Integrated Inlet Valve Backflow Prevention for Household Water Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Water in the supply lines of household appliances like dishwashers and washing machines can flow back into the water network, potentially contaminating fresh water lines, especially when pressure differences occur between hot and cold water connections, leading to bacterial growth and backflow issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a backflow prevention apparatus within the inlet valve arrangement, which uses non-return valves or sealing elements like disks or membrane rings to ensure water flows only from the water network to the appliance, preventing reverse flow into the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate backflow prevention device with its own housing and connecting parts is installed, then backflow prevention reliability is improved, but device complexity and assembly outlay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow prevention apparatus is merged with the inlet valve arrangement by integrating the backflow prevention device directly into the valve housing. The backflow prevention device shares the common housing with the inlet valve, eliminating the need for separate housing and connecting parts. This integration maintains backflow prevention functionality while reducing overall device complexity and assembly requirements.
2Reliability
If a backflow prevention apparatus with separate housing and connecting parts is used, then backflow prevention capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly outlay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow prevention device is manufactured as an integrated component within the inlet valve arrangement housing. By combining multiple functions (inlet valve control and backflow prevention) into a single housing structure, the number of separate parts is reduced, simplifying manufacturing processes and lowering production costs while maintaining effective backflow prevention capability.
3Strength
If housing halves are welded together to prevent sliding apart under pressure, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process is extracted and replaced with a threaded connection system. The housing halves are connected via threaded fasteners that provide sufficient mechanical strength to resist pressure forces without requiring permanent welding joints. This approach maintains structural integrity while simplifying manufacturing and enabling disassembly if needed.
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
Effectively prevents backflow of contaminated water into the fresh water network, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and energy wastage, while eliminating the need for separate housing and connecting parts, thus enhancing the safety and efficiency of water supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing disk (28) which is moved into an open position by a water pressure of the water flow in the direction of the household appliance and being moved into a closing position by a water pressure of the water flow in the direction of the water network
Implementation Method 2
a membrane ring (35) which is reshaped elastically into an open position by a water pressure of the water flow in the direction of the household appliance
Implementation Method 3
a sealing lip of the membrane ring (35) is pushed by a water pressure of the water flow in the direction of the water network, i.e. in the backflow direction, into a closing position, in which the sealing lip of the membrane ring (35) rests on a seat (38) in a fluid-tight manner
Data Source
AI summary
A water conducting household appliance having at least one water supply line to supply the household appliance with water from a water network; an inlet valve arrangement connected to the water supply line and the water network; and a backflow prevention apparatus arranged in the inlet valve arrangement. The backflow prevention apparatus allows water to flow only in the direction of the household appliance and prevents water to flow in the direction of the water network.