Compact Backflow Valve Assembly With Integrated Test Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow prevention valve assemblies are cumbersome, require numerous components, and complicate the certification testing process, leading to inefficiencies in assembly, servicing, and space usage.
Innovation Solution
A compact backflow prevention valve assembly design featuring transversely oriented cartridge buckets with tapered sidewalls and frames, which includes test cover assemblies and o-rings for sealing, allowing for reduced component count and simplified testing while preventing reverse fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional BFP assemblies use multiple taps or test cocks spread out along the assembly body for pressure testing, then certification testing can be performed, but the assembly becomes unduly elongated and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test cock functions into a single integrated test port assembly. The body includes a first test port and a second test port that are integrated into one compact structure, allowing pressure testing of both buckets through a unified interface rather than requiring separate taps distributed along the assembly body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the test ports from a linear arrangement along the assembly body to a compact three-dimensional configuration. The first and second test ports are arranged in a compact layout that reduces the overall length of the assembly while maintaining accessibility for certification testing.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional BFP assemblies use multiple separate components for buckets and test cocks, then each component can be independently manufactured, but the assembly requires more materials and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the test cock functionality into the bucket structure itself. The body forms an integrated assembly where the first bucket and second bucket each include integrated test ports, eliminating the need for separate test cock components that would otherwise be attached to the buckets.
Solution Approach 2:
The body structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the first and second buckets for backflow prevention, incorporates the first and second test ports for pressure testing, and provides the structural framework for the entire assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional BFP assemblies use elongated configurations to accommodate all testing features, then all test points are accessible, but the assembly requires more installation space and increases material costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear, elongated arrangement of test points to a compact three-dimensional configuration. The first test port and second test port are positioned in a compact layout that maintains accessibility for certification testing while minimizing the overall footprint and installation space required.
4Reliability
If traditional BFP assemblies use multiple separate taps for pressure measurements, then pressure can be measured at different zones, but the assembly becomes more complex and time-consuming to service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure measurement functionality for both buckets into an integrated test port assembly. The first test port and second test port are incorporated into a unified structure that allows pressure measurements at different zones while simplifying servicing, as the integrated design reduces the number of separate connections and components that require maintenance.
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 design enhances ease of assembly, reduces material costs, and facilitates more efficient certification testing by minimizing the number of components and space requirements, ensuring effective backflow prevention while maintaining fluid flow integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a valve member located in each bucket that is biased to prevent reverse flow through the inlets of the buckets
Implementation Method 2
test cover assemblies and o-rings for sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow prevention assembly has a body having a first bucket with a sidewall extending between a closed end and an open end along a first bucket axis, a first conduit extending from an inlet of the sidewall of the first bucket, and a second bucket having a sidewall extending between a closed end and an open end along a second bucket axis. A second conduit extends between an outlet of the sidewall of the first bucket and an inlet of the sidewall of the second bucket, and a third conduit extends from an outlet of the sidewall of the second bucket. The conduits extend along a conduit axis that is perpendicular to the bucket axes. The valve assembly includes covers secured over the open ends of the buckets and a valve member located in each bucket that is biased to prevent reverse flow through the inlets of the buckets.