Valve Non-Return Structure Using Segmented Blocking and Stepped Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-return water valves fail to prevent reverse water flow effectively due to deformation of the outlet circumference when struck by reverse water pressure, allowing water to flow back.
Innovation Solution
A non-return structure comprising a valve body with annular protrusions, limiting elements with widened and reduced holes, and resilient blocking portions that maintain communication only when water flows forward, preventing reverse flow by abutting against a stepped portion under reverse pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional non-return structure with an outlet is used, then water can flow forward through the valve, but the outlet circumference deforms when struck by reverse water pressure, allowing reverse flow
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return structure is divided into separate functional elements: a blocking portion with a blocking surface, a stepped portion with a first surface and second surface, and a receiving room. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the blocking surface directly counters reverse pressure while the stepped portion provides structural support, preventing the deformation issues that occur in conventional integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful reverse water pressure into a beneficial forcing mechanism. When reverse water strikes the blocking surface, the pressure is transformed into a force that pushes the blocking portion against the stepped portion, creating a tight seal. The harmful reverse flow pressure becomes the very force that ensures the non-return function, eliminating the need for the outlet circumference to resist deformation.
2Reliability
If the outlet circumference is made stronger to resist deformation, then reverse water flow is blocked, but the structure becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than strengthening the outlet circumference through complex manufacturing, the structure is segmented into simple, easily manufactured components. The blocking portion, stepped portion, and receiving room are designed as separate elements with simple geometries that can be easily formed and assembled, avoiding the manufacturing complexity that would arise from trying to create a deformation-resistant outlet circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of how reverse pressure is handled - instead of resisting deformation through material strength or geometric reinforcement, the design allows controlled deformation of the blocking portion while maintaining the seal through the stepped portion geometry. This parameter change from strength-based to geometry-based sealing simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliability.
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 water from flowing reversely regardless of pressure, ensuring the non-return structure remains functional and prevents backflow, even under high reverse water pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking portion is resilient. When the blocking portion is struck by exterior water, a gap is formed between a circumference of the blocking portion and the stepped portion so that the widened hole communicates with the reduced hole. On the contrary, when the blocking portion is struck by reverse water, the circumference of the blocking portion abuts against the stepped portion so that the widened hole discommunicates with the reduced hole.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-return structure of water valve includes a valve body, two limiting elements, and two non-return elements. The valve body forms two inlets and two annular protrusions around the two inlets respectively. Each annular protrusion encloses a receiving room receiving one of the limiting elements. The limiting element defines a widened hole and a reduced hole, and a stepped portion is formed therebetween. The non-return element includes a blocking portion disposed in the widened hole and having an external diameter larger than the one of the reduced hole, and the blocking portion is resilient. Thereby, returning water is unable to separate the circumference of the blocking portion from the stepped portion to form gaps. Thus, the non-return structure of water valve is able to prevent water from flowing back.