Backflow Preventer Valve Assembly for Water Filter Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water filtering equipment, particularly reverse osmosis systems, lack a backstop function to prevent water backflow, which can damage the filtering units and contaminate pure water with waste water.
Innovation Solution
A backflow preventer is introduced, featuring a check valve set with a duckbill valve and unidirectional valve configuration, where the check valve has an elastic tube with a duckbill valve and a socket, and the unidirectional valve has a larger and smaller diameter portion, ensuring water flows only in one direction by using a through aperture with a smaller diameter than the elastic tube, preventing backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connector is used to provide water flow between filtering units, then water can be supplied through the system, but the connector lacks backstop function allowing water backflow to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a check valve and a unidirectional valve into a single integrated valve assembly that is installed within the connector structure. This merged design allows the connector to simultaneously provide water flow capability and backflow prevention function, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly acts as an intermediary component installed within the connector to mediate between the need for free water flow and the need to prevent backflow. The check valve and unidirectional valve work together as intermediary mechanisms that allow forward flow while blocking reverse flow, thus maintaining both operational ease and system reliability.
2Device complexity
If no backflow prevention mechanism is installed, then the device structure remains simple, but water backflow can damage filtering units and contaminate pure water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backflow prevention function into the existing connector structure by installing a compact valve assembly within the connector body. This integration adds backflow protection without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the valve components are incorporated into the connector rather than adding separate external mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve and unidirectional valve are nested within the connector structure, with the valve assembly fitted inside the connector body. This nesting approach allows the backflow prevention mechanism to be housed within the existing connector space, minimizing additional complexity while providing comprehensive protection against backflow damage and contamination.
3Reliability
If a check valve with elastic tube and duckbill valve is used, then backflow is prevented, but the valve may be pushed away by high pressure backflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a check valve with a unidirectional valve in an integrated assembly where both valves work together to prevent backflow. The unidirectional valve provides additional structural support and pressure resistance, complementing the check valve's backflow prevention function. This merged design strengthens the overall assembly's ability to withstand high pressure while maintaining reliable backflow prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly utilizes composite construction with multiple valve components (check valve and unidirectional valve) made from different materials optimized for their specific functions. The check valve uses elastic tube material for flexibility and sealing, while the unidirectional valve provides rigid structural support against high pressure. This composite approach enhances both backflow prevention capability and pressure resistance.
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 water backflow, ensuring water quality and protecting the filtering equipment from damage by allowing forward flow while immediately closing to stop reverse flow, even under high pressure, thus maintaining the integrity of the water filtration process.
Implementation Method 1
The check valve has an elastic tube with a duckbill valve at one end
Implementation Method 2
The unidirectional valve has a first main portion with a larger diameter and a second main portion with a smaller diameter, the diameter of the second main portion corresponding to an inner diameter of the socket of the check valve
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow preventer for water filtering equipment, the water filtering equipment has a plurality of filtering units, the filtering units are connected among each other via at a plurality of connectors connected by at least one hose and connected to a water source via the at least one of the connectors, at least one of the connectors has a check valve set, and the check valve set has a check valve and an unidirectional valve. The check valve has an elastic tube with a duckbill valve at one end and is connected to a base at another end, and the base has a socket sleeved onto the elastic tube. The unidirectional valve has a first main portion with a larger diameter and a second main portion with a smaller diameter, the diameter of the second main portion corresponding to an inner diameter of the socket of the check valve.