Pivot-Link Check Valve for Backflow Prevention With Lower Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow prevention devices face challenges in efficiently preventing backflow while minimizing pressure loss, as the biasing force required to keep the clapper in the closed position can lead to increased pressure drops when fluid flows in the desired direction.
Innovation Solution
The check valve design incorporates a pivot link and a biasing member that transmit a greater effective biasing force to the clapper in the closed position than in the fully open position, utilizing a tension spring and offset distances to optimize the force transmission and reduce pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biasing member is used to keep the clapper in the closed position, then backflow prevention is improved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot link enables the clapper to dynamically change its position and orientation in response to flow conditions. The clapper pivots about a fixed axis to transition between closed and open positions, allowing the valve to adapt its geometry to minimize pressure loss while maintaining backflow prevention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve changes its effective flow area and closure force parameters based on operating conditions. The biasing member provides variable closing force that is modulated by the pivot mechanism, allowing the system to optimize between tight closure for backflow prevention and open flow path for minimal pressure loss
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
This design effectively prevents backflow while minimizing pressure loss, as the optimized biasing force ensures the clapper remains closed during backflow conditions without excessively restricting flow in the forward direction.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member; The biasing member exerts a biasing force to bias the clapper toward the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve includes a housing having a fluid flow channel therethrough, a valve seat, a clapper, and a pivot link. The clapper is movable between a closed position where the clapper inhibits fluid flow past the valve seat and a fully open position where the clapper permits fluid flow past the valve seat. The pivot link includes a pivot member supported for rotation about a pivot axis, a first arm rigidly connected to the pivot member and coupled to the clapper, and a second arm rigidly connected to the pivot member and coupled to a biasing member. The pivot link transmits a biasing force from the biasing member to the clapper. An effective biasing force that is transmitted to the clapper while the clapper is in the closed position is greater than an effective biasing force transmitted to the clapper while the clapper is in the fully open position.