Spring-Closed Pipeline Port Assembly for Backflow Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance of pipeline systems with backflow prevention assemblies is time-consuming and requires a specific sequence to avoid contamination and flooding, as existing systems rely on manual operation and multiple valves, increasing the risk of errors and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline assembly with a hollow body, valve port, shutter, and spring that automatically closes the downstream valve using a valve plug, eliminating the need for additional valves and simplifying maintenance by integrating a check valve or filter within the valve plug to prevent backflow and filter out particles, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation with multiple valves is used for maintenance, then backflow prevention and flooding prevention are ensured, but maintenance time increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the downstream valve and check valve into a single integrated assembly. The downstream valve is positioned upstream of the check valve, and both share a common body and outlet. This merging reduces the number of separate components from two to one, simplifying maintenance operations while maintaining backflow prevention functionality through the check valve's automatic closing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The downstream valve automatically closes when the inlet valve closes, preventing backflow and flooding before maintenance begins. This preliminary automatic action eliminates the need for manual operation of multiple valves during maintenance, reducing maintenance time while ensuring reliability through pre-established protective positioning.
2Reliability
If multiple valves are used in the backflow prevention assembly, then backflow prevention is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the downstream valve and check valve into a single integrated assembly with one common body and outlet. This reduces the component count from two separate valves to one integrated unit, decreasing device complexity while maintaining the dual functionality of flow control and backflow prevention through the coordinated arrangement of the downstream valve upstream of the check valve.
3Reliability
If manual operation of multiple valves is required, then proper sequencing for contamination prevention is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream valve automatically closes when the inlet valve closes, establishing the correct protective sequence before maintenance begins. This preliminary automatic action ensures contamination prevention is already in place, eliminating the need for operators to manually sequence multiple valve operations and significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the protective valve closing action automatically without requiring manual intervention. The downstream valve self-closes in response to inlet valve closure, providing self-service protection against contamination and eliminating complex manual sequencing requirements for maintenance 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
This solution reduces the complexity and cost of maintenance by automatically isolating the downstream fluid, minimizing leakage, and eliminating the need for additional valves, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in maintaining pipeline systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, coupled to the shutter, configured to urge the shutter against the valve port seat to fluidly de-couple the second opening from the first opening
Implementation Method 2
a check valve disposed in the valve plug body between a first space and a second space defined in the valve plug body, wherein the check valve is configured to prevent a fluid flow between the second space and the first space when the check valve is in a closed configuration
Implementation Method 3
a filter disposed in the valve plug body between the first space and the second space, wherein the filter is configured to filter out unwanted particles in a fluid flow between the first and second spaces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A pipeline assembly includes a hollow body having a first opening and a second opening. A valve port fluidly coupled to the first opening is provided on the body and a valve port seat is disposed in the valve port. A shutter is urged against the valve port seat by a spring fluidly de-coupling the second opening from the first opening and the valve port. A valve plug includes a check valve. When the valve plug is disposed in the valve port, the valve plug decouples the shutter from the valve port seat to fluidly couple the first opening and the second opening with a fluid flow in only a first direction when the check valve is in an open condition.