Non-return device with potential energy actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-return devices for pipes require significant pressure differences and external energy sources to operate, and they are not reliable in preventing fluid backflow without venting the downstream circuit.
Innovation Solution
A non-return device with a two-position shut-off valve, a check valve maintaining fluid pressure difference, and a trigger piston with a potential energy accumulation/release mechanism, allowing mechanical activation without external energy, and an optional evacuation valve for secondary fluid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valves (ball, flap, disc) are used to prevent fluid backflow, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent barrier systems: a first barrier (check valve) that maintains pressure difference and a second barrier (shut-off valve) that provides absolute closure. Each barrier operates independently, so if one fails, the other still provides protection, thereby improving reliability without requiring a single complex valve system.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential energy storage device (spring or weight) is pre-loaded during normal operation to accumulate energy in advance. This stored energy is ready to immediately actuate the shut-off valve when backflow is detected, ensuring rapid response and reliable prevention without requiring complex real-time control systems.
2Reliability
If backflow preventers are used to maintain pressure difference, then reliability improves, but significant pressure drops are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed to dynamically maintain only the minimum necessary pressure difference to keep the activation rod positioned, rather than maintaining a large fixed pressure difference. This dynamic adjustment reduces unnecessary pressure losses while still ensuring reliable operation of the shut-off mechanism when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure difference parameter from a large fixed value to a minimal dynamic value sufficient for activation. The potential energy storage device compensates for this reduced pressure difference, allowing the system to maintain reliability with significantly lower pressure drops during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If piston valves are used for backflow prevention, then operational control is improved, but significant pressure drops are required to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The potential energy storage device pre-loads the spring or weight during normal operation, storing energy in advance. This preliminary action means that when backflow occurs, the stored energy immediately acts on the activation rod to close the shut-off valve, eliminating the need for large pressure drops during the actuation moment while maintaining full operational control.
4Extent of automation
If electromagnet actuated shut-off valves are used, then automated control is achieved, but external energy supply is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the fluid pressure difference itself to trigger the shutdown sequence. When backflow causes pressure difference reduction, this same pressure change activates the potential energy storage device, which then automatically actuates the shut-off valve. The system serves itself using the energy already present in the fluid system, eliminating external energy requirements while maintaining full automation.
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 device effectively prevents fluid backflow with minimal pressure loss and no external energy requirement, providing a reliable double barrier mechanism for fluid direction control, suitable for various fluid types and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
said actuating means are provided with a device for accumulating/releasing potential energy (for example spring, magnet, counterweight, etc.), suitable for accumulating potential energy during the passage of said valve stop from its active position to its inactive position, and adapted to release said potential energy during passage of said stop valve from its inactive position to its active position
Implementation Method 2
a trigger piston comprising a body delimiting an internal volume separated into two chambers by a mobile element which is equipped with an activation rod, a first of said chambers being in fluid communication with said pipeline downstream of said check valve, and a second of said chambers being in fluid communication with said pipeline upstream of said check valve
Implementation Method 3
a check valve return comprising an inlet and an outlet, taking into account the normal direction of movement of the fluid, adapted to maintain a fluid pressure difference ΔP between said inlet and said outlet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a nonreturn device (1) for a pipe (2) for carrying a fluid, comprising - a shutoff valve (3) provided with actuating means (5) comprising a device (54) for accumulating/releasing potential energy, - a nonreturn valve (6) designed to maintain a pressure difference ΔP between its inlet (6a) and its outlet (6b), and - a triggering piston (8), the internal volume (82) of which is divided into two chambers (82a, 82b) by a mobile element (83) which is equipped with an activation rod (84); said first and second chambers (82b and 82a) are in fluidic communication with said pipe (2), respectively upstream and downstream of said nonreturn valve (6); and the activation rod (84) of the triggering piston (8) is designed to be able to actuate said shutoff valve (3) in order to move it from its inactive (open) position into its active (closed) position if said pressure difference ΔP drops below a predetermined threshold value, with the release of the potential energy accumulated in said device (54).