Backflow Relief Valve Shroud for Controlled Discharge Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relief valve assemblies for backflow preventers face challenges in effectively managing fluid pressure and preventing fluid scatter while ensuring efficient discharge and coupling with drain funnels.
Innovation Solution
A shroud design with interchangeable tongues and grooves, a relief valve cover with integrated water supply passage, and a plunger mechanism with seal engagement surfaces, along with a drain funnel and bracket arms, enhance fluid control and directionality, minimizing scatter and improving coupling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional relief valve assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but fluid scatter is not effectively prevented and discharge directionality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can be assembled together to enclose the relief valve. This segmentation allows for a more complex fluid control structure while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as each portion can be produced separately and then assembled using the tongue and groove interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet is designed with a reduced diameter compared to the maximum diameter of the shroud, creating a dimensional transition that directs fluid flow parallel to the outlet centerline. This dimensional change effectively controls fluid scatter and improves discharge directionality without requiring additional complex components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outlet diameter is reduced to improve fluid directionality, then fluid scatter is minimized, but the maximum diameter portion is needed for structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud features different diameters at different locations: a maximum diameter portion for structural integrity and a reduced diameter outlet for fluid directionality. This local quality variation allows each region to optimize its function - the larger diameter provides strength while the smaller outlet controls fluid flow - without compromising overall performance.
3Reliability
If a secure coupling mechanism is used to ensure reliable connection with drain funnel, then coupling reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism integrates the bracket arms directly with the relief valve cover, merging the mounting function into the existing structure. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or additional fastening components, achieving secure coupling while minimizing assembly complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable tongues and grooves are used to enclose the relief valve, then assembly flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is segmented into two portions with complementary tongues and grooves, allowing flexible assembly configurations. Despite this segmentation providing assembly flexibility, each portion can be manufactured using standard molding techniques, and the tongue and groove features are simple geometric forms that do not significantly complicate the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A relief valve for a backflow preventer includes a plunger, a lock nut, and a seal. The plunger has a female fastening section and a first seal engagement surface. The lock nut has a male fastening section and a second seal engagement surface. The male fastening section is received by the female fastening section to bring the first seal engagement surface toward the second seal engagement surface. The seal is positioned between the first seal engagement surface and the second seal engagement surface.