Lighted Municipal Valve Key for Precise Deep Valve Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for operating deeply recessed municipal valves are imprecise due to the limited visibility and depth, making it challenging for operators to accurately engage and manipulate the valves to turn on or off water supplies.
Innovation Solution
A municipal valve key with an elongated extension and handle, featuring a light and optionally a camera at the engagement end, which illuminates and provides visual feedback to the operator, allowing precise engagement and operation of the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional valve key is used to operate deeply recessed municipal valves, then the device structure remains simple, but the operator cannot see the valve clearly resulting in imprecise and random operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single valve key device: the elongated extension provides mechanical leverage, while integrated lights provide illumination, and an integrated camera provides visual feedback. This merging of mechanical and optical systems allows precise valve engagement in dark, deep valve boxes without requiring separate tools or systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera acts as an intermediary between the deep valve box interior and the operator's eyes. It captures images of the valve and transmits them to a display device, allowing the operator to see the valve clearly without directly viewing the dark interior. This intermediary optical system bridges the gap between the operator and the deeply recessed valve.
2Reliability
If the valve box depth increases to protect the valve below the frost line, then the valve is protected from freezing, but the operator's ability to see and engage the valve deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies illumination locally at the valve location using lights positioned at the end of the elongated extension. Rather than attempting to illuminate the entire deep valve box, the lights provide focused illumination exactly where needed - on the valve itself - enabling clear viewing and precise engagement at the critical location while maintaining the deep protective structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct visual observation to remote visual observation through a camera system. The camera captures light reflected from the valve and transmits image information to a display device, effectively adding an informational dimension that allows the operator to 'see' the valve without direct line-of-sight visual contact with the physical valve location.
3Measurement precision
If no illumination is provided in the valve box, then the device remains simple, but the operator cannot accurately locate or engage the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The lights can be activated periodically or on-demand when the valve key is inserted into the valve box, rather than remaining continuously illuminated. This periodic activation provides necessary illumination for precise valve location and engagement only when needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining operational precision.
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
Enables precise and efficient operation of municipal valves by providing illumination and visual feedback, reducing the randomness and imprecision associated with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The valve actuator engaging portion has a valve opening key end and includes a light for illumination of the valve actuator in the valve box
Data Source
AI summary
Municipal valve key which includes a valve actuator engaging end; an elongated extension portion capable of extending into a municipal valve box; and a handle portion. The valve actuator engaging portion has a valve opening key end and includes a light for illumination of the valve actuator in the valve box.