Non-Return Valve Geometry for Condensate Drainage and Backflow Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow prevention devices in airflow systems do not allow for efficient condensate drainage in the opposite direction while effectively preventing counterflow and maintaining minimal airflow obstruction.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a circumferential indentation forming a condensate chamber with a flow opening that allows condensate to bypass the shut-off valve, and a siphon mechanism to prevent counterflow, combined with an offset flap design and elastic materials for reliable closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shut-off flap is used to prevent counterflow, then counterflow prevention is improved, but condensate drainage in the opposite direction is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The opening edge is segmented into functionally distinct areas: a hinge area for flap mounting and a shut-off flap stop area for sealing. This segmentation allows the flap to perform both drainage (when open) and counterflow prevention (when closed) functions through different spatial zones of the same component.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off flap stop area is offset in the outflow direction relative to the hinge area, creating a three-dimensional sealing geometry. This offset arrangement allows the flap to seal effectively against counterflow while still permitting condensate to drain in the opposite direction through the same opening edge structure.
2Device complexity
If the shut-off flap is mounted directly at the opening edge, then structural simplicity is improved, but reliable sealing against counterflow deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The offset shut-off flap stop area is positioned upstream in the outflow direction before the actual opening edge. This preliminary sealing position allows the flap to engage and seal against counterflow earlier in the flow path, improving sealing effectiveness without requiring complex additional mounting structures at the opening edge itself.
3Ease of operation
If additional mechanisms are added for condensate drainage, then condensate drainage capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening edge serves multiple functions: it acts as the mounting location for the hinge, provides the shut-off flap stop area for sealing, and defines the drainage pathway for condensate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate drainage mechanisms while maintaining both counterflow prevention and condensate drainage capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset geometry of the shut-off flap stop area relative to the hinge area automatically creates a drainage pathway for condensate. The structure serves itself by using its own geometric configuration to enable both sealing and drainage functions without requiring external or additional mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient condensate drainage and reliable prevention of counterflow without additional mechanisms, maintaining low airflow resistance and ensuring consistent operation.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow flowing through the flow channel in the outflow direction flows into the housing through the inflow opening and out of the housing through the outflow opening
Implementation Method 2
the shut-off flap, in a shut-off position, rests against an opening edge of the outlet opening, closing the outlet opening and preventing unwanted backflow against the outflow direction into the outlet opening
Implementation Method 3
If a backflow of air against the direction of flow through the exhaust duct reaches the backflow prevention device, the flap is additionally pressed against the edge of the outlet opening in its locking position by the backflow of air against the direction of flow
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a non-return valve (1) for a flow channel (14) through which a flow of air flows, comprising a housing (2) through which air flows in an outflow direction. The non-return valve has an outflow opening (8) which can be closed by a blocking flap (3) pivotally mounted on the housing (2). The blocking flap (3) has a dome-shaped bulge (19) with an inner region (20) which is curved forwards in the outflow direction. An opening edge (16) of the outflow opening (8) of the housing (2) has a hinge region (17) in which the blocking flap (3) is pivotally mounted on the housing (2) and which transitions into a blocking flap stop region (18) arranged opposite the hinge region in the circumferential direction, said blocking flap stop region being offset in the outflow direction so that the opening edge (16) has a progression which is not only curved in the circumferential direction but also in the outflow direction. The housing (2) has an indentation (26) in the circumferential direction, said indentation not being closed by the blocking flap (3) such that the indentation (26) forms a condensate chamber (27) when the housing (2) is inserted into the surrounding flow channel (14). The indentation (26) is equipped with a flow opening (28), through which a condensate accumulating in the condensate chamber (27) delimited by the indentation (26) can flow in the interior of the housing (2), thereby bypassing the blocking flap (3), in the vicinity of the opening edge (16) of the outflow opening (8).