Serviceable Swing Check Valve With Strainer and Debris Drain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Swing check valves in plumbing systems can get stuck due to debris, necessitating the removal and replacement of the entire assembly, which is inefficient and disruptive.

Innovation Solution

A serviceable swing check valve assembly with an integrated strainer to filter debris and allow for the replacement of the disk without removing the entire assembly, featuring a strainer within the fluid passageway and a drain section for debris collection, along with an access port for servicing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the entire swing check valve assembly is removed and replaced for maintenance, then the valve can be serviced, but the maintenance process is time-consuming and disruptive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidmaintenance downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly is divided into serviceable components including a removable disk, strainer, and drain section. The disk can be accessed through an access port without removing the entire valve body, allowing selective replacement of only the worn or damaged components rather than the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An access port serves as an intermediary interface that provides direct access to the disk and internal components. This intermediary structure eliminates the need to disconnect and remove the entire valve assembly from the piping system, enabling quick maintenance through a localized access point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If no strainer is installed, then the valve structure is simpler, but debris causes the valve to get stuck requiring frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve operational stabilityVSAvoidvalve structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strainer acts as an intermediary component positioned between the incoming fluid and the disk. It intercepts and filters debris before the debris can reach and jam the disk mechanism, protecting the valve's operational reliability without requiring complex protective systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The drain section with removable cap enables easy discarding of accumulated debris and strainer cleaning. The drain valve allows controlled drainage of trapped debris and contaminants, restoring proper valve function without requiring complete assembly disassembly or replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Strength

If the disk is integrated into the valve body, then the valve structure is more robust, but replacement of the disk requires removal of the entire assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve structural integrityVSAvoiddisk replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The disk is designed as a separate, replaceable component rather than being permanently integrated into the valve body. The access port provides a interface for removing and replacing the disk while maintaining the structural integrity of the main valve body during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12473989B2Serviceable swing check valve with integrated strainer and removable drain

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 NIBCO INC

AI summary

A serviceable swing check valve assembly includes an access port for servicing the swing check valve. The valve assembly also includes a strainer that strains the fluid before it reaches the swing check valve. A valve assembly is positioned adjacent to a drain port to drain the debris that is collected by the strainer.