Backflow Leak Sensor Deflector Directs Low Flow to Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing systems lack effective mechanisms to accurately detect low fluid flow or leaks, particularly in backflow valves, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from undetected drips.
Innovation Solution
A backflow leak sensor deflector is introduced, which deflects fluid flow away from the center of the opening to project it onto the inner sidewalls of the leak sensor module, enhancing the detection accuracy of fluid sensors by ensuring consistent contact with the sensors, even with low fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluid flow is allowed to pass through the center of the opening in backflow valves, then the valve structure remains simple, but the leak detection accuracy deteriorates because low fluid flow or drips do not consistently contact the fluid sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into a center region and sidewall regions by introducing a deflector. The deflector divides the fluid flow path, directing center flow toward sidewalls where sensors are positioned, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
A deflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid flow and the fluid sensors. This deflector actively redirects the fluid flow to ensure consistent contact with the sensors, solving the detection accuracy problem while maintaining overall structural simplicity
2Reliability
If fluid sensors are positioned to detect flow through the center opening, then the sensor placement is simple, but the detection reliability worsens because low fluid flow may not reach the sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is positioned upstream to preliminarily redirect fluid flow before it reaches the sensor detection zone. This preliminary action ensures that even low fluid flow or drips are guided toward the sidewalls where sensors are located, improving detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the center opening and the sidewall sensor positions, ensuring reliable fluid-sensor contact without requiring complex sensor positioning mechanisms
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
The deflector improves the sensitivity and reliability of leak detection in backflow valves by ensuring fluid flow is directed towards the sensors, enabling more accurate and consistent detection of leaks and drips.
Implementation Method 1
the deflector includes a fluid deflecting element... the fluid deflecting element to deflect fluid toward one or more fluid sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid deflector for a plumbing fixture includes a fluid deflecting element, and one or more arm members the fluid deflecting element to suspend the fluid deflecting element within a fluid flow opening associated with the plumbing fixture. The fluid deflecting element to deflect fluid toward one or more fluid sensors associated with the plumbing fixture.