Backflow Prevention Device with Integrated Shutoff Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backflow prevention devices are bulky, heavy, and prone to high flow losses, with complex configurations that increase manufacturing and installation costs, and require additional space for pressure measurement ports, making them inefficient and difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight backflow prevention device design featuring upstream and downstream shutoff valves with rotating obstructions and clappers that minimize wear and flow interruption, integrated with a housing that allows for accurate pressure measurement and easy access, utilizing a hybrid motion mechanism for check valves that reduces friction and pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bulky cast housing with side port tube and separate cover is used, then the device can accommodate pressure measurement ports and withstand high pressure, but the device becomes heavy, expensive to manufacture, and requires substantial space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing, side port tube, and cover into a single integrated one-piece molded body. This eliminates the need for separate casting operations and assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity and pressure resistance capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural containment, incorporates pressure measurement ports, withstands high pressure, and enables easy access to internal components. The single piece design achieves what previously required multiple separate components.
2Measurement precision
If pressure measurement ports are added to ensure proper operation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the assembly length increases and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions pressure measurement ports on the end surfaces of the housing rather than requiring longitudinal extension. This allows pressure measurement functionality to be added without increasing the assembly length, as the ports utilize the existing end surface area rather than extending the device in the flow direction.
3Strength
If the cover is made thicker with more attachment points to withstand high pressure, then pressure resistance is improved, but maintenance becomes inconvenient and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the cover and housing into a single integrated piece, the patent eliminates the need for thick covers with multiple attachment points. The one-piece molded structure achieves pressure resistance through its overall design rather than through localized thickening, and internal components remain easily accessible without requiring disassembly of a heavy, multi-attached cover.
4Length of stationary object
If the assembly length is reduced to save space and cost, then manufacturing and installation cost decrease, but eddies form within the current reducing pressure measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains adequate flow development length for accurate pressure measurement by utilizing the end surface area of the housing rather than extending the assembly longitudinally. Pressure ports are positioned to allow proper flow establishment without requiring additional length, thus avoiding eddies while keeping the compact assembly size.
5Stability of the object's composition
If multiple people or support devices are used to hold the assembly during installation, then installation stability is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated one-piece design consolidates all components into a single unit that can be handled and installed as one piece. This eliminates the need for multiple people or ad hoc support devices to hold separate components during assembly, reducing installation time and labor costs while maintaining installation stability through the inherent rigidity of the molded structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow prevention device including an upstream shutoff valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing. The upstream shutoff valve includes an obstruction. The obstruction is configured to prevent water flow at a first position and allow water flow at a second position. The obstruction is also configured to rotate about an axis of rotation between the first position and the second position. The upstream shutoff valve also includes a seal. The seal is configured to sealingly engage a sealing surface in the housing at the first position. All points of engagement between the obstruction seal and the sealing surface are located downstream of the axis of rotation of the obstruction.