body from the sealing seat, it provides structural support through the pin/pin support assembly, and it enables easy disassembly and assembly using only a hydrant wrench. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized tools.
3Reliability
If the hydrant is located in hard-to-reach areas, then water supply can be controlled, but access for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex screw-based disassembly mechanism and replaces it with a simple rotational operation that can be performed with a compact hydrant wrench. This allows maintenance personnel to easily access and disassemble the spindle assembly even in hard-to-reach locations such as underground hydrants, while the water supply control function remains intact.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional screw methods are used for assembly, then the spindle cover can be attached to the riser pipe, but the process is laborious and requires alternating tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is designed to be self-sufficient and automatic. When the spindle is rotated during assembly, the pin automatically engages with the pin support, and the threaded engagement between spindle and spindle nut automatically provides the pulling force needed to position the main valve body correctly. This eliminates the need for laborious alternating tightening operations required by conventional screw methods.
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
Facilitates quick and easy disassembly and assembly of spindle assemblies on both accessible and hard-to-reach hydrants, eliminating the need for additional tools and reducing laborious procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The spindle and spindle nut are in threaded engagement with each other. The spindle assembly converts a torque applied to the spindle into an axial adjustment of the valve rod
Implementation Method 2
The pin support has a first support and a second support, against which the pin can be brought into contact... converting a rotational movement into a translational movement, in order to pull the main valve body out of the sealing seat
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a hydrant (10) having a riser pipe (14) and a main valve (16). The main valve (16) comprises a main valve body (18), a sealing seat (20) which can be sealed with respect to the main valve body (18), a valve rod connected at one end to the main valve body (18), and a spindle arrangement (12). The spindle arrangement (12) contains a journal/journal bearing means arrangement, comprising at least one journal (54', 54'') and at least one journal bearing means, wherein the journal bearing means has a first bearing means (58', 58'') and a second bearing means (60', 60'') against each of which the journal (54', 54'') can be brought into contact.