Curved Access Cover for Backflow Prevention Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backflow prevention devices are bulky, heavy, and prone to high flow losses and wear, with complex configurations that increase manufacturing costs and installation difficulties, while also requiring additional space for pressure measurement ports, which complicates accurate pressure measurement and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight backflow prevention device design featuring upstream and downstream check valves with clappers, a shutoff valve system, and a curved cover that reduces deformation under pressure, allowing for easy access and accurate pressure measurement, along with a reduced pressure assembly that includes sensing ports and a relief valve for monitoring pressure zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bulky cast housing with side port tube and separate cover is used, then the device can withstand high pressure, but the device becomes heavy and requires substantial space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing and cover into a single integrated one-piece molded construction, eliminating the need for separate casting and assembly of these components. This integration reduces the overall weight while maintaining the structural strength required for pressure resistance, as the molded design optimizes material distribution and eliminates unnecessary bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing method from traditional casting to molded construction, which allows for optimized wall thickness distribution and material usage. This parameter change enables the housing to maintain pressure resistance with reduced material quantity, thereby reducing weight without compromising strength.
2Measurement precision
If pressure measuring ports are added, then pressure measurement accuracy is improved, but the device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing integration allows the same structural component to serve multiple functions: containing the backflow prevention mechanism and providing integrated access ports for pressure measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate port extensions, maintaining measurement accuracy while minimizing assembly length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions pressure measurement access ports on the wider face of the rectangular housing rather than extending the length of the assembly. This dimensional repositioning allows accurate pressure measurement without increasing the flow path length, effectively using the housing's width dimension to accommodate measurement functionality.
3Strength
If the cover is made thicker with more attachment points to withstand high pressure, then pressure resistance is improved, but maintenance accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the housing and cover into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for a separate removable cover. This integration maintains pressure resistance through optimized housing design while improving maintenance accessibility, as the entire housing can be accessed and opened as a single unit rather than requiring disassembly of multiple attachment points.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple people or support devices are used to hold the assembly during installation, then installation stability is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated one-piece molded housing provides inherent structural stability and self-supporting characteristics during installation. The optimized design allows the housing to maintain its position and alignment without requiring external support devices or multiple people, enabling a single installer to complete the installation quickly and efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow prevention device including an opening in the housing configured to provide a user with access to the upstream check valve and the downstream check valve. The backflow prevention device further includes a cover configured to cover the entirety of the opening. The cover includes a portion of a lateral surface of a right cylinder. The backflow prevention device additionally includes a seal configured to sealingly engage the cover and the housing along the perimeter of the cover.