Backflow Preventer Assembly With Low-Pressure-Loss Flow Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing backflow preventers suffer from high pressure loss, wear, and hysteresis issues, particularly with fluids containing solids, and are not suitable for universal application due to blockages and complex assembly requirements.

Innovation Solution

A single-piece assembly with integrally formed chambers and elements, manufactured generatively, using additive manufacturing techniques, ensures seamless integration and minimal pressure loss, with elements like balls or springs guiding fluid flow in one direction and preventing backflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spring elements are used to seal off backflow, then backflow prevention is achieved, but hysteresis phenomena occur and wear increases over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow prevention reliabilityVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the spring element from the backflow preventer assembly, eliminating the source of hysteresis and wear. The backflow prevention function is achieved through the geometric design of the flow channel and blocking element alone, without requiring elastic sealing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical spring-based sealing system is replaced with a geometry-based flow control system. The asymmetric flow channel design and blocking element configuration create backflow prevention through fluid dynamic principles rather than mechanical elastic forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If swing check valves are used at medium and larger nominal diameters, then backflow prevention is achieved, but enormous flow deflection produces high pressure loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of deflecting flow 180 degrees as in swing check valves, the invention inverts the approach by using a streamlined blocking element that allows flow to pass with minimal deflection during forward flow, and creates backflow prevention through the specific geometry of the flow channel rather than complete flow reversal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If check valves are used for smaller nominal diameters, then backflow prevention is achieved, but they are not suitable for fluids containing solids due to blockage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoidsuitability for fluids with solids

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flow channel is segmented into an asymmetric design with a wide open section for forward flow that allows solids to pass freely, and a restricted section that prevents backflow. This segmentation enables the device to handle fluids containing solids while maintaining backflow prevention functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If generative manufacture is used to integrate element and chamber, then assembly simplicity and reliability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element and flow channel chamber are merged into a single integrated component manufactured through generative design and additive manufacturing. This combines multiple parts into one, eliminating assembly steps while the advanced manufacturing process handles the geometric complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 assembly achieves low-turbulence, low-pressure loss fluid flow with high reliability, compact design, and ease of maintenance, while being adaptable and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

the element releases a flow in a flow direction and prevents a flow opposite the flow direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow direction control:

Implementation Method 2

an annular blocking element, which is mounted in such a way in the casing by means of at least one spring element that the blocking element can be moved by the flow of the medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12595857B2Assembly for preventing a backflow

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 KSB SE & CO KGAA

AI summary

An assembly that prevents a backflow includes an element. The element releases a flow in a flow direction and which prevents a flow opposite to the flow direction. The element is arranged in a chamber which has stops. The chamber is formed by a single-piece wall. The element is integrated into the chamber in a form-fitting manner.