Quick Connect Valve With Integral Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect fittings in fluid flow systems require a separate back flow valve to prevent fluid reversal, which can cause component damage and allow air entry, necessitating system bleeding and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect fluid valve assembly with an integral back flow valve, comprising a housing, flow passage insert, moveable connector, and biasing member, which moves between connected and disconnected positions to allow or prevent fluid flow, forming a fluid tight seal in the disconnected position to prevent back flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate back flow valve is added to the fluid flow system, then back flow prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the back flow valve functionality directly into the quick connect fitting body, merging two previously separate components (quick connect fitting and back flow valve) into a single integrated assembly. The valve mechanism is built into the housing with the flow passage insert forming the back flow valve, eliminating the need for a separate back flow valve component while maintaining both quick connection and back flow prevention functions.
2Reliability
If a separate back flow valve is added to the fluid flow system, then back flow prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated back flow valve automatically prevents back flow without requiring manual intervention or system bleeding operations. The valve mechanism self-regulates fluid flow direction, closing automatically when back flow is detected, thereby eliminating the need for operators to perform system bleeding procedures that were previously necessary when separate back flow valves were used.
3Reliability
If a separate back flow valve is added to the fluid flow system, then back flow prevention is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated back flow valve is pre-configured within the quick connect fitting assembly, with the flow passage insert and valve mechanism already in place before system operation. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for post-installation system bleeding procedures, as the back flow prevention capability is built-in and immediately functional upon assembly, saving time that would otherwise be spent on system bleeding operations.
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 integrates a back flow prevention mechanism within the quick connect valve assembly, eliminating the need for a separate back flow valve, thereby preventing fluid reversal and air entry, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying system maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is disposed between the housing and the flow passage insert and contacts both the housing and the flow passage insert. The biasing member biases the flow passage insert towards the disconnected position.
Implementation Method 2
The moveable connector forms a generally fluid tight seal with the housing when the flow passage insert is disposed within the disconnected position to prevent fluid flow within the fluid flow path.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect fluid valve assembly comprises a housing, a flow passage insert, and a movable connector. The flow passage insert is disposed at least partially within the housing and is movable relative to the housing. The flow passage insert forms a flow path from a first end of the flow passage insert to a second end of the flow passage insert. The movable connector is disposed in fluid communication with the flow path of the flow passage insert and the movable connector has at least one orifice. The movable connector is movable between a forward fluid flow position that allows forward fluid flow within the flow path of the flow passage insert and a backward fluid flow position that prevents backward fluid flow within the flow path of the flow passage insert.