Integrated Backflow Preventer Valve with Common Blocking Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing system separators are costly due to complex and numerous components, particularly in the inlet-side non-return valve, and suffer from irretrievable water loss and potential damage when the backflow preventer fails.

Innovation Solution

The blocking element of the drain valve and inlet-side non-return valve are formed by a common part, reducing the number of components, and the valve seats are integrated into the housing, allowing for cost-effective machining and improved design efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the inlet-side non-return valve and drain valve are designed with separate blocking elements and control bodies, then the valves can perform their functions, but the number of components increases significantly and production cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve functionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the blocking elements of the inlet-side non-return valve and drain valve into a single integrated blocking element with two distinct blocking surfaces. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining the functional separation needed for both valve operations, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single integrated blocking element serves multiple functions: it acts as the blocking element for the inlet-side non-return valve when pressed against the first valve seat, and as the blocking element for the drain valve when pressed against the second valve seat. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate blocking elements and reduces overall component count

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the control body has multiple shoulders, recesses and undercuts to interact with blocking elements, then the valves can be controlled, but the manufacturing complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve controlVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex control body with multiple shoulders, recesses and undercuts from the design and replaces it with a simple actuator that moves linearly. The control function is achieved through the positioning of the first and second valve seats relative to the single integrated blocking element, eliminating the need for elaborate control body features while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the control body interact with blocking elements through complex geometric features, the patent inverts the approach by having the blocking element interact with the control body through simple valve seats. The control function is achieved by the actuator's position relative to the valve seats, not by complex features on the control body itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the blocking elements are separate components, then each valve can be designed independently, but the overall outlay for the system separator increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent valve designVSAvoidoutlay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the blocking elements into a single component while maintaining independent control of both valves through separate valve seats and a common actuator. This reduces the number of parts to manufacture and assemble, lowering the overall outlay while preserving the adaptability of independent valve operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design significantly reduces production costs and prevents long-term water loss and damage by simplifying the system separator's components and ensuring safe operation through pressure-balanced and spring-actuated mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the blocking element of the inlet-side non-return valve and the blocking element of the drain valve are coupled in such a way that either the inlet-side non-return valve or the drain valve is open

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

either the inlet-side non-return valve or the drain valve is open

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP1801298B1Backflow preventer with discharge valve and downstream check valve

Publication Date: 2012.06.06 HONEYWELL TECH ECC

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The valve has an input reflux preventer for interrupting a connection for a liquid between a form zone (2) and a central zone (14) and an output reflux preventer (13) for interrupting a connection for a liquid between the central zone and an after zone (3). The input reflux preventer, the output lateral reflux preventer and a drain valve have a check element (7, 8) and a valve seat which are movable against each other for manufacturing and interrupting the connections. The check element of the drain valve and the check element of the input reflux preventer are firmly connected.