Coaxial System Separator Layout for Compact Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing system separators for preventing backflow between liquid systems are bulky, complex to assemble, and require multiple components, making them expensive and difficult to install and maintain, especially when pressure reduction is needed for applications like drinking water and heating systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact system separator design where the pressure reducer cartridge, backflow preventer, and drain valve body are arranged coaxially within the same housing bore, allowing all components to be accessed through a single opening, reducing the number of installation steps and simplifying maintenance, with a pressure-reducing mechanism that integrates the downstream non-return valve directly into the pressure reducer cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components (pressure reducer, non-return valves, drain valve) are used in traditional system separators, then the system provides reliable backflow prevention and pressure reduction, but the device becomes bulky, complex to assemble, and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (pressure reducer, upstream non-return valve, downstream non-return valve, and drain valve) into a single integrated system separator housing. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate assemblies, reducing installation complexity while maintaining all necessary functions for backflow prevention and pressure reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separator housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the pressure reducer for pressure reduction, contains upstream and downstream non-return valves for backflow prevention, and incorporates a drain valve for pressure equalization. This multi-functionality in a single device reduces the number of components needed while maintaining reliability.
2Stress or pressure
If multiple separate components are used for pressure reduction and backflow prevention, then the system achieves effective pressure control, but the number of installation steps and maintenance operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the pressure reducer, non-return valves, and drain valve into a single housing unit, the patent reduces the number of installation steps. The entire assembly can be installed as one unit rather than assembling multiple separate components, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining effective pressure control.
3Reliability
If traditional separate component arrangements are used, then the system provides adequate separation of liquid systems, but the device requires multiple access points for maintenance and inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated housing design provides all necessary functions (pressure reduction, backflow prevention, drainage) within a single accessible unit. Maintenance personnel can access and service all components through one housing structure, eliminating the need to access multiple separate components located in different positions, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining reliable liquid system separation.
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 design results in a more compact, cost-effective, and easier-to-install system separator with improved pressure regulation and maintenance accessibility, suitable for applications requiring effective separation of contaminated water systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded discharge valve body (103) designed as a piston, which is arranged in terms of flow between the non-return valves... the pressure difference between the inlet pressure in the upstream liquid system and a medium pressure which is established in a medium-pressure space between the piston and the downstream non-return valve acts on the piston against a spring
Implementation Method 2
the pressure difference between the inlet pressure in the upstream liquid system and a medium pressure which is established in a medium-pressure space between the piston and the downstream non-return valve acts on the piston against a spring which acts in the opening direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A system separator (10) for physically separating an upstream liquid system from a downstream liquid system by means of a drain valve (48) provided in a housing (16) depending on the pressure drop between the upstream and downstream liquid systems, is characterized in that the housing (16) is equipped with a housing bore (28) and is provided with a closable housing opening (26) aligned with the housing bore (28) and that a pressure reducer (66, 36) designed as a cartridge is provided within the housing bore (28), which pressure reducer (66, 36) is provided as a whole from the housing ( 16) can be removed. The system separator has an upstream non-return valve (40), a downstream non-return valve (42) and a spring-loaded discharge valve body designed as a piston (44) which is arranged between the non-return valves in terms of flow, the pressure-reducing valve cartridge (34, 36), the non-return valve (40 , 42) and the discharge valve body (44) are arranged coaxially within the housing bore (28).