Fire Hydrant Valve Key for Universal Main Valve Removal

Solution Overview

Problem

Fire hydrant crews face the challenge of needing multiple specialized tools for different brands and sizes of fire hydrant main valves, which are bulky and inefficient, and conventional tools fail when upwardly extending projections are broken.

Innovation Solution

A universal fire hydrant repair tool with a valve key and shaft assembly that engages the main valve's ring tabs, allowing torque application to decouple the valve from the hydrant body, compatible with various brands and sizes, and includes a guide housing for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional specialized valve tools are used for different brands and sizes of fire hydrant main valves, then each valve type can be removed, but multiple heavy and bulky tools are required that consume space in the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different valve typesVSAvoidtool weight and bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single valve tool with a receptacle that can accommodate multiple types of valve retention mechanisms (e.g., dog ears, ring tabs, and other projection types) through a standardized engagement interface. This allows one tool to replace multiple specialized tools for different valve brands and sizes, reducing the weight and space requirements in the vehicle while maintaining compatibility across various valve types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If conventional tools engaging upwardly extending projections are used, then most main valves can be removed, but the tool becomes ineffective when the projections are broken off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve removal capabilityVSAvoidtool effectiveness under damage conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the receptacle with alternative engagement features that can accommodate both intact projections (dog ears) and broken projection conditions. The receptacle structure includes surfaces and geometry that can engage with remaining portions of broken projections or alternative features on the valve, ensuring the tool remains effective even when the upwardly extending projections are damaged or missing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized valve tools are carried in the vehicle, then all valve types can be serviced, but the tools consume valuable space in the repair vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage of valve brands and sizesVSAvoidvehicle space consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single valve tool with a receptacle that can accommodate multiple types of valve retention mechanisms (e.g., dog ears, ring tabs, and other projection types) through a standardized engagement interface. This allows one tool to replace multiple specialized tools for different valve brands and sizes, reducing the weight and space requirements in the vehicle while maintaining compatibility across various valve types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12465797B2Fire hydrant repair tool, and systems and methods of using same

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION

AI summary

A fire hydrant repair tool is provided for removing a main valve of a fire hydrant, wherein the main valve has a pair of ring tabs extending upwardly therefrom. The fire hydrant repair tool can include a valve key having a first receptacle and a second receptacle that are configured to receive, respectively, the first and second ring tabs. Each of the first and second receptacles can define a first face that is configured to bias against the first side of a respective ring tab of the first and second ring tabs, and a second face that is configured to bias against the second side of a respective ring tab of the first and second ring tabs. A shaft can be coupled to the valve key.