Remote Fire Hydrant Actuation for Blocked-Access Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire hydrant designs require manual operation by a specialized wrench, which is slow and impractical in situations where access is prevented by crowds, posing a challenge for crowd control and biohazard mitigation in urban and suburban areas.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system for fire hydrants, comprising a battery, gearbox with an electric motor, and a receiver/transmitter, which engages the operating nut to activate or deactivate hydrants wirelessly, allowing for centralized control and security features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation with specialized wrench is used, then hydrant can be activated, but the process is slow and access is prevented by crowds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system (specialized wrench and manual turning) with an automated electromechanical system. The remote system includes an electric motor that rotates the operating nut through a gearbox, eliminating the need for manual intervention and specialized tools. This substitution enables rapid activation of multiple hydrants simultaneously from a remote location, directly resolving the contradiction between activation speed and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If physical access to hydrants is required, then hydrant can be operated, but safety is compromised in crowd control and biohazard situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control system as an intermediary between the operator and the hydrant. The system includes a receiver/transmitter that communicates wirelessly with the hydrant's motorized actuator, allowing operation without direct physical contact. This intermediary mechanism enables safe remote operation in hazardous situations such as crowd control and biohazard mitigation, while maintaining the ability to reliably activate hydrants.
3Productivity
If multiple hydrants are activated manually one at a time, then each hydrant can be controlled, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple hydrants into a single integrated remote control system. The system can simultaneously or sequentially activate multiple hydrants through wireless communication and motorized actuators, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate manual operations. This merging of control functions dramatically reduces the time required to activate multiple hydrants while maintaining individual control capability.
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 rapid activation or deactivation of multiple hydrants, facilitating crowd dispersal and biohazard mitigation without physical access, enhancing safety and efficiency in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a gearbox including an electric motor and an operating nut socket engaging the operating nut
Implementation Method 2
a battery
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for remote control operation of a hydrant is provided, comprising: a hydrant, comprising: a barrel; a bonnet containing one or more outlet; a flange including a plurality of flange bolts; and an operating nut oriented at the top of the hydrant; and a remote system, comprising: a battery; a gearbox including an electric motor and an operating nut socket engaging the operating nut; a receiver/transmitter electrically connected to the battery and the electric motor; and at least one flange bolt engagement member engaging at least one flange bolt.