Plumbing Connector With Non-Return Valve And Overflow Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing solutions for connecting pressure and/or temperature relief valves to waste pipes in fresh water systems face challenges such as back contamination and odor issues, requiring complex and costly installations with bulky odor traps that are not suitable for all locations.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a chamber system featuring a non-return valve that opens at a pre-selected pressure, supported by arms and including a tubular middle chamber to reduce spillage risk, allowing for a compact and space-saving design suitable for restricted locations like under-counter water heaters, with a shield for user protection and high flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tundish with air gap and visible discharge point is used to connect relief valve to waste pipe, then back contamination is prevented, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the backflow prevention function, odor trap function, and discharge function into a single integrated connector unit. The connector merges the tundish chamber, non-return valve mechanism, and odor trap into one compact device that connects directly between the relief valve and waste pipe, eliminating the need for separate installation components and reducing installation complexity while maintaining back contamination prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a backflow prevention device through the non-return valve, provides odor trapping through the water seal chamber, and serves as a discharge point through the visible upper chamber. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate components with a single universal unit that simplifies installation while ensuring reliable back contamination prevention
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a water trap is used to prevent odours from soil stack, then odor ingress is prevented, but the device becomes bulky and unsuitable for restricted locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the odor trap water seal chamber within the overall connector structure, placing it inside the lower chamber that also contains the non-return valve mechanism. This nested arrangement allows the odor trap function to be incorporated without increasing the external dimensions of the connector, making it suitable for restricted locations such as under-counter water heaters while effectively preventing odor ingress
3Reliability
If a non-return valve is placed in the tundish to prevent backflow, then back contamination is prevented, but liquid spillage risk increases due to potential accidental opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an overflow chamber positioned above the non-return valve that acts as a cushioning receptacle. If the non-return valve accidentally opens due to dust or condensation, liquid flows into this overflow chamber first rather than spilling externally. The chamber is designed to contain such accidental discharge, providing a safety buffer that prevents harmful liquid spillage while maintaining the backflow prevention function of the non-return valve
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 solution effectively prevents back contamination and odor ingress while allowing high flow rates, making it suitable for unvented boilers and reducing installation complexity and costs, while maintaining temperature ratings up to 100°C.
Implementation Method 1
a non-return valve which is arranged to open at a pre-selected pressure
Implementation Method 2
the pre-selected pressure is a pressure applied by a flow of liquid from the inlet such as may be produced by a pressure and/or temperature relief valve in operation
Implementation Method 3
the pre-selected pressure is no more than the pressure from a volume of liquid which can fill the tubular middle chamber
Implementation Method 4
as it is an adapted tundish, it may be compact and space saving such that it can be used in a restricted location such as with an under counter water heater. Its simple construction may enable it to have a rating for temperatures up to 100° C
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a connector having:a. a chamber having an open upper chamber and a lower chamber,b. an inlet connector andc. an outlet connector formed in a floor of the lower chamber.The inlet connector is supported above the open upper chamber by one or more arms. The upper chamber has an upper chamber floor having an upper chamber outlet, the upper chamber being in fluid communication with the lower chamber by means of the upper chamber outlet. The upper chamber outlet has a non-return valve which is arranged to open at a pre-selected pressure and the lower chamber forms a flow conduit for receiving the valve when it is open. In some embodiments a shielded connector is provided in which a shield is shaped to cover the open upper chamber of the connector. A valve assembly may be provided for use in the connector or shielded connector wherein the valve assembly has a stem, a biasing member for biasing the valve assembly into a closed position, a valve disc for sealing the outlet. An upper washer and a lower washer are disclosed for support of the valve disc such that the valve disc does not distort in use.