Keyed Valve Box Structure for Faster Utility Valve Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
City valve boxes, especially those accessing below-ground utility lines, often require high effort and time to operate due to sticking valves and can become exposed and damaged from frost heave, leading to hazardous and costly road closures during maintenance and repairs.
Innovation Solution
A valve box design featuring a box housing with keyways for engaging a tool and fins for stabilization, combined with a valve box tool having a motor and stem portion for remote operation, allows for easier and safer access and operation of below-ground valves, reducing manual labor and minimizing exposure and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation of valves is used, then workers can access and operate valves, but high effort and time are required leading to long road closure times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical valve operation with an automated drill system that uses rotational drilling action to operate valves. The drill bit engages with the valve mechanism and rotates it automatically, substituting manual wrench turning with powered drilling motion, thereby reducing worker effort and operation time
Solution Approach 2:
The valve box design includes self-aligning features where the drill bit automatically positions itself relative to the valve stem through the box structure. The system is designed so that the drill naturally finds its engagement point with the valve mechanism, reducing the need for precise manual alignment and setup time
2Ease of operation
If workers manually turn valves, then valve operation is achieved, but extended risk to workers on or near roadways occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the drill bit as an intermediary tool that operates the valve remotely through the valve box structure. Instead of workers directly manipulating valve handles near the roadway, the drill bit engages with the valve stem through the box and rotates it from a safer position, reducing direct worker exposure to hazardous roadway conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct manual valve handling with automated drilling mechanics. The drill's rotational motion is transmitted through the valve box structure to operate the valve, allowing workers to control the operation from a safer distance rather than physically turning valve handles near traffic
3Ease of operation
If valve boxes are exposed above surface for access, then valve operation is enabled, but the valve box becomes hazardous and damaged from traffic, snow plowing, or other activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary protective features into the valve box design, including recessed openings and protective structures that shield the operational components before any damage occurs. The drill engagement points and valve access features are pre-positioned within protected zones of the box structure, preventing direct exposure to external hazards
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 solution enables efficient operation of utility valves with reduced manual effort, minimizes road closures, and prevents damage from frost heave by providing leverage and stabilization, thus enhancing safety and reducing maintenance time.
Implementation Method 1
The valve box tool may have a driving portion having a motor
Implementation Method 2
The outer surface may have a plurality of fins arranged thereon
Implementation Method 3
the valve box may have at least four fins
Implementation Method 4
the inner surface may have a plurality of keyways arranged thereon and configured to receive a plurality of keys from a valve box tool
Implementation Method 5
configured to receive a plurality of keys from a valve box tool
Data Source
AI summary
A valve box for accessing a utility valve, the valve box having a box housing with an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface may have a plurality of fins, and the inner surface may have a plurality of keyways configured to receive a plurality of keys. The inner surface may additionally have threading. The box housing may have an access opening in some embodiments, and the valve box may include a threaded valve box cover configured to be arranged over the access opening. In some embodiments, the box housing may have a plurality of modular rings. A valve box tool may have a driving portion, a valve box engaging portion, and a stem portion. The valve box engaging portion may have a plurality of keys configured to engage the plurality of keyways. The stem portion may be configured to extend between the driving portion and a valve.