Backwater Valve Pressure Sensor Fluid Line Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backwater valve systems face challenges in reliable pressure measurement due to susceptibility to interference, mechanical float failures, and complex sealing requirements for electrical connections, leading to potential measurement errors and installation complexities.
Innovation Solution
A non-return valve with a device for measuring water level using a pressure sensor directly attached to the backflow stop, featuring a pressure-tight connection via a fluid line that allows ambient pressure to be provided, enabling flexible installation and reducing interference, with a compact design that includes a plug-in connection for easy assembly and extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure sensor is installed inside a control unit housing with a pressure-tight connection via pressure hose, then measurement reliability can be maintained, but the installation becomes complex and prone to errors due to continuous upward slope requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: the pressure sensor remains in the control unit housing while the mounting housing is positioned independently at any height. They are connected via a fluid line that does not require continuous upward slope, eliminating the installation complexity while maintaining measurement reliability through pressure-tight connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid line acts as an intermediary between the pressure sensor in the control unit and the mounting housing. This fluid line transmits pressure signals without requiring a specific slope configuration, thereby decoupling the positional constraints and simplifying installation while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the mounting housing is positioned elevated above the backflow preventer, then pressure measurement can be achieved, but installation flexibility is reduced due to strict positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the pressure sensing function (in control unit) from the mounting structure (mounting housing), allowing independent positioning. The fluid line connection maintains pressure measurement accuracy while permitting the mounting housing to be installed at any height relative to the backflow preventer, significantly improving installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a vertically-constrained single-dimension arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration where the mounting housing can be positioned in various spatial locations. The fluid line accommodates different routing paths, enabling installation flexibility across multiple dimensions while preserving measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If loops or ripples are present in the pressure hose, then installation becomes easier, but condensation accumulation causes measurement errors or interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid line serves as an intermediary that is specifically designed to prevent condensation accumulation. By using appropriate materials and routing configurations in the fluid line, the system allows easier installation without the strict anti-loop requirements, while the fluid line's design prevents condensation-related measurement errors, maintaining reliability.
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 solution ensures reliable and interference-resistant pressure measurement, simplifies installation, and enhances operational reliability by allowing the fluid line to be laid without loops, reducing the risk of errors and interruptions, while maintaining a compact and waterproof structure.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor (10) designed to measure a relative pressure of water in the backflow preventer (1) with respect to an ambient pressure and having a first chamber (11) which is connected in a pressure-tight manner to the wastewater and a second chamber (12) which is connected in a pressure-tight manner to the ambient air, between which a differential pressure is measured
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
For controlling wastewater systems, devices for measuring the water level are provided by means of backflow preventers or wastewater pumping stations. This device typically includes a pressure sensor (10) that measures the relative pressure of water in the wastewater system relative to the ambient pressure. To achieve a fault-resistant arrangement in a simple manner, it is proposed that a first chamber (11) connected pressure-tight to the wastewater and a second chamber (12) connected pressure-tight to the ambient air be provided, between which a differential pressure is measured. The pressure sensor (10) is mounted on the wastewater system, with a fluid line (20) connected pressure-tight to the second chamber (12), the open end of which is mounted in a housing that is elevated above the wastewater system and protected from water.This enables trouble-free installation even when it is not possible to lay the cables without loops and without waves.