Bi-leaflet Elastomer Valve for Pool Plumbing Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Winterizing swimming pool plumbing lines requires draining water below return openings to prevent backflow, which wastes water and treatment chemicals, and can cause cover damage, while traditional methods like plugging submerged ports are unpleasant due to splashing.
Innovation Solution
A one-way, bi-leaflet elastomer valve assembly with a duck-bill shape that mounts to liquid conduits, featuring a support fitting, elastomer valve piece with flexing leaflets that open under pressure and self-close to prevent backflow, and a protective cap to resist physical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is drained below return openings to prevent backflow, then backflow is prevented, but water and treatment chemicals are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The valve divides the conduit opening into multiple segments through bi-leaflet construction, allowing selective opening and closing of flow paths. This enables preventing backflow in the submerged conduit while maintaining water level in the pool, avoiding the need to drain water below return openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve acts as an intermediary device installed in the submerged conduit to block backflow path. It provides a mechanical barrier that prevents water from flowing back into the submerged conduit without requiring the pool water level to be lowered, thus preventing both backflow and water waste.
2Reliability
If plugs are added to submerged ports to prevent backflow, then backflow is prevented, but splashing occurs during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve uses dynamic bi-leaflet construction that automatically opens under forward pressure and closes under backpressure. During installation, air pressure can be applied to open the valve, allowing clean insertion without splashing, and the valve then self-seals when pressure equalizes, preventing backflow without the need for manual plugging that causes splashing.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is self-actuating through pressure differential. It automatically opens when forward pressure is applied during installation and self-closes when pressure equalizes, eliminating the need for manual intervention that causes splashing. The valve serves itself by using the installation pressure to open and then sealing automatically.
3Reliability
If a one-way valve is installed in submerged conduits, then backflow is prevented, but the valve is exposed to physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is nested within a protective housing that fits over the submerged conduit. This nested structure provides physical protection to the valve from ice movement and other environmental damage while allowing the valve to function. The housing acts as a protective shell that shields the vulnerable valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly includes pre-installed protective features such as recessed mounting and impact-resistant materials. The valve is positioned recessed within the conduit wall, providing beforehand protection against physical damage from ice or other external forces before they can directly impact the valve components.
4Reliability
If the valve piece flexes to promote leaflet closure, then sealing is improved, but manufacturing precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The valve piece uses varying thickness profiles as a parameter change to control flexing behavior. The thicker sections provide structural support while thinner sections allow controlled flexing to promote leaflet closure. This gradient in thickness parameters enables reliable sealing without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, as the flexing action compensates for minor variations.
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 valve assembly effectively prevents backflow into submerged conduits, reduces water waste, and protects the valve from damage, ensuring a watertight seal and easy installation for winterizing applications.
Implementation Method 1
The valve piece is shaped to promote a flexing when mounted to the fitting to induce provided leaflets into abutting engagement in a closed condition, except when liquid or air is expelled from the conduit. Under forward pressure, the valve piece flexes open. Otherwise, the leaflets are constructed to resiliently close upon themselves with the release of pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile one-way valve assembly that attaches to a liquid conduit. A valve fitting supports a recessed, bi-leaflet, elastomer valve piece. A compound curvature at a valve base, raised seal forming surfaces at provided leaflets, tapered extension surfaces at the leaflets and a tailored sidewall thickness profile at the leaflets assures a durable watertight sealing action at the flexible valve piece. An O'ring mounted to a threaded fitting surface seals the assembly relative to a supporting conduit. A cover is also provided to protect the valve piece from external damage and significant back pressures.