Double Flap Valve Backflow Prevention Without External Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewer backup systems are vulnerable to power failures and have exposed components that are susceptible to damage, and they do not effectively prevent backflow and flooding without a power supply.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained double valve device with fluid-actuated components, comprising an elongated hollow valve body with pivotally operated flap valves, which can be installed in a sewer pipe to prevent backflow by adjusting the distance between the valve members using an actuator, such as a toggle mechanism, to respond to fluid pressure and maintain a sealed position without external components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motor-actuated valve systems are used to prevent backflow, then the valve can be quickly and positively closed upon flood conditions, but the system relies on power supply and external components that are vulnerable to damage and power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motor, power supply, and control electronics from the valve system, extracting the active control components that create vulnerability. The valve is redesigned to operate passively using fluid pressure differential and float mechanism, eliminating dependencies on external power and complex control systems while maintaining reliable backflow prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system uses the flood water itself to activate the closing mechanism through a float mechanism. When water level rises, the float automatically triggers the valve to close without requiring external power or control signals. The system serves itself by using the harmful flood condition as the activation energy for protection.
2Reliability
If fluid-actuated gate valve assembly is used with components exterior to the sewer, then the valve can respond to water level changes, but the external components take up space and are exposed to damages from exterior influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests all valve components within the sewer pipe structure. The float mechanism, actuator, and valve body are all contained within the pipe, with the float operating inside the fluid-filled environment. This eliminates external components exposed to damaging influences while maintaining the ability to respond to water level changes through the internal float mechanism.
3Productivity
If bypass line with pump and chopper unit is added to enable sewage discharge when valve is closed, then normal operation can be maintained, but the system requires power supply and additional components that increase complexity and vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump, chopper unit, and bypass line from the system. Instead of actively pumping sewage around the closed valve, the design allows the valve to remain simple and passive, accepting that sewage flow will be blocked when the valve closes. This extraction of active discharge components eliminates power dependencies and reduces system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If toggle mechanism actuator is used to adjust distance between valve members, then the device can be manually operated and installed flexibly, but the mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex motorized actuator to actively open and close the valve, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple toggle mechanism that locks the valve in position. The valve is designed to be held open by default and can be manually locked closed using the toggle, simplifying the actuation mechanism while maintaining operational flexibility.
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 double valve device effectively prevents backflow and flooding by automatically adjusting to fluid pressure, maintaining a sealed position without external power and minimizing exposure to damage, while allowing for remote monitoring and manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
the first flap valve automatically pivots to a closed state in response to fluid pressure when sewage flows back from the street sewer pipe towards the house or building structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A double valve device for the prevention of backflow and method of its use Abstract A double device (1) and method serves for mounting in a flow channel of a sewer (47) for the prevention of backflow, which sewer (47) has an intake pipe (50) and an outfall pipe (51) for sewage and/or water. The double valve device (1) comprises an elongated hollow valve body (2, 3) that includes a first elongate hollow member (2) defining a first channel (2a) and a second elongate hollow member (3) defining a second channel (3a) opposite the first channel (2a), an actuator (28) operatively connected to the elongate hollow valve body (2, 3) to allow adjusting the distance between the first elongated hollow member (2) and the second elongate hollow member (3) upon actuation, wherein the first elongate hollow member (2) has a first flap valve (20) pivotally between a closed state and an open state of a first valve opening (55) of the first elongate hollow member (2). The second elongate hollow member (3) has a second flap valve (27) pivotally between a closed state and an open state of a second valve opening (57) of the second elongate hollow member (3), which second valve opening (57) faces the first valve opening (55). The valve device is a backflow blocker, which, during daily operation, allows wastewater to pass by, but in damming and flooding situations automatically closes the flap valves in the drainage line so that water cannot flow into the drain upstream the valve device.