Backflow Preventer With Integrated Telescopic Leak Test Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow stop systems for sewage pipes face challenges in ensuring operational safety due to difficulties in conducting leak tests, especially when the system is newly installed or during backwater events, and require separate, expensive devices to determine pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
A backflow stop system with a test device connected to the housing, featuring a variable-length pipe section and a liquid indicator, allows for reliable leak testing and automatic shut-off, ensuring secure closure and easy operation, including a telescoping design and a plug for secure attachment to prevent loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate test device is connected to the housing for leak testing, then the functionality can be tested, but the device complexity increases and separate expensive devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The test device is integrated directly into the backflow preventer housing, combining the testing functionality with the main device structure. This eliminates the need for separate external testing equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable leak testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the main backflow preventer enclosure and the integrated test device housing. The same housing contains both the backflow prevention mechanism and the leak testing components, reducing the need for additional separate devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If the pipe section is fixed length, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be compact when not in use and may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe section is designed with telescopic capability, allowing it to change length dynamically. When extended, it provides the necessary reach for testing; when retracted, it minimizes storage space and can be secured within the housing to prevent loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic pipe section allows one pipe segment to be nested within another, creating a compact configuration when not in use. This nesting mechanism reduces the overall volume occupied by the pipe section while maintaining full functionality when extended.
3Loss of substance
If the plug is permanently attached to the pipe section, then it cannot be lost, but it interferes with the telescopic movement
Solution Approach 1:
The plug attachment mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The plug can be securely attached when the pipe section is retracted to prevent loss, while allowing the pipe sections to telescope freely when extended for testing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is designed to be attached in advance to the retracted pipe section before extension. This preliminary attachment ensures the plug is secured and cannot be lost, while the attachment mechanism is positioned to not interfere with the telescopic movement when the pipe is extended.
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 solution ensures permanent reliability in testing the functionality of the backflow stop, preventing losses and facilitating easy leak detection, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure corresponding to a specific water level in the pipe section must be maintained for a predetermined period
Implementation Method 2
The liquid level indicator preferably includes a float which, when the liquid level is high, rests against a sight glass in the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
A backflow preventer for a wastewater pipe, comprising a housing (10) with an inlet (11) that can be connected to a drainage system, e.g., in a building, and an outlet (12) that can be connected to a sewer system. Furthermore, at least two backflow valves (20, 20') are provided between the inlet (11) and the outlet (12), of which the first shut-off device (20) closer to the outlet can be closed manually and the second shut-off device (20') closer to the inlet (11) closes automatically in the event of backflow from the sewer system. To ensure improved verifiability, it is proposed that two test devices (30, 30') permanently connected to the housing (10) be provided for testing the operating status of the shut-off devices (20, 20'), one of which has a closable opening (32) between the...The two backflow preventers (20, 20') for applying water pressure in the housing with a telescopically extendable tube (31) and the other a sight window (37) with float (35), the latter being arranged behind the downstream backflow preventer to detect a backflow condition.