Wastewater Backflow Preventer Buckling Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backwater lock devices face issues with increased dimensions and dirt accumulation during installation, particularly in shaft installations, leading to inefficient maintenance and unreliable sealing due to protruding elements and large surface areas.
Innovation Solution
The integration of buckling protection within the cover's edge, allowing for compact dimensions and easy cleaning, with engagement elements that guide and seal the cover flush, enabling reliable sealing and easy handling for both free and shaft installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If downwardly projecting strips with eccentric locks are used for buckling protection, then the housing wall is protected against deformation, but the overall height of the housing increases inappropriately
Solution Approach 1:
The buckling protection function is merged with the cover structure itself. The cover includes an integrated buckling protection element that extends downward from its lower side to engage with the housing wall, combining the cover's structural role with the buckling protection function in a single integrated component rather than separate elements
Solution Approach 2:
The buckling protection transitions from a vertical extension below the housing opening to a horizontal engagement at the housing wall level. The buckling protection element engages the housing wall laterally rather than extending downward, changing the dimensional approach from vertical to horizontal protection
2Reliability
If large undercut areas are provided for engagement, then the buckling protection is effective, but the housing accumulates dirt requiring time-consuming cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement interface is segmented into discrete, localized contact points rather than large continuous surfaces. The buckling protection element engages the housing wall at specific positioned points, minimizing the surface area where dirt can accumulate while maintaining effective mechanical engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The buckling protection function is extracted from the housing structure and integrated into the cover instead. This removes the source of dirt accumulation from the housing exterior, eliminating the need to clean large housing surfaces while maintaining the protective function
3Adaptability or versatility
If an annular flange is added for shaft installation, then the device can be installed in a shaft, but the overall height increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with universal adaptability to serve multiple installation types. The integrated buckling protection and standardized opening configuration allow the same device to be installed either freely or in a shaft, eliminating the need for different versions with varying heights
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft installation capability is nested within the existing cover structure rather than adding external protruding elements. The buckling protection element is contained within the cover's overall envelope, allowing shaft installation without increasing the external dimensions
4Adaptability or versatility
If a molded shaft cup is provided, then shaft installation is enabled, but the device dimensions become excessively large in both transverse and vertical directions
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft installation interface is localized to a specific region rather than requiring the entire device to be enlarged. The integrated buckling protection provides localized engagement at the opening edge, enabling shaft installation without increasing the overall transverse dimensions of the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
In a device (V) for wastewater conveyance, in particular a backflow preventer (R) with a housing (1) having an inspection opening (30) with an opening rim (8) defining an outer contour (9), at least one raised engagement element is provided at the opening rim (8) and at least one through-hole (22) with a chimney-like support element (11) extending from the through-hole (22) is provided in the cover (4), and the engagement element (10) and the support element (11) are spaced apart from the outer contour (9). For installation of the device (V) in a shaft, an outwardly open sealing groove (7) for a radial seal (27) of a switching cup (28) attached to the outside of the housing (1) is provided adjacent to the opening rim (8) in its outer contour (9).