Backflow Valve Bypass Guide Prevents Ball Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow valves face issues with solids causing sealing surface contamination and residue accumulation, leading to valve failure and requiring frequent maintenance, as seen in ball-type valves where the ball sticks to its support due to wastewater residues and fails to float effectively.
Innovation Solution
A non-return valve design featuring a bypass channel with a floatable ball and a guide system of wires that prevents the ball from adhering to the wall, combined with a sealing element larger than the drain pipe outlet to prevent solids from sticking, ensuring reliable operation and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a ball backflow valve is used with the ball resting directly on the drain pipe outlet as a sealing surface, then the valve structure is simple, but solids in the waste water stick to the sealing surface causing valve failure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two separate components: the ball provides the sealing action while the sealing element (flange or collar) provides the sealing surface. This separation prevents solids from contaminating the ball's sealing surface, as the sealing element can be easily cleaned or replaced without replacing the entire valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary between the ball and the drain pipe outlet. Instead of the ball directly contacting the potentially contaminated outlet surface, the sealing element serves as a mediator that can be designed with smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces and can be replaced if contaminated.
2Ease of operation
If the ball remains in the standby position for long periods in the bypass channel, then the valve is ready for immediate operation, but the ball sticks to its support due to waste water residues and can no longer float
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is extracted from direct contact with the bypass channel wall and support structures. By using a guide mechanism that allows the ball to move freely without touching the channel walls, the ball remains mobile and can be easily activated when needed, preventing sticking issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide system is designed to allow dynamic movement of the ball along a defined path. The ball can remain in the standby position ready for operation but maintains the ability to move freely when activated by rising water levels, ensuring it doesn't stick due to prolonged stationary positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the ball is allowed to move freely in the bypass channel without a guide, then the ball can float easily, but the ball may adhere to the wall and fail to move to the upper position
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is designed with asymmetric features where the guide wires or channels are positioned to prevent ball contact with the bypass channel walls. The guide provides one-sided constraint that allows free movement in the desired direction while preventing adhesion to walls that would block upward movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wires or channels act as intermediaries between the ball and the bypass channel walls. These guides transfer the ball's movement in a controlled manner, preventing direct contact between the ball and walls that would cause adhesion, while still allowing the ball to float and move freely to the sealing position.
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 the valve remains functional by preventing the ball from adhering to the wall and maintaining a tight seal, even with solids present, thus preventing backflow and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
A floatable ball is movably arranged in the bypass channel. The ball can take an upper position and a lower rest position
Implementation Method 2
The ball is pressed against the sealing element by the hydrostatic pressure of the waste water and thus seals the drain pipe
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The backflow valve has a bypass duct (3) in which ball is provided. A guide (4) is arranged in the bypass duct for guiding the ball with respect to down position and top position. The sealing element (5) is provided in the top position, having diameter same as the drain pipe (1). The guide is formed of stainless steel or plastic. A lockable inspection door (8) is arranged in the bypass duct.