Integrated Cylinder Drive Manifold for Multi-Cylinder Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of assembly operations and increased number of parts in cylinder drive apparatuses for fluid pressure cylinders due to numerous pipes connecting switching, check, and throttle valves complicates the integration of multiple fluid pressure cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder drive manifold device with a block-shaped manifold incorporating switching, check, and throttle valves directly into its holes, eliminating the need for connecting pipes between these valves and reducing the overall number of parts, allowing for easier assembly and efficient fluid flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pipes are used to connect switching valves, check valves, and throttle valves, then the fluid flow paths can be established, but the number of parts increases and assembly operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve components (switching valves, check valves, and throttle valves) and their connecting pipes into a single integrated manifold device. This merging eliminates the need for separate pipes to connect these valves, thereby reducing the total number of parts and simplifying assembly operations while maintaining reliable fluid flow paths between all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a distribution manifold for fluid flow, houses switching valves for flow control, incorporates check valves for one-way flow protection, and integrates throttle valves for flow rate regulation. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components and connections into a single unified device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of fluid pressure cylinders are driven using separate valve assemblies, then each cylinder can be controlled independently, but the overall system requires numerous connecting pipes and becomes difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent valve assemblies into a single integrated manifold that can control multiple fluid pressure cylinders. Each cylinder maintains independent control through dedicated valve circuits within the manifold, but the physical assembly is simplified because all valves and connecting passages are pre-integrated into one unit that can be mounted as a single component.
3Reliability
If numerous pipes are used to connect various valves, then complete fluid circulation is achieved, but the assembly operation becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all valve components and their interconnecting pipes into a single integrated manifold assembly. This eliminates the need for on-site pipe installation and connection between separate valve units, allowing the entire fluid circulation system to be assembled by mounting the pre-integrated manifold unit, thereby dramatically improving assembly productivity while maintaining complete fluid circulation capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
The present invention allows the number of components to be reduced and assembly work to be easily performed. A cylinder drive manifold device (10) that constitutes a cylinder drive apparatus (12) is provided with a block-shaped manifold (30) in which a plurality of holes are formed for circulating a fluid used for driving a plurality of fluid pressure cylinders (14). The manifold (30) is configured such that a plurality of switching valves (28) for supplying a fluid alternately to a first cylinder chamber (18) and a second cylinder chamber (20) of each of the fluid pressure cylinders (14) are attachable. A plurality of check valves (32) and a plurality of throttle valves (34) are incorporated into the plurality of holes of the manifold (30) .