Convertible Check Valve with Segmented Body for Aligned and Elbow Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves are not convertible between axially aligned and elbow configurations, limiting their application in water and wastewater systems, and they lack simplicity and efficiency in operation across different configurations.
Innovation Solution
A convertible check valve design featuring a first and second valve body section with elliptical flow ports and a flapper valve member that can be configured for either aligned or angled orientations, allowing for fluid communication and pressure relief, with a pressure relief assembly to manage over-pressure situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a check valve is designed for a specific configuration (aligned or elbow), then it operates efficiently in that configuration, but it cannot be used in the other configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into two separate sections: a first valve body section with a first flange and a second valve body section with a second flange. These sections can be connected in different configurations (aligned or elbow) by orienting the flanges at 45-degree angles to their respective longitudinal axes, allowing the same valve components to serve multiple configuration purposes without increasing overall valve complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design enables a single check valve to perform multiple functions by accommodating both aligned and elbow configurations using the same basic components. The universal design allows the valve to be adapted to different piping arrangements without requiring separate valve designs for each configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If commercially available check valves are used, then they are suitable for their intended purposes, but they require separate valves for aligned and elbow configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed as a universal component that can be installed in either aligned or elbow configurations using the same valve body sections and flange design. This eliminates the need to maintain separate inventories of aligned and elbow check valves, reducing the total number of valve types required while maintaining suitability for both applications
3Reliability
If the flapper valve member is designed to operate efficiently in one configuration, then it provides effective backflow prevention, but it may not operate efficiently in the other configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into two sections with flanges oriented at 45-degree angles, creating symmetric elliptical flow ports that maintain consistent flow characteristics regardless of whether the valve is installed in aligned or elbow configuration. This segmentation allows the flapper to operate reliably in both configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The flanges are designed with asymmetric 45-degree angle orientations relative to the longitudinal axes of the valve body sections. This asymmetric design creates elliptical flow ports that, when combined in different orientations, provide consistent hydraulic performance for both aligned and elbow configurations while maintaining effective backflow prevention
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
Enables the same check valve to be used in both aligned and elbow configurations without sacrificing size or operational efficiency, providing effective backflow prevention and pressure management in various liquid handling applications.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient disk or flapper flexes or pivots downward into engagement with the valve seat to isolate the inlet section from the outlet section
Implementation Method 2
In the event that the pressure within the check valve exceeds a predetermined level, e.g., an over-pressure in the outlet section exist, the resilient disk or flapper flexes or pivots downward
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible check valve having a pair of valve body sections, each of which includes a central passageway extending through it is disclosed. Each passageway terminates at an elliptical port. A moveable flapper is located within the check valve between the valve body sections and is movable between a between a closed state and an opened state, and vice versa, to effect the selective closing and opening of the ports. The valve body sections are configured to be rotated 180 degrees with respect to each other so that they are in an either an axially aligned state or in an elbow state. The interface between the passageways is formed by two elliptical shaped planar surfaces, each extending at an angle of 45 degrees to the central axis of the associated passageway. The valve also includes a pressure relief assembly.