Modular Backflow Preventer With Rotatable Discharge Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing backflow preventer designs require multiple models to accommodate various geometries in different applications, leading to manufacturing, storage, and logistical challenges, as well as complexity for retailers and fitters.
Innovation Solution
A backflow preventer with a modular design featuring a valve body with oblique and perpendicular conduits, incorporating a cylindrical valve cartridge with check and discharge valves, and a variable geometry discharge pipe, allowing for adaptation to different connection geometries through rotational adjustments, thus eliminating the need for multiple models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple models of backflow preventer are provided to adapt to various geometries, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single backflow preventer model with a valve body that can accommodate multiple connection geometries. The valve body includes multiple inlet conduits and outlet conduits arranged in different spatial configurations, allowing one device to serve multiple application scenarios that previously required different models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics through the discharge pipe assembly that can be rotated and positioned at different angles. The discharge pipe is connected to the valve body in a manner that allows it to be oriented in different directions, enabling the same device to adapt to various installation geometries dynamically rather than requiring multiple fixed-geometry models.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple models of backflow preventer are provided to adapt to various geometries, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but manufacturing and storage complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single backflow preventer model with a valve body that can accommodate multiple connection geometries. The valve body includes multiple inlet conduits and outlet conduits arranged in different spatial configurations, allowing one device to serve multiple application scenarios that previously required different models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functionality into a single device structure. Instead of manufacturing separate backflow preventers for different geometries, the invention combines multiple conduit arrangements and connection options within one valve body design, reducing the number of separate manufacturing processes and inventory items.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single model is used for various geometries, then manufacturing and storage is simplified, but adaptability to different connection geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics through the discharge pipe assembly that can be rotated and positioned at different angles. The discharge pipe is connected to the valve body in a manner that allows it to be oriented in different directions, enabling the same device to adapt to various installation geometries dynamically rather than requiring multiple fixed-geometry models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the backflow preventer into modular components including the valve body, cartridge assembly, and discharge pipe assembly. This segmentation allows individual components to be configured or positioned differently to accommodate various geometries while maintaining a standardized base design that simplifies manufacturing.
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 solution enables a single backflow preventer model to be adaptable to various applications, simplifying manufacturing, storage, and maintenance, while ensuring effective water protection against backflow by integrating check and discharge functions in a compact cartridge and allowing for easy replacement and pressure measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the backflow preventer prevents the backflow of water from the user network to the mains water network
Implementation Method 2
a discharge valve in an intermediate reduced pressure area that opens when reversed flow conditions occur, enabling the discharge of the water contained in the intermediate area to the outside
Data Source
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AI summary
A backflow preventer (10) for water distribution installations provides a body (11) in which are obtained an inlet conduit (12) arranged along an inlet axis (A), an outlet conduit (13) arranged along an outlet axis (A), and a discharge conduit (14) arranged along a discharge axis (B) of the body (11); the backflow preventer is provided with check valves (25,56) that prevent a backflow of fluid from the outlet to the inlet in the event of low pressure upstream of the backflow preventer and/or high pressure downstream of the backflow preventer, and is provided with a discharge valve (26) arranged along the discharge axis (B) of the body (11) of the backflow preventer for discharging fluid in the aforesaid low and/or high pressure conditions; the backflow preventer is further provided with a discharge pipe (46) connected to the discharge valve (26) to discharge the fluid outside the backflow preventer along an end discharging axis (D) of the fluid outside the backflow preventer; to adapt the backflow preventer to various applications there are provided coupling elements (50,51,52) for varying the angular position of the discharge pipe (46) with respect to the body (11) of the backflow preventer.