Modular Backflow Prevention Assembly for Global Regulatory 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, which increases costs and complexity for global installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular backflow prevention assembly with a housing that uses quick attach connectors and snap fits, allowing for universal compatibility with different flow controls and regulatory standards, eliminating the need for threaded connections and reducing component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple molds and components are used to accommodate various regional and national regulations for backflow prevention devices, then compliance with different regulatory standards is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a universal quick attach connector interface that can accommodate multiple types of flow controls (atmospheric vacuum breakers, check valves, pipe interrupters) through a single standardized connection system. This allows the same housing to comply with different regional and national regulations without requiring multiple specialized molds or components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to various regulatory standards
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple molds and components are used to accommodate various regional and national regulations for backflow prevention devices, then compliance with different regulatory standards is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates a universal quick attach connector interface that can accommodate multiple types of flow controls (atmospheric vacuum breakers, check valves, pipe interrupters) through a single standardized connection system. This allows the same housing to comply with different regional and national regulations without requiring multiple specialized molds or components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to various regulatory standards
3Strength
If threaded connections are used for tube attachments, then secure connection is achieved, but global compatibility is reduced due to varying thread standards
Solution Approach 1:
The housing uses a standardized quick attach connector interface with non-threaded connections that can accommodate multiple types of flow controls from different regions and nations. This universal interface design ensures global compatibility while maintaining secure connections through the quick attach mechanism, eliminating the need to accommodate various thread standards
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with quick attach connectors is used, then global installation with minimal changes is achieved, but connection strength may be reduced compared to threaded connections
Solution Approach 1:
The quick attach connector interface is designed to provide secure, reliable connections that can be easily assembled and disassembled without tools. The dynamic connection mechanism ensures proper sealing and flow control while maintaining the necessary connection strength for global installation flexibility and adaptability to different regulatory standards
Data Source
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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.