Global backflow prevention assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers face significant costs and complexity due to the need for multiple molds and components to accommodate different regional and national backflow prevention regulations, requiring specific designs for each market, which hinders global installation and increases manufacturing costs.
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 regulatory standards, eliminating the need for threaded connections and reducing the number of required molds and components.
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 regional standards is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing assembly is designed with a universal quick attach connector interface that can accommodate different flow control devices required by various regional backflow prevention standards. This single housing design serves multiple regulatory requirements without needing separate molds or components for each region, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to different standards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple molds and components are used to accommodate different regional backflow prevention regulations, then compliance with various regional standards is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing assembly serves as a universal platform that can be manufactured using a single mold design, reducing tooling costs. By designing the quick attach connector interface to be compatible with various flow control devices, the same housing can be produced globally without requiring region-specific molds, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining compliance with different regional standards.
3Strength
If threaded connections are used for hose attachments, then secure connection is achieved, but global compatibility is reduced due to different threading standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional threaded mechanical connections with a quick attach connector system that uses a cam-actuated locking mechanism. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for region-specific thread standards while maintaining secure connections through a universal interface design, thereby improving global compatibility without sacrificing connection security.
4Reliability
If region-specific backflow prevention devices are manufactured, then compliance with local regulations is ensured, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing assembly is designed as a universal platform with a standardized quick attach connector interface that can accommodate different flow control devices required by various regional backflow prevention standards. This allows installers to use the same housing design globally while simply changing the flow control component to meet local regulations, thereby reducing installation time and complexity while ensuring regulatory compliance.
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.