Multi-Functional Utility Tool for Gas Meter Service
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional crescent wrenches require frequent resizing and carrying multiple tools to service natural gas meters, leading to physical strain, inefficiency, and potential injuries due to different fastener dimensions and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional utility tool with an elongate body member featuring a regulator cap member, service valve member, and pressure adjustment member, allowing for various tasks like loosening regulator caps, adjusting pressure, and operating bypass plugs without resizing or readjusting traditional wrenches, integrated into a single lightweight tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional crescent wrench is used to service natural gas meters, then the tool can operate various fasteners, but the wrench requires frequent resizing and multiple tools to handle different fastener dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The service tool integrates multiple specialized functions into a single device: a regulator cap wrench portion for removing regulator caps, a service valve wrench portion for operating service valves, a bypass plug wrench portion for removing bypass plugs, and a pressure adjustment tool portion for adjusting regulator pressure. This eliminates the need for multiple separate tools while maintaining the ability to handle all fastener sizes and types at the meter set.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wrenches are used repeatedly for different tasks, then various fasteners can be operated, but physical strain and fatigue occur in the hand, wrist, and arms
Solution Approach 1:
The tool combines all necessary service functions into one integrated device with a single handle. The regulator cap wrench portion, service valve wrench portion, bypass plug wrench portion, and pressure adjustment tool portion are all attached to the same handle, allowing the operator to perform all tasks without repeatedly gripping and repositioning separate tools, thereby reducing physical strain and fatigue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are carried to the meter set site, then all service tasks can be performed, but the time required to complete service work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated service tool allows the operator to arrive at the meter set with a single tool and immediately perform all necessary tasks—removing regulator caps, operating service valves, removing bypass plugs, and adjusting pressure—without the time loss associated with selecting, switching, or adjusting multiple separate tools during the service process.
4Productivity
If traditional wrenches are used for servicing, then fasteners can be operated, but the process requires frequent resizing leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The service tool is pre-configured with all necessary functional portions (regulator cap wrench, service valve wrench, bypass plug wrench, and pressure adjustment tool) attached to the handle before arriving at the meter set. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for resizing or switching tools during the service process, allowing the operator to immediately begin work and significantly improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility tool for operating a utility meter set includes an elongate body member having opposed first and second ends. A regulator cap member is coupled to a first end of the body member and defines an aperture configured to grip a regulator cap of the meter set. The regulator cap member may include first and second portions in communication with one another and configured to loosen multiple regulator cap models, respectively. A service valve member is coupled to the second end of the body member and has an offset wrench head for operating a service valve of the meter set. A pressure adjustment member is coupled to the body member intermediate the opposed ends for adjusting the regulator pressure once the regulator cap is removed. The body member defines one or more bypass apertures having a configuration complementary to that of a bypass plug associated with the meter set.