Self-Sealing Fire Hydrant Coupling for Rapid Hose Reconnection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for fire hydrants require shutting down the entire water supply system to disconnect and reconnect hoses, which can be critical in firefighting scenarios where quick access to alternative hydrants is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A detachable coupling device with a self-sealing valve assembly that allows for quick connection and disconnection of hoses from fire hydrants without shutting down the water supply, utilizing mechanisms like partial turn locking, shutter valves, key valves, or plunger valves to control water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional fire hydrant system is used where the main valve controls water flow, then the water supply can be controlled, but the entire water supply system must be shut down to disconnect and reconnect hoses, which reduces firefighting efficiency and response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water control function into two independent valves: a main valve for overall system control and a secondary valve located at the coupling device for local control. This segmentation allows the hose to be disconnected and reconnected without shutting down the entire water supply system, as the secondary valve can be independently operated to maintain water flow through the hydrant while the coupling is being changed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device with the secondary valve acts as an intermediary between the main water supply and the hose. This intermediary component provides local control capability, enabling operators to manage water flow at the point of connection without affecting the broader system. The secondary valve serves as a mediator that isolates the connection/disconnection operations from the main valve, allowing continuous water supply to other hydrants.
2Reliability
If the main valve is kept open to maintain water supply, then water availability is maintained, but disconnecting a hose requires shutting down the entire water supply system
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent valve mechanisms: the main valve that controls overall water supply to the hydrant system, and a secondary valve integrated into the coupling device that controls local water flow. This segmentation enables the main valve to remain open for continuous water supply while the secondary valve handles the connection/disconnection operations independently, making the system both reliable and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary valve in the coupling device serves as an intermediary control mechanism between the main water supply and the hose connection. It provides a localized control point that simplifies hose disconnection operations without requiring manipulation of the main valve, thereby maintaining water supply availability while improving operational ease.
3Speed
If a quick-connect coupling device is used to enable rapid hose deployment, then firefighting response time is improved, but the water supply system must be shut down to prevent uncontrolled water release
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control system is segmented into two independent components: the main valve for system-wide control and a secondary valve integrated into the quick-connect coupling device for local control. This segmentation allows the quick-connect functionality to operate independently with its own valve control, enabling rapid hose deployment without requiring complex coordination with the main valve or shutting down the entire water supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed to be self-sufficient with its own secondary valve mechanism that automatically manages water flow during connection and disconnection operations. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operators to coordinate with or manipulate the main valve, simplifying the control system while enabling rapid hose deployment. The secondary valve handles all local control requirements independently.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to coupling device and valve assembly for use with accessing the water flow in a fire hydrant. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to various coupling device and valve assemblies which are used as a quick connect and disconnect of a fire hose to the hydrant. Additionally, it is advantageous that the coupling device and valve assemblies also provide a self-sealing valve feature, which immediately stops the flow of water when the hose is disconnected from the hydrant. An advantage provided by the present coupling device and valve assemblies is that should a primary valve on a hydrant become unusable, the fire hose can be quickly disconnected from that hydrant and reconnected to a second hydrant without requiring a shutdown of the water grid feeding the disconnected hydrant.