Modular Backflow Assembly With Quick Connectors for Global Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers face significant manufacturing and design challenges due to varying regional and national regulations for backflow prevention devices, requiring multiple molds and components to accommodate different flow control standards, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular backflow prevention assembly with a housing that uses quick attach connectors and snap fits, allowing for universal compatibility with various flow controls and preventing backflow without threaded connections, enabling global installation with minimal modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple molds and components are used to accommodate different regional backflow prevention regulations, then compliance with various global standards is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow prevention assembly uses a universal housing design with standardized quick attach connectors that can accommodate different flow control devices required by various regional regulations. This single housing structure serves multiple functions by adapting to different regulatory requirements without requiring separate molds or components for each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is divided into modular components: a universal housing and interchangeable flow control devices. This segmentation allows the housing to remain consistent while only the flow control portion needs to be changed to meet different regional standards, reducing the number of molds needed.
2Strength
If threaded connections are used for tube attachments, then secure connection is achieved, but global compatibility is reduced due to different thread standards
Solution Approach 1:
The quick attach connectors use a universal non-threaded connection mechanism that provides secure attachment while being compatible with tube fittings from different regions. This eliminates the need to accommodate various thread standards (such as NPT, BSP, or G threads) while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional threaded mechanical connection system is replaced with a quick attach connector system that uses a different mechanical principle (likely involving O-rings, bayonet-style connection, or snap-fit mechanism) to achieve secure attachment without threads, enabling global compatibility.
3Reliability
If traditional backflow prevention devices are designed for specific regional regulations, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but manufacturing cost and design time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal housing design is created that can accommodate multiple types of flow control devices required by different regional regulations. This reduces design time and manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to create separate housing molds for each region while maintaining regulatory compliance through interchangeable flow control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter changes in the flow control portion to meet different regulatory requirements while keeping the housing parameters constant. This enables compliance with various regulations without requiring changes to the main housing structure, reducing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow prevention assembly for global use with dispensers requiring a variety of backflow prevention devices based on regulatory standards is provided. The assembly includes a housing comprising first and second housing members and including quick connector attachments extending therefrom. The quick connector attachments are non-threaded members configured to be attached to the various measurement and types of connections found throughout the world. A cover is provided for venting purposes to reduce the backflow siphoning forces or pressure, which causes the backflow of a product chemistry. Furthermore, a backflow prevention device is configured to be fluidly coupled to the housing of the present invention to provide for one way flow and the prevention of backflow of a product chemistry into a water supply. The flow control may be selected based on the regulatory standards of the location used.