Vehicle-Mounted Water Deflection Tool for Broken Hydrants
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water deflection tools require manual operation to redirect powerful water streams from broken hydrants, posing safety hazards and inefficiencies, as they are not designed for attachment to vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A water deflection tool comprising a deflection plate with adjustable angles and an elongate extension arm fixedly attached to a vehicle via a hitch mounting component, allowing for remote diversion of water streams without manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a water deflection tool is manually operated to redirect water streams, then the tool can be positioned and adjusted by hand, but the operator is exposed to safety hazards from powerful water streams and requires excessive manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vehicle-mounted intermediate platform that serves as a mediator between the operator and the dangerous water stream. The deflection tool is mounted on a vehicle (truck, SUV, or trailer) which positions the deflection plate in the path of the water stream without requiring the operator to be near the hazardous flow. The operator controls the system remotely from within the protected vehicle cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with a vehicle-based mechanical system. Instead of relying on human strength to hold and position the deflection tool against powerful water forces, the system uses the vehicle's chassis, mounting brackets, and structural framework to provide stable support and positioning capability.
2Power
If a water deflection tool is manually held against powerful water streams, then the tool can deflect water, but the manual effort required is extremely difficult and unsustainable
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle acts as an intermediary that transfers the force required to deflect the water stream from the operator to the vehicle's structural framework. The mounting bracket system transfers loads from the deflection plate through the extension arm to the vehicle chassis, which is designed to handle such forces without requiring human strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's structural framework and mounting system provide counterbalancing support that offsets the forces exerted by the water stream on the deflection plate. The heavy-duty brackets and extension arms are designed to resist the hydrodynamic forces, effectively counterbalancing the water pressure without requiring continuous manual effort.
3Device complexity
If a water deflection tool is designed for manual operation, then the structure can be simple and lightweight, but it cannot provide sufficient stability against powerful water streams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deflection tool with the vehicle's existing structural framework. The mounting bracket system integrates the deflection plate, extension arm, and vehicle mounting points into a unified stable structure. This combination leverages the vehicle's inherent stability and structural integrity to provide the necessary stability without adding complex stabilization mechanisms to the deflection tool itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the deflection plate away from the vehicle using an elongate extension arm, positioning it in a different spatial dimension relative to the vehicle body. This extension allows the deflection plate to be positioned optimally in the water stream path while the mounting system remains attached to the vehicle, separating the operational position from the support base.
4Ease of manufacture
If a water deflection tool is manually operated, then the initial cost can be lower, but the operational efficiency and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mounting bracket system and extension arm assembly as universal components that can be attached to various vehicle types (trucks, SUVs, trailers) with standard hitch receivers. This universality allows the same deflection tool design to be used across multiple vehicle platforms, reducing development and manufacturing costs while enabling vehicle-based operation for improved efficiency and safety.
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 safe and efficient diversion of water streams from broken hydrants, reducing manual labor and safety risks by utilizing a vehicle-mounted system that can handle powerful water flows effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection plate 20 having an inner surface 24a and an outer surface 24b that extend to a perimeter 26, the deflection plate having a height H and a width W that are adapted to catch and deflect the stream of water
Data Source
AI summary
A water deflection tool has a deflection plate with an inner surface and an outer surface that extend to a perimeter, the deflection plate having a height and a width that are adapted to catch and deflect the stream of water. A distal end of an elongate extension arm is fixedly attached to the outer surface of the deflection plate, the elongate extension arm further having a proximal end. The proximal end has a hitch mounting component that is adapted to attach to the vehicle.