Adjustable Backflow Prevention Device for Multiple Drain Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow prevention devices are complex, costly, and inflexible, failing to meet the needs of supermarkets, vending companies, and homeowners who require a cost and space-efficient solution for multiple drain lines with adjustable attachment options to the building drain system.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable backflow prevention device featuring a drainage hub with a funnel and pipe portion, a tubing mount with adjustable slots for securing multiple drain lines, and a J-shaped hook for attachment to drain grids, allowing for flexible attachment to various drain sizes and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complicated devices with valves and baffled chambers are used, then backflow prevention reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of backflow prevention by removing complex valves and baffled chambers, retaining only the critical air gap mechanism. This simplifies the device while maintaining reliability by focusing on the fundamental principle of preventing backflow through an air barrier rather than mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive components such as a drain adapter and air gap device that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These simple structures provide reliable backflow prevention without the complexity and cost of durable, complex mechanical systems.
2Device complexity
If simple air gap devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to multiple drain lines decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain adapter is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate multiple drain line configurations and sizes. The air gap device can be attached to various drain types (PVC, metal, etc.) and supports multiple discharge lines, making a single simple device suitable for diverse applications in supermarkets, restaurants, and residential settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable mounting positions and flexible attachment methods that allow adaptation to different installation scenarios. The air gap device can be positioned at various locations around the drain adapter, enabling flexibility in routing multiple drain lines while maintaining the required air gap distance.
3Reliability
If specifically sized devices are used for each drain line, then backflow prevention effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drain adapter and air gap device combination serves as a universal solution that can handle multiple drain line sizes and types through a single device. The adapter accommodates various pipe diameters and materials, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining effective backflow prevention for each connected drain line.
4Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for multiple drain lines, then backflow prevention coverage is improved, but space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple backflow prevention functions into a single integrated drain adapter with one air gap device. Multiple drain lines can be connected to the same adapter, each with its own air gap, consolidating what would require multiple separate devices into one compact unit. This reduces installation space, simplifies plumbing routing, and lowers overall system cost while maintaining comprehensive backflow prevention coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow prevention device is to be installed between various equipment drain lines and a drain cover or drain pipe. The backflow prevention device provides an air gap operable to prevent backflow of sewer waste into the drain lines. The device includes a drainage hub and a tubing mount attached to the drainage hub. The drainage hub defines a liquid flow conduit throw which liquid discharged from the drain lines can flow and can be connected to the drain. The tubing mount supports the drain lines in such a way that the drain line effluent is positioned to be in fluid connectivity with the upper opening of the liquid flow conduit at a vertically displaced position from the drainage hub.