Valve Arrangement With Mechanical Extension For Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underground valve systems face challenges in identifying specific valve types over time due to lost documentation and the vulnerability of wireless communication methods, which are prone to faults and limited to one-way data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A valve arrangement with a mechanical extension device featuring dedicated connection means, such as electrical conductors, for durable two-way communication and power supply, enabling onsite assembly and reliable data transmission from buried valves to the surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless transmission (RFID) is used for valve identification, then data can be read from the ground surface, but the communication is vulnerable and limited to one-way transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reading capabilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wireless electromagnetic field-based RFID system with a mechanical connection system. The extension rod with integrated conductor provides a physical, mechanical pathway for data transmission, substituting the vulnerable wireless mechanism with a durable wired connection that extends from the valve to the ground surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The extension rod acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the buried valve and the ground surface. It mechanically connects the two components and serves as a medium for transmitting data and power, replacing the direct wireless transmission with an intermediate physical conduit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If extension device is provided for deep buried valves, then valve can be operated from ground surface, but identification means must reach ground surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidextension device length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the extension device function with the identification means transmission function. The extension rod simultaneously serves as both the mechanical actuator for operating the buried valve and as the conduit for transmitting identification data to the ground surface, combining two separate functions into one integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The extension rod is designed with multi-functionality: it provides mechanical leverage for operating deep-buried valves, transmits identification data through integrated conductors, and can deliver power to the valve. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated connection means are integrated in extension device, then two-way communication is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication directionalityVSAvoidextension device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the extension device into functional components: the extension rod for mechanical operation, the integrated conductor for data transmission, and the connection interface for power supply. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability despite the increased capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10451193B2Valve arrangement, a method for identifying an underground valve of a valve arrangement and use of a use of valve arrangement

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 AVK HLDG AS

AI summary

Disclosed is a valve arrangement for underground control of a fluid flow and an associated method, the arrangement including a valve having a valve housing containing fluid control means for controlling a flow of fluid through pipe means arranged below the surface of the ground, where the fluid control means is actuated by means of mechanical manipulation of an operating device of the valve and the operating device is coupled to the fluid control means, the valve having valve identification means including data regarding the specific valve type, where the valve arrangement further includes an extension device including an extension device housing surrounding an extension rod, where the extension rod is rotatably supported by the extension device housing, where the extension rod is mechanically coupled to the operating device to enable the mechanical manipulation being performed at the ground surface, and the extension device further includes dedicated connection means extending between a valve end and a ground surface end of the extension device, and the valve end is arranged at the valve housing and the ground surface end is arranged at the opposite end of the extension device, where the dedicated connection means enable that the data regarding the specific valve type may be communicated to the ground surface.