Flexible Membrane Check-Valve for Vacuum Waste Water Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backwater devices require high maintenance and are prone to damage due to the use of rigid valve flaps and mechanical bearings, which can lead to costly repairs and potential damage to downstream equipment if the bearing fails.
Innovation Solution
A backwater device featuring a flexible membrane with an oblique slit and welding fixation, allowing the membrane to fold into position under fluid flow pressure, eliminating the need for mechanical bearings and reducing maintenance efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid valve flap with mechanical bearings is used, then the valve can effectively prevent backflow, but the maintenance effort increases and the risk of damage to downstream equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bearing system with a flexible membrane that pivots on its own elastic properties. The membrane is secured at one end and freely movable at the other, eliminating mechanical bearings, pivot pins, and associated fastening elements that require maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible membrane made of elastomeric material to replace the rigid valve flap. This membrane can bend and pivot to prevent backflow without requiring mechanical support structures, thereby reducing maintenance needs while maintaining reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid valve flap with bearings is used, then the valve structure is stable, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex assembly of mechanical components (bearings, pivot pins, fastening elements) by using a flexible membrane that achieves stability through its elastic properties and simple securing at one end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to flexible, allowing the valve element to maintain stability through elastic deformation rather than mechanical rigidity, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
3Strength
If a rigid valve flap is used, then the valve can maintain its shape under pressure, but the risk of damage to downstream equipment increases if the bearing fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane that can deform under pressure without rigid structural failure. If the membrane fails, it disintegrates into harmless granules rather than causing mechanical damage to downstream equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane is designed as a consumable component that can fail safely. Unlike a rigid valve flap that can cause catastrophic failure, the membrane's failure mode is benign, allowing for simple replacement rather than complex repair.
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 flexible membrane design minimizes maintenance, enhances reliability, and prevents damage to downstream systems in case of membrane failure, while ensuring effective flow control without mechanical bearing-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane can fold into position under fluid flow pressure
Implementation Method 2
fixed by welding a circumferential outer edge of the slot
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (28) has a line section (30) connected with downstream lying and upstream directed sections (32, 34) in a vacuum piping unit (16). Another line section (36) extends from the former line section in an acute angle (alpha). A flow cross section (38) of the latter line section corresponds with an inlet (40) of the former line section. A rear pressure element i.e. flexible diaphragm (44), is movably arranged between a position in which a flow cross section of the former line section is closed and another position in which the flow cross section of the latter line section is closed.