Expandable Clamping Backflow Preventer for Pipe Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive backflow preventers face challenges such as the need for custom-fit production, significant pressure drop due to pipe cross-section loss, complex installation, and structural complexity, especially when adapting to different pipe diameters or replacing existing devices.
Innovation Solution
A passive backflow protection system featuring an elastomer membrane with a conical shape and an expandable clamping device that adapts to various pipe diameters, utilizing a static upper part for sealing and a dynamic lower part for flow control, with ribs and a sealing lip to prevent inward folding under backpressure, and an expandable clamping mechanism for secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastomer element is used to prevent backflow, then the risk of turning inside out is reduced, but the device still requires custom-fit production or adaptation for different pipe diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is designed to be expandable and adjustable, allowing it to adapt dynamically to different pipe diameters. The clamping device can be expanded radially to match the inner diameter of the pipe, providing a universal solution that works with various pipe sizes without requiring custom-fit production for each diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device changes its dimensional parameters (radial expansion) to adapt to different pipe diameters. By adjusting the expansion parameter of the clamping device, a single backflow preventer design can accommodate multiple pipe sizes, eliminating the need for custom-fit production.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sealing material is used to fill differences in pipe cross-sections, then the backflow protection can be adapted to various pipe diameters, but a significant part of the pipe cross-section is lost resulting in higher pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer element is designed as a flexible membrane that can deform and conform to the pipe cross-section without requiring rigid sealing material. This flexible membrane approach maintains a larger effective flow area compared to rigid sealing material, reducing pressure drop while still providing adaptability to different pipe diameters.
3Reliability
If a flange is pressed against the pipe wall to close the pipe during backwater, then the pipe can be closed, but the attachment is relatively complicated when used inside a pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is designed to be expandable and adjustable, allowing it to adapt dynamically to different pipe diameters. The clamping device can be expanded radially to match the inner diameter of the pipe, providing a universal solution that works with various pipe sizes without requiring custom-fit production for each diameter.
4Reliability
If the elastomer element is pressed against the pipe wall for sealing, then sealing is achieved, but the structural design required to prevent the beak from folding over inwards becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is designed to be expandable and adjustable, allowing it to adapt dynamically to different pipe diameters. The clamping device can be expanded radially to match the inner diameter of the pipe, providing a universal solution that works with various pipe sizes without requiring custom-fit production for each diameter.
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 solution provides easy installation and adaptability to different pipe diameters, reduces pressure drop, and enhances sealing efficiency while preventing backflow without the need for custom-fit manufacturing, addressing the limitations of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
a conical elastomer membrane 1 which can be expanded and compressed radially
Implementation Method 2
The compression also causes the upper part of the tube to be sealed. In the event of a backflow, this sealing effect is reinforced by the back pressure from the outside, which pushes the upper part of the membrane up against the pipe wall.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The back‑pressure safeguard consists of a funnel‑shaped membrane and of a clamping device for fastening in the pipe. The clamping device consists of an expansion part which widens the membrane to the pipe cross section and presses it against the pipe wall and of a supporting part which supports the expansion part against the pipe wall.