Aerator Insert Closing Valve for Backflow Contamination Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sanitary water outlets and vending machines are prone to recontamination due to bacterial contamination from the aerator insert, particularly in sensitive areas like hospitals and public spaces, leading to increased costs for frequent flushing and disinfection, and existing solutions like non-return valves lengthen the spout, making them impractical.
Innovation Solution
An integrated closing valve actuated by spring force is used in the aerator insert, which moves into a closed position when there is no water flow and opens with flow pressure, preventing recontamination without lengthening the outlet fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-operated check valve is installed in the spout before the aerator to prevent backflow contamination, then backflow contamination is prevented, but the spout becomes correspondingly long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the check valve function with the aerator by integrating the valve body into the aerator housing. The valve body is positioned within the aerator assembly, merging two separate components (check valve and aerator) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for a separate pre-installed check valve in the spout, thereby preventing backflow contamination without extending the spout length.
2Reliability
If a check valve is installed in the spout before the aerator to prevent backflow contamination, then backflow contamination is prevented, but the distance to the sink is reduced making the outlet impractical to use
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is merged with the aerator assembly, placing the valve body within the aerator housing rather than installing a separate valve in the spout. This integration maintains the outlet's original position and accessibility, allowing users to easily reach the sink while still providing effective backflow prevention through the integrated valve mechanism.
3Reliability
If the aerator is sealed to prevent contamination, then hygiene is improved, but water flow is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic sealing mechanism where the valve disc moves between open and closed positions based on water flow conditions. During normal operation, water flow pressure pushes the valve disc away from the sealing surface, opening the flow path and maintaining productivity. When water flow stops, spring force returns the valve disc to seal against the sealing surface, preventing contamination. This dynamic operation ensures both hygiene protection and uninterrupted water flow during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve mechanism is self-actuating, using the water flow pressure itself to open the valve and allow water passage. When flow occurs, the pressure automatically pushes the valve disc open without requiring external control. When flow stops, the spring automatically returns the disc to the closed position. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous water flow during operation while automatically sealing for hygiene protection, without interfering with productivity.
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
Effectively prevents bacterial contamination in the water network by sealing the aerator when not in use and flushing out any germs when the water is turned back on, maintaining practicality and hygiene without extending the spout.
Implementation Method 1
The closing valve is moved into its closed position by spring force when there is no water flow pressure
Implementation Method 2
The closing valve is moved into its open position by the water flow pressure when water is flowing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Aerator insert for insertion into a spout designed as a screw-in sleeve or screw-on sleeve for a sanitary water outlet or the outlet of a water/beverage dispenser, comprising a housing (1) and components arranged therein for regulating the emerging water or liquid jet, which is designed with backflow protection in the form of a closing valve, which is arranged between a pre-screen (4) or a cover wall (40) provided with a central opening (41) and a component of the aerator insert located below it and has a valve body (51, 61, 71, 81, 9) which is biased into a closed position by means of spring force against the flow direction of the water or liquid,in which, in the absence of flow pressure of the water or liquid, it seals against a circumferential edge area of the front screen (4) or the opening edge of the cover wall (40) that is not provided with sieve openings, and which, in the presence of flow pressure of the water or liquid, can be deflected away from the front screen (4) or the cover wall (40) into an open position against the pre-tensioning spring force.