Integrated Pump Valve Assembly for Low-Resistance Backflow Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing booster systems for multi-story buildings require significant space and induce high pipe resistance due to the need for multiple valves per pump, including check valves and shut-off valves, which reduces efficiency and increases energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A valve system that integrates both check-valve and shut-off valve functionality into a single unit, with a pipe section that forms part of the valve, reducing space consumption and pipe resistance by using a valve body and seat aligned transversely to the primary flow direction, and an operating element to control the valve body for selective operation modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple valves (check valve and shut-off valve) are installed per pump, then the pump system can prevent backflow and allow maintenance, but the space consumption and pipe resistance increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow prevention and maintenance capabilityVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a check valve and a shut-off valve into a single integrated valve unit. The valve body houses both the check valve mechanism (with movable closure element that opens with flow direction) and the shut-off valve mechanism (with operating element for manual closure), allowing both backflow prevention and maintenance isolation functions to be achieved in one compact component rather than requiring separate valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated valve unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a check valve to prevent backflow during pump operation, serves as a shut-off valve to isolate the pump for maintenance, and provides a compact mounting structure. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the pump system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple valves (check valve and shut-off valve) are installed per pump, then the pump system can prevent backflow and allow maintenance, but the pipe resistance increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow prevention and maintenance capabilityVSAvoidpipe resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a check valve and a shut-off valve into a single integrated valve unit. The valve body houses both the check valve mechanism (with movable closure element that opens with flow direction) and the shut-off valve mechanism (with operating element for manual closure), allowing both backflow prevention and maintenance isolation functions to be achieved in one compact component rather than requiring separate valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional valve arrangements are used, then adequate valve functionality is provided, but the booster system requires significant space for installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve functionalityVSAvoidbooster system space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a check valve and a shut-off valve into a single integrated valve unit. The valve body houses both the check valve mechanism (with movable closure element that opens with flow direction) and the shut-off valve mechanism (with operating element for manual closure), allowing both backflow prevention and maintenance isolation functions to be achieved in one compact component rather than requiring separate valves.

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

The integrated valve system allows for a more compact and efficient booster system with reduced space consumption and flow resistance, enabling optimal pump operation while preventing backflow and allowing for easy assembly and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

the valve body is movable along the valve axis to open the valve opening upon a fluid flow from the valve opening towards the valve body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the valve body is fixed against the valve seat to close the valve opening for any fluid flow direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11293559B2Valve system, piping manifold and pump system

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 GRUNDFOS HLDG

AI summary

A valve system (13), connectable to a pump system (1), includes a pump assembly (3) connectable to a pipe (5), wherein the valve system (13) includes a valve (15) including a pipe section (39), of the pipe (5), that defines a primary flow direction (19), and a valve opening (41) in the pipe section, a valve seat (43) and a valve body (45). The valve opening (41), the valve seat (43) and the valve body (45) define a common valve axis (47) extending transversely to the primary flow direction. An operating element (49), arranged at the pipe section opposite the valve opening, is configured to control the valve body for operating in a check-valve mode to open the valve opening upon a fluid flow from the valve opening towards the valve body and for operating in a shut off-valve to close the valve opening for any fluid flow direction.