Hartford Loop Manifold Assembly Backflow Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current whirlpool bathtub systems require expensive check valves for backflow prevention, increasing manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs, and lack integration with submersible air control assemblies for effective operation.

Innovation Solution

A Hartford loop manifold assembly is integrated with a submersible air control assembly, eliminating the need for check valves by using a tubular manifold housing with a coupling member to create a Hartford loop configuration that prevents water backflow, ensuring cost-effective and reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If check valves are installed in each Hartford loop for backflow prevention, then water backflow prevention is ensured, but manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoidcost of check valves

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the check valve component from the Hartford loop assembly by redesigning the loop configuration itself to provide inherent backflow prevention through its geometric structure, thereby removing the need for separate mechanical checking devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The Hartford loop manifold assembly is designed to perform its own backflow prevention function through its internal geometry and water column configuration, without requiring external check valves or additional active components to enforce flow direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional Hartford loops are used without integration, then backflow prevention is provided, but submersible air control assembly operation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoidintegration with air control assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the Hartford loop backflow prevention function with the submersible air control assembly into a single integrated manifold structure, where both functions coexist and support each other within one unified component system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides Hartford loop backflow prevention for electrical components while also serving as the structural housing and fluid distribution system for the submersible air control assembly, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If compact manifold design is implemented, then installation space is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanifold assembly sizeVSAvoidwall thickness uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones (Hartford loop chambers, air control cavities, outlet ports) that can be manufactured and assembled as modular sections, allowing compact overall dimensions while maintaining adequate wall thicknesses in each segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold design employs varying wall thicknesses and material densities at different locations based on local functional requirements, with thicker walls at stress-concentration points and thinner walls where space is constrained, optimizing both compactness and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively prevents water backflow into the air control assembly, reducing costs associated with check valves while maintaining optimal operation and deep-soaking designs, with a compact and easy-to-install design that minimizes damage and leaks.

Implementation Method 1

pressure from the spa water slightly compresses an air column that is trapped in leg Y and its connection to leg Z. Such compression suppresses travel of the water beyond level E

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir column compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

creating a Hartford Loop simply means to loop a conduit as high as possible (ideally above the water line) prior to coupling the conduit with a selected component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHartford loop trap: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS7802325B2Hartford loop manifold assembly for bathing vessels

Publication Date: 2010.09.28 AS AMERICA INC

AI summary

Hartford loop manifold assembly installed in operable communication with an air control assembly in a whirlpool bathing system. The manifold assembly includes a tubular manifold housing having a coupling member in intussusceptible relation therewith. The manifold housing has an elongate body and an elongate wall coextensive with an upper body proximate extent and a lower body distal extent thereof. The elongate wall includes an internal manifold wall delineating a reception lumen that accommodates insertion of the coupling member therein. The internal manifold wall is disposed by a predetermined distance from an external manifold wall in parallel therewith to define a flow area therebetween. The external manifold wall has at least one outlet depending generally normally therefrom. Each outlet has a lumen defined therethrough for unoccluded fluid communication between each manifold flow area and at least one conduit detachably coupled to each outlet extent.