Multi-Port Hydrant Valve for Remote Air-Water Flow Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow making apparatus require multiple actuators for independent control of air and water supply, which is not conducive to remote actuation and does not allow for selection of multiple flow rates based on changing temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multiple port valve hydrant with a valve housing and actuator disk that allows for axial rotation to selectively open and close valve ports, enabling multiple flow rate combinations and remote operation through an air valve system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent actuators are used to control air and water supply separately, then each nozzle set can be independently controlled, but the device complexity increases and remote actuation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body contains multiple ports (water inlet, water outlet, air inlet, air outlet) that are controlled by a unified actuation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each fluid stream while maintaining independent control capability through internal valve geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls both water and air flow, provides multiple outlet configurations, and enables remote actuation. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require several separate components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent actuators are used for different nozzle sets, then each can be controlled separately, but ease of operation for remote actuation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design merges all control functions into a single actuated assembly that responds to one remote signal. The actuator receives a single command and internally coordinates the opening/closing of multiple ports (water and air) simultaneously or selectively, making remote operation simple and reliable without requiring multiple separate control signals
3Device complexity
If a single valve controls multiple outlets, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide multiple flow rate selections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple functional zones with separate ports and internal passages for water and air. The valve seat and disc are positioned to create distinct control zones, allowing independent modulation of different fluid streams while maintaining a unified valve structure. This segmentation enables multiple flow rate combinations through a single actuator
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates dynamic flow control capability where the valve disc can be positioned at different openings to provide variable flow rates. The design allows for partial opening positions and selective port activation, enabling the single valve to deliver multiple flow rate combinations (e.g., high water/low air, low water/high air, both high, etc.) rather than simple on/off control
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrant for selectively valving and delivering fluid under pressure to a plurality of different fluid outlets. The hydrant housing has at least one fluid inlet and multiple fluid outlets. A valve operating shaft is mounted for axial rotation in the hydrant housing and positioned transversely to a valve seat having a first set of valve ports therethrough annularly arranged on a first circumference about the shaft, and a second set of valve ports are provided through the valve seat and annularly arranged on a concentric second circumference of different diameter than the first circumference about the shaft. A valve actuator disk secured for rotation with the operating shaft slidably engages the valve seat in a rotary fashion to selectively valve the valve ports open and closed in selected combinations with rotation of the shaft to preselected positions of rotation.