Backflow Prevention Assembly With Perpendicular Drain Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe separators, such as those using spring-loaded non-return valves, can leak and are not sufficient for physical separation of liquid systems, particularly in scenarios like drinking water and heating systems, where contamination prevention is critical, and they require a connection to a drain and atmosphere in case of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A pipe separator assembly with a drain valve connected to a spring-loaded piston that moves perpendicularly to the non-return valves, utilizing a connecting channel to direct inlet pressure against the spring force, allowing for a compact design with reduced material usage and easier maintenance, featuring a plastic insert part that forms part of the drain valve and valve seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If spring-loaded non-return valves are used for backflow prevention, then the device structure is simple, but the separation reliability is insufficient due to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional components: upstream non-return valve, downstream non-return valve, and drain valve with piston, each performing specific separation functions to achieve reliable physical isolation
Solution Approach 2:
A drain valve with piston mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the two liquid systems. This intermediary establishes a controlled connection to atmosphere and drain, ensuring that even if non-return valves leak, complete physical separation is maintained
2Reliability
If a piston with central passage and annular valve seat is used, then the drain valve structure is conventional, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat is merged with the piston body as an integrated component rather than a separate annular seat. This merging reduces the number of parts, simplifies the device structure, and decreases material usage while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The piston serves multiple functions: it acts as both the moving closure element and incorporates the valve seat functionality, eliminating the need for separate valve seat components and reducing overall device complexity
3Productivity
If the drain valve is arranged coaxially to backflow preventers, then the flow path is straightforward, but the housing dimensions and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drain valve is repositioned from a coaxial arrangement to a perpendicular arrangement relative to the flow direction between non-return valves. This dimensional change allows compact integration into the housing, reducing overall housing volume and material requirements while maintaining functional effectiveness
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
This design provides effective physical separation with reduced material costs and easier maintenance, ensuring reliable prevention of backflow while allowing efficient filling or refilling of systems by adjusting the valve positions based on pressure differences.
Implementation Method 1
a loading spring (84) acting on the piston (76) in the closing direction of the drain valve
Implementation Method 2
the piston (76) is subjected to inlet pressure against the spring action of the loading spring (84) via a connecting channel (32, 90)
Implementation Method 3
spring-loaded valves that allow fluid flow in only one direction, from the upstream to the downstream system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The arrangement (10) has an upstream backflow preventor (18) arranged in a housing (12). A downstream backflow preventor (20) is arranged coaxial to the preventor (18), and a discharge valve includes a valve seat (74) connected with a downstream side of a spring-actuated piston (76). The piston is moved perpendicular to an opening direction of the preventors, and is pressurized with input pressure over a connection duct (32) against resilience of a tensioning spring (84). The duct is directed to the preventor (18), and the valve seat and piston are formed as an integrated plastic element.