Integrated Check Valve Filtration to Prevent Grit-Induced Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
IV check valves are susceptible to lodging grit and particulates, leading to leaks and backflows due to incomplete sealing when reverse flow occurs, rendering them ineffective.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an elongated filter member within the check valve that maximizes surface area exposure to fluid flow, preventing the passage of undesirable matter and minimizing the risk of filter collapse under backpressure, with an axially extending stop to prevent filter displacement and ensure proper sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional check valve is used without an integrated filter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the valve becomes susceptible to lodging grit and particulates which leads to leaks and backflows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter member and check valve into a single integrated device. The filter member is positioned upstream of the valve member within the same housing, allowing the system to simultaneously perform filtration and check valve functions without requiring separate components, thereby improving reliability while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated check valve incorporates multiple functions within a single device: the filter member filters particulate matter from the fluid, while the valve member provides check valve functionality to prevent backflow. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate filter and check valve components.
2Reliability
If the filter member has a large surface area to prevent grit lodging, then the filtering effectiveness is improved, but the filter becomes more susceptible to collapse under backpressure
Solution Approach 1:
The filter member features a radially extending portion with a large surface area for effective filtration, while the axially extending portion provides structural support to resist backpressure. This local differentiation of qualities allows the filter to simultaneously achieve high filtering effectiveness and sufficient strength against collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter member is constructed with a composite structure combining a radially extending portion for filtration and an axially extending portion for structural support. This composite design integrates both filtering and structural functions within a single component, balancing surface area for filtration with strength against backpressure.
3Reliability
If the filter member is positioned upstream of the valve member, then the filtering of fluid before valve operation is improved, but the filter is more exposed to backpressure when the valve closes
Solution Approach 1:
The filter member is positioned upstream of the valve member to ensure fluid is filtered before reaching the valve, improving filtration effectiveness. The axially extending portion with stop feature provides localized structural reinforcement to withstand the increased backpressure exposure inherent in this upstream positioning.
4Reliability
If the axially extending stop is added to prevent filter displacement, then the sealing function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axially extending stop is integrated as part of the filter member structure itself, combining the displacement prevention function with the existing filter component. This integration improves the sealing function while minimizing the increase in device complexity by avoiding separate components.
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 integrated filter effectively prevents grit lodging and backflows, ensuring the check valve maintains its sealing function even under reverse flow conditions, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of fluid flow directionality.
Implementation Method 1
a filter member mounted in the upper housing upstream of the flexible valve member. The filter member has an elongated portion configured to maximize surface area thereof exposed to the fluid flow and restrict passage of undesirable matter in fluid flowing through the check valve
Implementation Method 2
a flexible valve member mounted in the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction, and prevent fluid backflow in a second direction opposite to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a check valve may include forming an upper housing as cylindrical body with (i) an internal surface including an upstream internal surface and a downstream internal surface having a projection and (ii) an external surface, forming a T-shaped filter member and mounting the T-shaped filter member in the internal surface of the upper housing. The method may further include forming a lower housing with a support portion at a central portion thereof, mounting a flexible valve member on the support portion, and coupling the upper housing with T-shaped filter member mounted therein onto the lower housing with flexible valve member mounted therein such that the T-shaped filter member is disposed upstream of the flexible valve member.