Backflow Valve Assembly with Dual Float Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies fail to effectively prevent gas and backup waste from escaping a floor drain, leading to inefficiencies and potential environmental issues.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly comprising a tube with a pipe having closed ends, gaskets defining upper and lower chambers, and balls less dense than water that float to control gas and liquid flow, ensuring gases are released while preventing waste from escaping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve assembly is designed to prevent gas escape, then gas containment is improved, but liquid flow capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly employs dynamic float mechanisms that automatically adjust the valve position based on fluid density and pressure conditions. The first float responds to gas pressure to close the gas passage, while the second float responds to liquid level to control the liquid passage, enabling the system to dynamically adapt between gas containment and liquid flow modes
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is segmented into separate gas and liquid control pathways with independent float mechanisms. The gas passage and liquid passage are divided into distinct channels, each controlled by its own float valve system, allowing simultaneous or independent control of gas and liquid flow without interference
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve assembly is designed to prevent backup waste escape, then waste containment is improved, but gas venting capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly segments waste containment and gas venting into separate functional pathways. The liquid passage with its float-controlled valve handles waste containment, while the gas passage with its pressure-responsive float handles gas venting, allowing both functions to operate independently without compromising either waste containment or gas venting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The second float mechanism dynamically responds to liquid level changes in the trap to control the liquid passage valve. When the liquid level rises, the float rises and closes the liquid passage to prevent waste escape; when the liquid level drops, the float descends and opens the passage to maintain flow, while gas can still vent through the separate gas passage
3Device complexity
If a single valve mechanism is used to control both gas and liquid flow, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly divides the control function into two separate but coordinated float mechanisms: one float controls the gas passage valve and the other controls the liquid passage valve. This segmentation allows each float to independently respond to its specific fluid conditions (gas pressure or liquid level) with high precision, while the overall device remains relatively simple in concept
4Extent of automation
If float mechanisms are used to control valve operation, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float mechanisms automatically sense fluid conditions (gas pressure or liquid level) and autonomously control the valve positions without external intervention. The first float self-regulates the gas passage based on gas pressure, and the second float self-regulates the liquid passage based on liquid level, eliminating the need for external actuators or control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanisms utilize buoyant force (anti-weight principle) to counterbalance the valve weights and control the valve positions. The floats rise with increased fluid pressure or level, automatically opening or closing the valves through this buoyant counterweight mechanism, achieving automation through fundamental physical principles rather than complex mechanical systems
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 effectively prevents gas escape while allowing liquid flow, thereby maintaining a clean environment by ensuring gases are released while keeping waste contained.
Implementation Method 1
The first ball floats to open the at least one gasket to permit the flow of the liquids to the drain line
Implementation Method 2
The second ball floats to close the at least one gasket to prevent escape of waste from the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow valve assembly for preventing gas and backup waste from escaping a floor drain includes a tube that is configured to fluidically couple to a drain line. A pipe is coupled to and axially positioned in the tube. The pipe has upper and lower ends that are closed. At least one gasket is coupled to an inner surface of the pipe and defines upper and lower chambers. Penetrations are positioned through the pipe to allow flow of gasses and liquids into the pipe. First and second balls, which are less dense than water, are positioned in the upper and lower chambers, respectively. The first ball prevents escape of the gasses from the tube. The first ball floats to open the gasket to permit the flow of the liquids to the drain line. The second ball floats to close the gasket to prevent escape of waste from the tube.