A liquid distribution unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid distribution systems face challenges in independently evacuating and refilling multiple feeding conduits while using a single pump, are costly due to expensive pumps required to achieve low pressure, and occupy excessive space.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates separate evacuation valves for each branch connection, allowing independent evacuation and refilling of conduits, with a single evacuation pump capable of reducing pressure to 20-80% of ambient air pressure, and a compact design for efficient thermal energy saving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single evacuation pump is used to evacuate multiple feeding conduits, then the system complexity and cost are reduced, but the pump must be expensive to achieve sufficient low pressure (20-80% of ambient air pressure)
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the evacuation function into multiple independent evacuation valves (one per branch connection) that can operate separately, allowing the single pump to evacuate conduits sequentially rather than simultaneously, reducing the pressure requirement for the pump
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different evacuation paths by opening/closing specific evacuation valves based on which conduit needs evacuation, allowing flexible adaptation to different operational scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate evacuation valves are added for each branch connection, then independent evacuation of conduits is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each evacuation valve serves multiple functions: it can evacuate its associated conduit, allow pump circulation, and be controlled independently. The single pump also serves dual purposes of evacuating conduits and circulating liquid back to the source
3Area of stationary object
If a compact design is implemented, then space requirements are minimized, but the arrangement of multiple valves and single pump becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet manifold device and outlet manifold device are integrated into a compact arrangement with the single evacuation pump, combining multiple functions (distribution, evacuation, recirculation) into a unified space-efficient structure
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
Enables independent operation of feeding conduits, reduces the need for expensive pumps, and minimizes space requirements while optimizing thermal energy saving by recirculating liquid back to the source.
Implementation Method 1
evacuating the liquid from the associated feeding conduit after completion of a tapping operation at the associated liquid tap unit, by generating a backward pressure gradient in the associated feeding conduit by means of a single evacuation liquid pump
Implementation Method 2
a single evacuation liquid pump being adapted to reduce the pressure in the associated feeding conduits and being connected, in use, to said liquid source for recirculating liquid from said feeding conduits to said central liquid source when evacuating the liquid in said feeding conduits
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid distribution unit, for use in a liquid distribution system designed for saving liquid and thermal energy. It comprises and inlet manifold (FL) with a number of branch connections (CI, C2) for connection, in use, with associated feeding conduits (FCl, FC2) and liquid tap units. The inlet manifold device has an inlet end (IE) for joint connection, in use, with a liquid source (LS). Each branch connection has an associated control valve (CV1, CV2) for selective communication, in use, between the liquid source and an associated one of the feeding conduits. Each branch connection is also provided with an additional branch connection located downstream in relation to the associated control valve, as seen when the liquid is refilled into the feeding conduit, and having an associated, separate liquid evacuation valve (EVl, EV2) and an outlet end (OE1, OE2). The outlet ends of the additional branch connections are jointly connectable to an evacuation liquid pump (EP).