Handheld Backflow Gauge With Single Differential Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow testing devices are hindered by high costs, complex designs, usability issues, and ergonomic flaws, lacking features and practicality in measuring fluid pressure and differentials for vacuum breakers, check valves, and pressure relief valves.
Innovation Solution
A handheld, battery-powered backflow testing device with a single differential pressure sensor, ergonomic design, capture button functionality, and rate of change graph display, allowing for single-hand operation and configuration as a 2-valve, 3-valve, or 5-valve tester, simplifying the testing process and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate pressure sensors are used to measure high side and low side pressures, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pressure sensing functions into a single differential pressure sensor that directly measures the pressure difference between high side and low side. This eliminates the need for two separate sensors and the associated complexity of measuring individual pressures and calculating the differential, while maintaining accurate measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it directly provides the pressure differential measurement, and can also be used to determine absolute pressures when combined with atmospheric pressure reference. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of sensors needed in the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and connections are provided for different testing configurations, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with a universal manifold system that can accommodate multiple valve configurations (2-valve, 3-valve, or 5-valve setups) using the same basic differential pressure sensor and housing. The manifold allows flexible connection arrangements that adapt to different backflow prevention assembly types without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Device complexity
If analog dial gage is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but information display capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical analog dial gage with an electronic differential pressure sensor coupled to a digital display system. This substitution provides the same basic pressure measurement function while enabling enhanced information display capabilities including numerical readings, graphical representations, and data logging without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 device enhances ease of use, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness by using a single sensor for differential pressure measurement, providing live readings and captured values, and visual cues for pressure changes, conforming to industry standards while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
capable of measuring the differential pressure between the high and low side fluid sources using a single differential pressure sensor fluidly connected to each of the high and low side fluid sources
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld-sized, single-hand-holdable, single-hand-operable battery-powered digital backflow prevention assembly testing gage capable of measuring a differential pressure between high and low side fluid sources, providing a capture value function for easily recording pressure values while continuing display of live pressure measurements, and providing a rate of change graph display for immediate visual indication of changes in the differential pressure being sensed. The design utilizes a true differential pressure sensor for more accurate measurements, provides for use as a 5-valve, 3-valve, or 2-valve tester conforming to standard industry field testing procedures, and permits wireless transmission of measurement and related data as well as remote wireless calibration of the testing device.