Dual Air Admittance Valve Assembly for Fail-Safe Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air admittance and check valves fail to provide high-volume airflow demand, leading to premature failure and allow corrosive elements into enclosed systems, and lack a failsafe mechanism to prevent backflow when one valve fails.
Innovation Solution
A dual-valve assembly with a first and second valve, each with a sealing member, that operates based on pressure differentials and is biased towards a closed position, incorporating filter elements to prevent contamination, and ensures fail-safe operation by having one valve function if the other fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional air admittance valve is used, then the valve structure is simple, but the valve cannot provide high-volume airflow demand and fails prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air admittance function into two separate valves arranged in series. Each valve handles a portion of the airflow demand, reducing the strain on individual valves. This segmentation allows each valve to operate within its design parameters while collectively providing high-volume airflow capacity, thereby preventing premature failure of any single valve component.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional air admittance valve is used, then the valve structure is simple, but corrosive elements pass through and damage the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces filter elements as intermediary components positioned between the two valves and the enclosed system. These filters capture and remove corrosive particles and contaminants from the air stream before the air enters the enclosed system. The filters act as a protective barrier, preventing corrosion damage to internal components while maintaining the air admittance function.
3Reliability
If a single air admittance valve is used, then the device complexity is low, but there is no failsafe mechanism when the valve fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-valve series configuration that provides built-in redundancy and failsafe operation. If one valve fails or becomes blocked, the second valve continues to provide air admittance, preventing complete system failure. This prior cushioning through redundant valuation ensures continuous operation and protects the enclosed system against total loss of air intake capability.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional valves are used, then the device complexity is low, but the valves allow backflow when negative pressure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two air admittance valves in series configuration to achieve enhanced backflow prevention. The series arrangement creates multiple sealing points and pressure barriers that work together to prevent backflow more effectively than a single valve. When negative pressure occurs, both valves must fail simultaneously for backflow to occur, significantly reducing the probability of backflow events.
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 dual-valve assembly maintains system integrity by ensuring airflow meets demand, prevents corrosion, and reduces backflow even if one valve fails, extending component life and maintaining system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating filter elements to prevent contamination
Implementation Method 2
a first valve having a first valve seat and a first sealing member at least partially extending through a first opening in the first valve seat in a closed position
Implementation Method 3
operates based on pressure differentials
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of air admittance valve assembly and piping system incorporating the same are provided herein. In some embodiments, a valve assembly comprising a housing, a first valve comprising a first valve sealing member and a first valve seat, and a second valve comprising a second valve sealing member and a second valve seat, and a pipe, an inlet, an outlet, a first zone, a second zone, a third zone, the first and second valve sealing member is closed by gravity and open based upon the pressure differential between the first zone, second zone and third zone.