Variable Lay-Length Backflow Assembly for Certified Retrofit Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow prevention assemblies require custom spools and complex certification processes, making retrofitting and installation challenging and costly, while also limiting in-field adjustments without compromising certification.
Innovation Solution
A backflow prevention assembly with a variable lay-length and orientation, utilizing coupling assemblies and valve housings that can adjust in length and rotation, allowing for easy retrofitting and installation without custom spools and maintaining certification through pre-certification by the manufacturer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed lay-length backflow prevention assemblies are used, then manufacturing and certification are simplified, but retrofitting requires custom spools and extensive planning
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow prevention assembly incorporates an adjustable lay-length mechanism that allows the distance between inlet and outlet shutoff valves to be modified in the field. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the assembly to adapt to different installation spaces without requiring custom-manufactured spools, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving retrofit adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom spools are manufactured for retrofit applications, then lay-length matching is achieved, but lead time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is pre-manufactured with an adjustable mechanism that allows lay-length to be configured on-site. This preliminary preparation of the adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for post-manufacturing customization, enabling precise lay-length matching to be achieved immediately during installation without waiting for custom spool production.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable lay-length mechanism allows the assembly to be dynamically reconfigured during retrofit installation to match the specific space requirements, eliminating the need for advance measurement, planning, and custom manufacturing of spools, thereby reducing retrofit lead time while maintaining precise lay-length matching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If backflow prevention assemblies are disassembled for reconfiguration, then lay-length adjustment is possible, but certification is voided
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly incorporates a built-adjustment mechanism that allows lay-length reconfiguration without disassembling the certified components. The adjustment is performed through designated interfaces that maintain the integrity of the certified assembly, enabling in-field adaptability while preserving certification validity.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed orientation assemblies are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but installation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly incorporates a rotatable component that allows the outlet shutoff valve to be rotated to different orientations (e.g., upward, downward, sideways) while maintaining a sealed fluid connection. This dynamic orientation capability enables installation in various spatial configurations without complicating the manufacturing process, thereby improving installation flexibility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow prevention assembly is configurable with varying lay-lengths and orientations. The assembly includes coupling assemblies and valve bodies that adjust in length and/or rotation to allow for the varying lay-lengths and orientations of the backflow prevention valves and assemblies with and without certification. A coupling assembly is connected to a backflow prevention valve and includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve 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.