Adjustable Backflow Prevention Coupling for Retrofit Lay-Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow prevention assemblies require custom spools and complex certification processes, making retrofitting and in-field adjustments difficult and costly, as they have fixed lay-lengths and orientations, which can lead to delays and loss of certification if reconfigured.
Innovation Solution
A backflow prevention assembly with a variable lay-length and orientation, utilizing coupling assemblies and valve housings that can adjust longitudinally and rotate, allowing for easy installation and maintenance without additional parts, while maintaining certification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed lay-length backflow prevention assembly is used, then the assembly maintains certification and structural integrity, but retrofitting requires custom spools and extensive planning causing delays and additional costs
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the lay-length to be dynamically changed in the field. The coupling assembly can be extended or reconfigured to accommodate different distances between mounting locations, eliminating the need for fixed-length assemblies and custom spools.
Solution Approach 2:
The backflow prevention assembly is divided into modular components including inlet/outlet couplings and a central valve body. The couplings can be independently adjusted or replaced to change the overall lay-length, allowing flexible adaptation without replacing the entire assembly.
2Ease of operation
If spools and spacing flanges are added to match lay-lengths, then the replacement assembly fits the existing space, but the process requires advance measurement, planning and ordering creating delays
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable coupling assembly allows installers to adapt to existing spacing on-site without prior measurement and planning. The coupling can be extended or compressed to match the available space, enabling immediate installation without ordering custom spools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the backflow prevention assembly is disassembled and reconfigured in the field, then adjustments can be made to fit different spaces, but the certification is voided
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable coupling assembly is designed with movement capabilities that allow the lay-length to be changed while maintaining the assembly's certification. The coupling can be extended or reconfigured within certified parameters, enabling field adjustments without voiding the certification.
4Manufacturing precision
If custom spools are manufactured to specific lengths, then the exact lay-length requirement is met, but the cost and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable coupling assembly eliminates the need for custom-manufactured spools by providing a standardized component that can be field-adjusted to any required length. This replaces complex custom manufacturing with simple mechanical adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow prevention assembly is configurable with varying lay-lengths and orientations. The assembly includes coupling assemblies and valve bodies that adjust in length and/or rotation to allow for the varying lay-lengths and orientations of the backflow prevention valves and assemblies with and without certification. A coupling assembly is connected to a backflow prevention valve and includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that is slidingly received within the outer sleeve. The lay-length is adjusted by slidably moving the inner and outer sleeves with respect to one another.