Applicator Manifold With Integral Check-Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicator assemblies for mixing and dispensing multiple components require separately manufactured check-valves, leading to increased preparation time, user error, and higher costs due to the need for various sized and types of check-valves, which are often not readily available.
Innovation Solution
An applicator assembly with a manifold that includes integrally formed check-valves, where the check-valves are securely affixed to the manifold, ensuring proper alignment and reducing the need for separate check-valves, and utilizing ultrasonic welding for secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If check-valves are independently formed and received between sources and manifold, then check-valves can be separately manufactured and selected, but preparation time increases and user error possibilities increase due to need to identify and locate proper check-valves
Solution Approach 1:
The check-valves are integrated directly into the manifold body as integral features rather than being separate components. This merging eliminates the need to separately select, identify, and assemble check-valves, thereby reducing preparation time while maintaining the functionality of preventing backflow into component sources.
2Ease of manufacture
If check-valves are independently formed and assembled, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but overall costs increase due to separate molding and manufacturing of manifolds and check-valves
Solution Approach 1:
The check-valves are formed as integral parts of the manifold through a single molding process. This consolidation reduces the total number of manufacturing steps, eliminates the need for separate production of check-valves, and reduces assembly operations, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining production efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If check-valves are separately provided by supplier, then component variety is available, but reliability decreases due to potential separation from sources and manifold
Solution Approach 1:
The check-valves are formed as permanent integral features of the manifold body, eliminating the risk of separation between check-valves, sources, and manifold. This integration ensures reliable, leak-free connections while maintaining the functional ability to prevent backflow, thereby improving system reliability without sacrificing check-valve effectiveness.
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 reduces preparation time, minimizes user error, and decreases overall costs by integrating check-valves within the manifold, ensuring proper functionality and alignment during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The seal member is configured to permit flow through the manifold in a first direction and obstruct flow through the manifold in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
The peripheral flange and the outer flange may be ultrasonically welded together
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold for use with an applicator assembly is provided. The manifold includes a base having at least a first proximal extension and a distal extension. The at least first proximal extension includes an outer flange and an inner flange and defines a recess therebetween. The manifold further includes at least a first connection member securely affixed to the first proximal extension. The first connection member includes an annular flange configured to be received within the recess of the at least first proximal extension and the annular flange defines a proximal cavity. The manifold further includes at least a first seal member received within the proximal cavity between the first proximal extension and the first connection member. The seal member is configured to permit flow through the manifold in a first direction and obstruct flow through the manifold in a second direction.