Mechanical Backflow Prevention Device with Pressure-Driven Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow prevention devices in bathroom systems are complex and prone to reliability issues due to their humid environment, often using control circuits that can be damaged, leading to ineffective prevention of backflow contamination.
Innovation Solution
A purely mechanical backflow prevention device with a mobile water tank and control valve assembly, featuring a control valve cap and shell with inlet and outlet chambers, and sealing members that switch between open and closed states based on water pressure differences, preventing backflow while maintaining system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control circuits are used in backflow prevention devices, then backflow prevention function is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to humid environment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control circuits with a purely mechanical control system. The inlet sealing member is driven by water pressure differential to automatically open or close the inlet, eliminating the need for control circuits, solenoid valves, and electronic components that are susceptible to humidity damage. This mechanical substitution resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through removal of fragile electronic parts while maintaining the backflow prevention function.
2Reliability
If pin-type or capacitance-type structures are used to control water volume, then backflow prevention is achieved, but apparatus structure becomes complex and reliability becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex pin-type or capacitance-type control structures from the system. Instead, it uses a simple mechanical sealing member that responds directly to water pressure to control water flow. This extraction of unnecessary complex components simplifies the apparatus structure while maintaining effective backflow prevention through the inlet sealing member's pressure-driven operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet sealing member operates autonomously based on water pressure differential without requiring external control mechanisms. When back pressure occurs, the pressure differential automatically drives the sealing member to close the inlet, preventing backflow. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex control structures while ensuring reliable backflow prevention.
3Reliability
If control circuits are placed in humid environment, then backflow prevention function is maintained, but circuit parts become damaged and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely eliminates electronic circuit parts from the humid environment by replacing them with a mechanical pressure-driven sealing system. The inlet sealing member responds to water pressure differential to control flow, removing all vulnerable circuit components (solenoid valves, capacitors, pins) that would be damaged by humidity. This substitution resolves the contradiction by improving circuit reliability through complete removal of electronic parts from the harmful humid environment.
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 effectively prevents backflow by rapidly switching between water supply and recharging modes, ensuring the reliability and simplicity of the system while avoiding contamination of drinking water, with a reduced risk of mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
the inlet sealing member is configured to open/close the inlet to fluidly connect/disconnect the control valve inlet chamber and the control valve outlet chamber
Implementation Method 2
the outlet hole sealing member is moveable with the water tank to open/close the second outlet hole. When the second outlet hole is closed, water is prevented from flowing through the second outlet hole
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow prevention device including a tank inside of and moveable relative to a housing. A cap coupled to the housing and including inlet and outlet chambers fluidly connected through an inlet, the outlet chamber communicating with the tank. A shell is connected to the cap and includes a shell inlet chamber, which communicates with a first outlet hole of the inlet chamber, and a second outlet hole, which communicates with the tank. An inlet sealing member opens/closes the inlet to fluidly connect/disconnect the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber; and an outlet hole sealing member is moveable with the tank to open/close the second outlet hole. Closing the second outlet hole prevents water from flowing through the second outlet hole and switches the inlet from open to closed. Opening the second outlet hole allows water to flow through the second outlet hole and switches the inlet to open.