Backflow Capable Ball Check Valve Stem Saddle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ball check valves lack reliable backflow and pipeline drainage capabilities without damaging the valve ball, and existing designs are unsuitable for applications involving fluids with solids and semi-solids, as they foul and require maintenance, disrupting normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A stem and saddle assembly that engages and supports the valve ball, allowing it to move from a normal operation mode to a backflow capable mode without damaging the pliable coating, providing a continuous and linear fluid flow pathway for backflushing and drainage, while minimizing contact and preventing solids accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball check valve is used to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is achieved, but the valve lacks reliable backflow and pipeline drainage capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the stem and saddle assembly movable rather than fixed. The assembly can be positioned in two distinct locations: first position for normal operation (backflow prevention) and second position for backflow capability. This dynamic repositioning allows the valve to adapt between different functional modes, resolving the contradiction between reliable backflow prevention and backflow capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the stem and saddle assembly to serve multiple functions through its repositioning capability. The same assembly prevents backflow in the first position, enables backflow in the second position, and also facilitates pipeline drainage. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing a single component to provide both backflow prevention and backflow capability depending on its position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve ball is moved to enable backflow, then backflow capability is achieved, but the pliable coating on the valve ball may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing the saddle as a mediating component between the stem and the valve ball. The saddle provides a large surface area contact interface with the valve ball, distributing the mechanical stress uniformly across the pliable coating. This intermediary structure prevents direct point-contact damage that would occur if the stem contacted the ball directly, thus enabling safe movement for backflow capability while preserving sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the saddle with a curved surface that matches the valve ball's geometry, creating a cushioning effect before the ball is moved. The saddle's large contact area and conformal geometry distribute forces evenly, preventing stress concentration that could damage the pliable coating during the transition to backflow position. This protective design ensures the coating survives repeated movements.
3Reliability
If swing check valves or flexible disc check valves are used, then backflow prevention is achieved, but solids and semi-solids foul the internal components requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing the vulnerable internal components (discs, shafts, mechanical linkages) that are prone to fouling and replacing them with a simple ball mechanism. The ball check valve design extracts the complex mechanical parts that accumulate stringy material and sludge, leaving only the ball and simple seat that are resistant to fouling. This extraction resolves the contradiction by maintaining backflow prevention while eliminating maintenance issues associated with solids accumulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a rod is used to bias the valve ball upwardly to allow backflow, then backflow capability is achieved, but the rod may damage the pliable coating of the valve ball
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by placing the saddle between the rod (stem) and the valve ball. The saddle acts as a protective intermediary that distributes the upward biasing force across the entire surface of the ball rather than concentrating it at a single point. This prevents the rod from directly contacting and damaging the pliable coating, while still enabling the ball to move to the backflow position. The intermediary saddle thus resolves the contradiction between achieving backflow capability and preventing coating damage.
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 reliable backflow and pipeline drainage without damaging the valve ball, maintaining its sealing performance and preventing fouling, thus ensuring continuous operation and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
the flow of fluid pushes the valve ball out of the seat and the fluid flows around the ball
Implementation Method 2
a spring positioned within the valve body and configured to bias the valve ball toward the seated position
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow capable ball check valve includes a valve body including a fluid flow passage and a ball seat within the fluid flow passage. A valve ball is within the fluid flow passage and is configured for seating on the ball seat. The valve ball is movable between a normal operation and backflow capable modes. A stem and saddle assembly is coupled with the valve body, and the stem and saddle assembly is configured to cup the valve ball. Movement of the stem and saddle assembly moves the valve ball from the normal operation mode to a backflow capable mode. In the backflow capable mode the stem and saddle assembly positions the valve ball away from the ball seat with the saddle cupping the valve ball in surface to surface contact, for instance according to pivoting at a movable joint.