Check Valve with Mechanical Spring Back Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves with back pressure relief for liquid fuel storage tanks rely on elastomeric materials that degrade over time, leading to inconsistent long-term operation and potential equipment failure due to pressurization and temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A check valve design incorporating a ball check valve with a mechanical spring-based back pressure relief mechanism, which is less susceptible to degradation, using a ball that can be made of elastomeric or metallic materials, and a compression spring to ensure reliable sealing and pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric materials are used for back pressure relief, then the initial operation is satisfactory, but long-term reliability deteriorates due to material degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces elastomeric materials with a mechanical spring-based ball check valve system. The spring provides the necessary force to open the ball check valve for pressure relief, eliminating dependence on elastomeric elasticity. This mechanical substitution ensures consistent operation over time without material degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the pressure relief mechanism from elastomeric (flexible, degradable) to mechanical (rigid, durable). By using a spring with defined mechanical properties and a ball check valve, the system achieves predictable pressure relief behavior without the aging issues of elastomeric materials.
2Ease of operation
If a check valve is installed to maintain flooded suction, then pump priming is eliminated, but back pressure relief capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two functions into a single integrated check valve assembly: the primary check valve function (maintaining flooded suction) and the back pressure relief function (via the ball check valve). This merging allows both functions to coexist without requiring separate components, achieving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball check valve acts as an intermediary mechanism within the check valve assembly. It provides a dedicated pressure relief pathway that activates only when back pressure exceeds a certain threshold, allowing the main check valve to maintain flooded suction while the ball check valve periodically relieves excessive pressure.
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 mechanical spring-based design provides consistent and durable back pressure relief, preventing equipment failure and maintaining operational integrity by relying on mechanical movement rather than material flexibility, thus offering improved long-term performance compared to elastomeric designs.
Implementation Method 1
a second spring for biasing the ball to the closed position
Implementation Method 2
the ball check valve is configured to open when the pressure at the outlet port exceeds the pressure at the inlet port
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A check valve comprising: a valve body having an inlet port (102), an outlet port (103) and a first seat (106); a lift (107) mounted on a guide shaft (108) for movement between a closed position in which the lift is retained against the first seat and an open position in which the lift is displaced from the first seat to allow fluid to pass from the inlet port to the outlet port; a first spring (113) for biasing the lift to the closed position; and a back pressure relief valve (116) comprising a ball check valve (121) mounted in a bore (117) through the guide shaft (108), the bore being open at one end to fluidly communicate with the inlet port and being open at its opposite end to fluidly communicate with the outlet port, and the ball check valve having: a second seat (120), a ball (121) for movement between a closed position in which the ball is retained against the second seat and an open position in which the ball is displaced from the second seat to allow fluid to pass through the bore, and a second spring (122) for biasing the ball to the closed position, wherein the ball check valve is configured to open when the pressure at the outlet port exceeds the pressure at the inlet port. The check valve may be used as an anti-syphon valve in a fuel line or as a vent valve.