Variable Lay-Length Backflow Assembly for Retrofit Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow prevention assemblies have fixed lay-lengths, requiring custom spools and extensive certification processes, making retrofits and in-field adjustments costly and impractical, and are not adaptable to thermal expansion or seismic activity.
Innovation Solution
A backflow prevention valve and assembly with a variable lay-length and orientation, utilizing coupling assemblies and valve housings that can adjust in length and rotate, allowing for easy retrofit and maintenance without voiding certification, and accommodating thermal expansion and seismic movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed lay-length backflow prevention assemblies are used, then manufacturing precision and certification are maintained, but adaptability to different installation spaces and thermal expansion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow prevention assembly incorporates a telescopic mechanism with movable inner and outer sleeves that allow the lay-length to dynamically adjust. The inner sleeve can extend or retract within the outer sleeve to accommodate varying installation spaces and thermal expansion, while maintaining a certified fixed lay-length configuration when locked in position.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is divided into segmented components including an inner sleeve, outer sleeve, and locking mechanism that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the lay-length to be adjusted in discrete increments while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized connection interfaces and locking positions.
2Ease of manufacture
If custom spools are manufactured to match existing lay-lengths, then fit and certification are maintained, but manufacturing complexity and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow prevention assembly incorporates a universal telescopic mechanism that can accommodate multiple lay-length configurations without requiring custom spools. The standardized inner and outer sleeve design with locking mechanisms provides multi-functionality, allowing the same assembly type to fit various installation spaces while maintaining certification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If in-field reconfiguration is performed, then adaptability to varying conditions is improved, but certification is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly incorporates pre-engineered locking mechanisms and standardized connection interfaces that allow for certified in-field adjustments. The telescopic mechanism includes pre-defined locking positions that maintain certification requirements while enabling adaptability to varying installation conditions without compromising reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed orientation connections are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different orientations and seismic activity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interfaces incorporate rotatable features that allow the assembly to dynamically adjust its orientation. The rotatable connections enable the assembly to accommodate different installation orientations and absorb seismic movements, while maintaining structural integrity through locked positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
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Figure 1C
AI summary
A backflow prevention assembly (10) is configurable with varying lay-lengths and orientations. The assembly includes coupling assemblies (100, 500, 600) and valve bodies that adjust in length and/or rotation to allow for the varying lay-lengths and orientations of the backflow prevention valves (44, 1100) and assemblies with and without certification. A coupling assembly is connected to a backflow prevention valve and includes an outer sleeve (110, 510, 610, 1110) and an inner sleeve (120, 520, 620, 1120) that is slidingly received within the outer sleeve. The lay-length is adjusted by slidably moving the inner and outer sleeves with respect to one another.