RFID Operating Nut for Hydrant and Valve Asset Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying and tracking devices such as hydrants and valves in fluid distribution systems is challenging due to their design and harsh operating conditions, which hinder on-site identification, tracking, and documentation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of 'smart' operating nuts and wrenches equipped with radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, allowing for digital identification and tracking of devices through RFID tags and readers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical identification methods (serial numbers, labels) are used on devices, then device identification is possible, but the identification can wear or become obscured under harsh operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical identification methods (serial numbers, physical labels) with RFID electronic identification tags. The RFID tags store device information digitally and can be read wirelessly, eliminating the problems of wear and obscuration that affect mechanical identification methods in harsh environments.
2Productivity
If devices are buried in deep pits or placed in inaccessible locations, then fluid distribution system functionality is improved, but physical inspection and identification become difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RFID technology to replace physical inspection requirements. The RFID reader can wirelessly retrieve device information from buried or inaccessible devices without requiring physical access, solving the problem of device accessibility while maintaining system functionality.
3Device complexity
If no unique identifying information is stored on devices, then device design is simplified, but tracking and documentation of device use cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds RFID tags within the device structure, nesting the identification system inside the device itself. This allows unique identifying information to be stored on the device without significantly increasing external complexity, enabling tracking and documentation while maintaining simple device design.
4Ease of manufacture
If mechanical identification methods are used on devices formed in casting process, then device manufacturing is possible, but legible serialization becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical serialization (engraved or molded serial numbers) with electronically stored RFID tags. This substitution maintains the simplicity of casting processes while achieving precise and legible identification through electronic rather than mechanical means.
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
Facilitates efficient order management, field service, and asset tracking by providing automatic data access and reducing the need for physical inspection, even in inaccessible locations.
Implementation Method 1
radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology
Data Source
AI summary
An operating nut can include a body and a digital identification tag secured to the body, at least one of the body and the digital identification tag defining an outer surface of the operating nut. The body can define a central bore defining an axis and can include a working portion defining an end surface and a plurality of side surfaces defining a polygonal shape in a cross-sectional plane orthogonal to the axis; and a flange portion extending outward from the working portion in a radial direction with respect to an axis of the operating nut, the flange portion defining a first end surface and a second end surface, the central bore extending through each of the working portion and the flange portion.