Serviceable Ball Check Valve With Bleeder and Union Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical inline spring check valves in plumbing systems become non-serviceable once installed, as dirt and debris can cause them to get stuck, leading to malfunction and requiring costly removal and replacement, which damages end connections.
Innovation Solution
A ball check valve assembly with an integrated inline spring check valve and a bleeder drain valve allows for easy removal and servicing of the spring check valve by relieving pressure and enabling the separation of union fittings, allowing for cleaning and replacement without damaging the plumbing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a typical inline spring check valve is installed into a plumbing system, then it can prevent water hammer and control fluid flow, but it becomes non-serviceable once installed and must be cut out of the system causing damage to end connections
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into two separable sections: a first section containing the inlet fitting and ball valve, and a second section containing the outlet fitting and spring check valve. These sections are connected via a removable coupling mechanism that allows the second section to be detached and serviced independently while leaving the first section and plumbing connections intact.
2Ease of repair
If the spring check valve is made serviceable by allowing removal of the valve body, then it can be cleaned and replaced without damaging end connections, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring check valve assembly is nested within the second section of the valve body, which itself is nested within or coupled to the first section. This nested structure allows for hierarchical disassembly where the innermost component (spring check valve) can be accessed and serviced by sequentially removing outer layers (second section, then first section) without affecting the permanent plumbing connections.
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 the ball check valve assembly to be serviced and replaced without damaging the plumbing system, preventing water hammers and ensuring continuous functionality by allowing for the removal and cleaning of the spring check valve, thus extending its usability and preventing damage to end connections.
Implementation Method 1
a stopper mechanism is used to control the flow of fluid. Spring check valves have hollow bodies and a large stopper, which receives constant pressure from the spring. When a fluid flow is forward at a sufficiently high pressure, the force will overcome the pressure from the spring and cause the stopper to open
Implementation Method 2
A spring check valve can absorb or dampen a water hammer as the spring check valve will absorb the pressure surge
Data Source
AI summary
A ball check valve assembly includes a combination ball valve and spring check valve within a valve assembly. The use of union ends on the valve assembly permits the easy removal and replacement of the components of the valve assembly from a plumbing system. An integral bleeder valve allows for the pressure release and drainage of the ball check valve assembly before the union ends are decoupled.