Hydrant Valve Sealing With Density-Responsive Backflow Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydrant systems are vulnerable to contamination from outside liquids entering the water distribution system due to pressure drops or backflows, which can compromise water quality.

Innovation Solution

A hydrant valve system with a sealing body having a higher density than water, which sinks in the liquid medium to block access to the water distribution system during pressure drops or backflows, and is lifted by inflowing water to allow flow when pressure is adequate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the hydrant main valve is open to allow water flow, then water can be withdrawn from the water distribution system, but contaminated liquids may enter the water distribution system from outside

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater flowVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing body is introduced as an intermediary element between the hydrant interior and the water distribution system. This sealing body can move to block the inlet opening when the main valve is open and line pressure is low, preventing contamination while allowing water flow when pressure is adequate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing body is designed to automatically respond to pressure conditions without external control. When line pressure drops below hydrant outlet pressure, the sealing body sinks to block the inlet opening. When pressure is adequate, the sealing body is lifted by inflowing water to allow flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a sealing mechanism is added to prevent contamination, then water quality is protected, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater qualityVSAvoidvalve system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing body's position is determined by density differences and pressure conditions. The sealing body sinks when line pressure is low (density-based sinking in liquid medium) and rises when water pressure is adequate, automatically changing the sealing state based on pressure parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Prevents contamination of the water distribution system by sealing off access during pressure drops or backflows, ensuring reliable water flow and allowing maintenance without disrupting the system.

Implementation Method 1

the sealing body has a higher density than water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity difference:

Implementation Method 2

the sealing body will sink in the liquid medium in the clearance volume and close off or block access to the water distribution system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSinking:

Implementation Method 3

the sealing body is lifted from the aforementioned sealing position by the inflowing water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS12442162B2Hydrant valve system, and hydrant having such a system

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 VONROLL INFRATEC INVESTMENTAG

AI summary

A hydrant valve system having a hydrant main valve with a main valve body and a valve seat where the main valve body can be moved axially in relation to the valve seat, and a housing that defines a clearance volume into which the main valve body can be moved. The hydrant valve system also has a sealing body that is provided in the clearance volume where the sealing body has a higher density than water.