Modular Cryogenic Cylinder Manifold for Faster Valve Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for handling and storing cryogens, such as liquid nitrogen or liquid helium, face challenges in efficient gas control and management due to limitations in modular and scalable gas control attachment assemblies for cryogenic cylinders, which complicate handling, storage, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular gas control attachment assembly comprising a knuckle and a manifold block with multiple gas passages and valves, allowing for flexible and modular attachment to cryogenic cylinders, enabling efficient gas flow control and simplifying maintenance by providing a removable manifold block with valves that can be easily isolated for replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a traditional non-modular gas control attachment assembly is used, then the structure is simpler, but the refurbishment and requalification time is longer, and maintenance is more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gas control attachment assembly is divided into separate modular components including a knuckle with gas passages, a manifold block with valve seats, and individual valves. This segmentation allows each component to be independently inspected, refurbished, and requalified, significantly reducing overall refurbishment time compared to traditional integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular manifold block can be selectively removed and replaced based on maintenance needs. The knuckle remains attached to the cylinder while only the manifold block and valves require servicing, allowing dynamic adaptation of the maintenance process to actual system conditions and reducing unnecessary refurbishment time.
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional non-modular gas control attachment assembly is used, then the assembly structure is simpler, but the assembly labor and costs are higher
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into standardized modular components with consistent connection interfaces. The knuckle, manifold block, and valves can be manufactured separately using optimized processes and then assembled, reducing overall assembly labor and costs despite the increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular manifold block design with standardized valve seats and gas passages can serve multiple functions and be used with different valve configurations. This universality reduces manufacturing costs through standardized production processes while maintaining ease of assembly.
3Reliability
If a traditional gas control attachment assembly is used, then the structure is more integrated, but the leak paths are minimized less effectively
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into separate modular components (knuckle, manifold block, valves), each component can be individually sealed and tested. This reduces the number of potential leak paths within each component while the modular connection interfaces are designed with specific sealing mechanisms to prevent leaks between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular connection interfaces between components use intermediary sealing elements (such as seals or gaskets) that create controlled sealing zones. These intermediary sealing mechanisms effectively isolate potential leak paths while maintaining the modular structure's integrity.
4Ease of repair
If a non-removable manifold block is used, then the assembly is more integrated, but the maintenance and valve replacement is more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold block is designed as a separate removable module distinct from the knuckle. This segmentation allows the manifold block and its valves to be easily removed for maintenance without affecting the permanent cylinder attachment, significantly improving ease of repair despite adding modular structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold block is extracted as a removable component from the overall assembly, allowing valves to be accessed and replaced by simply removing the manifold block from the knuckle. This extraction principle makes maintenance straightforward while the modular connection design manages the structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a manifold attachment assembly for attachment to a cryogenic cylinder. The assembly includes a knuckle configured to be attached to the cryogenic cylinder and a manifold configured to be attached to the knuckle. The manifold has an upper surface, a lower surface configured to abut an upper surface of the knuckle, a plurality of gas passages extending through the manifold for aligning with a corresponding one of a plurality of gas passages in the knuckle, and a plurality of valve seats in the upper surface each in communication with one of the plurality of gas passages in the manifold. The assembly also includes a plurality of valves respectively secured to the manifold in one of the plurality of valve seats. The attachment assembly provides a modular assembly that reduces refurbishment and requalification time, reduces assembly labor, and simplifies servicing.