Wall-Mounted Dispenser Backflow Prevention with Redundant Valves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall-mounted dispensers cannot be connected in a side-by-side series manner and lack effective backflow prevention when dispensing a water and liquid chemical mixture, posing a risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mounted dispenser design featuring multiple backflow prevention devices, including a check valve, poppet valve, and duck-bill check valve, allows for side-by-side connection and prevents backflow by ensuring the water source remains uncontaminated through a combination of valve mechanisms and atmospheric venturi openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple backflow prevention devices are installed in the dispenser, then the reliability of preventing backflow contamination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow prevention system is segmented into multiple independent valve mechanisms (check valve, poppet valve, duck-bill check valve) positioned at different locations within the dispenser. Each valve operates independently to prevent backflow from different potential contamination sources, thereby improving overall reliability without requiring a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple backflow prevention devices are installed in advance as redundant protective measures. If one valve fails or if backflow occurs through an unexpected pathway, the other valves provide backup protection, cushioning against the harmful effect of contamination before it can reach the water source
2Reliability
If the dispenser is designed with multiple backflow prevention devices, then the water source protection is improved, but the ease of operation may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple valve mechanisms are designed to operate automatically based on pressure differentials and fluid flow directions. The check valve, poppet valve, and duck-bill check valve self-regulate to prevent backflow without requiring user intervention, maintaining ease of operation while providing enhanced protection
Solution Approach 2:
The complex valve mechanisms serve as intermediary components between the water source and the dispensing outlet. These intermediaries handle the complexity of backflow prevention automatically, shielding the user from operational complexity while maintaining simple dispensing operation
3Reliability
If the dispenser body portions are extended to accommodate multiple valves and passageways, then the backflow prevention capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanisms are nested within the existing dispenser body structure. The check valve, poppet valve, and duck-bill check valve are integrated into the body portions and passageways already formed for water and chemical flow, allowing multiple prevention devices to be added without requiring complete redesign of the dispenser architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple backflow prevention devices are merged into a single integrated dispenser unit with unified body portions and fluid passageways. This combining approach allows all valves to share common structural elements and mounting locations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to separate valve assemblies
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 dispenser effectively prevents backflow contamination and allows for convenient dispensing of a water and liquid chemical mixture, ensuring the water source remains safe even if individual prevention devices fail, with multiple mechanisms ensuring water purity.
Implementation Method 1
A check valve is positioned in the inlet end of the first water passageway
Implementation Method 2
A poppet valve, having upper and lower ends, is vertically movably mounted in the chamber of the third body portion and the chamber of the venturi body
Implementation Method 3
A duck-bill check valve is positioned in the discharge conduit below the poppet valve
Implementation Method 4
The venturi body has an upwardly presented valve seat at the lower end thereof which communicates with the atmosphere through a venturi effect
Data Source
AI summary
A wall mounted dispenser for dispensing a mixture of water and liquid chemicals which may be used as a separate dispenser or in combination with other like dispensers. The dispenser of this invention includes several backflow preventers to ensure that the water supply will not become contaminated during backflow problems.