Check Valve Clapper Fulcrum Hybrid Motion Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backflow prevention devices are prone to high flow losses, wear, and are bulky, heavy, and costly due to their design, which complicates maintenance and installation, and they often require additional space for pressure measurement ports, leading to increased length and weight.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight backflow prevention device design featuring a housing with upstream and downstream shutoff valves, a check valve module with a clapper and fulcrum apparatus, and a hybrid motion mechanism that reduces wear and pressure loss, along with a curved cover for easier access and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional check valve configurations are used, then backflow prevention function is achieved, but flow losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve employs dynamic elements including a movable clapper that swings between open and closed positions, and a spring mechanism that provides responsive action. The clapper is mounted on a fulcrum allowing it to dynamically adjust to flow conditions, reducing turbulence and energy loss while maintaining effective backflow prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is divided into separate functional components: the clapper, fulcrum, spring, and housing. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently - the clapper for minimal flow resistance, the spring for responsive closure, and the housing for streamlined flow path - collectively reducing flow losses while maintaining reliability
2Strength
If bulky cast housing with side port tube and separate cover is used, then structural strength is achieved, but device weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and cover are merged into a single integrated piece formed by rotational molding. This eliminates the need for separate casting operations, joining operations, and reduces the overall number of components. The integrated design maintains structural strength while significantly reducing weight and material usage compared to traditional multi-part construction
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational molding process creates a thin-walled yet structurally sound housing. The molding process allows for optimized wall thickness distribution, providing strength where needed while minimizing material usage. The seamless integrated design eliminates heavy reinforcement features required in traditional cast constructions
3Stress or pressure
If thicker cover with more attachment points is used, then pressure resistance is achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and cover are merged into a single integrated component with no separate attachment points. This eliminates the need for multiple bolts, welds, or mechanical fasteners that would complicate maintenance. The integrated structure maintains pressure resistance through its molded design while allowing the entire assembly to be replaced as a single unit, greatly simplifying maintenance operations
4Measurement precision
If pressure measuring ports are added, then pressure measurement accuracy is achieved, but assembly length and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated housing serves multiple functions: it contains the check valve mechanism, provides structural support, and incorporates pressure measurement capability through integrated ports. The ports are strategically positioned on the housing itself rather than requiring external extensions, allowing pressure measurement without increasing assembly length. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pressure measurement devices that would add length and complexity
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 provides accurate pressure measurement, reduces installation complexity, and minimizes flow losses while being easier to manufacture and maintain, addressing the issues of bulkiness and high costs associated with traditional devices.
Implementation Method 1
The check valve module includes a clapper. The clapper is configured to allow the water flow stream through the orifice when open and prevent the water flow stream through the orifice when in a closed position by mating with the orifice. The check valve module further includes a fulcrum apparatus about which the clapper is allowed to rotate, a rotational constraint apparatus which directs the rotation of the clapper and a lateral constraint apparatus which directs the motion of the fulcrum toward and away from the orifice.
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve module. The check valve module includes an orifice, where the orifice is configured to allow the water flow stream through the check valve module. The check valve module also includes a clapper. The clapper is configured to allow the water flow stream through the orifice when open and prevent the water flow stream through the orifice when in a closed position by mating with the orifice. The check valve module further includes a fulcrum apparatus about which the clapper is allowed to rotate, a rotational constraint apparatus which directs the rotation of the clapper and a lateral constraint apparatus which directs the motion of the fulcrum toward and away from the orifice.