Diffusion-Bonded Fluid Panel With Integrated Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current process fluid panels are complex, space-consuming, and costly due to their design with discrete lines and multiple components, making them difficult to troubleshoot and requiring additional equipment for temperature and pressure control to prevent leaks and condensation.
Innovation Solution
A diffusion-bonded mounting panel with integrated metallic plates forming a reservoir and channels, incorporating vias and orifices for fluid flow and component attachment, which includes a temperature-controlled plate for maintaining fluid temperature and pressure, reducing the need for external units and saving space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If discrete lines and multiple components are used in process fluid panels, then fluid delivery functionality is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete fluid delivery components (lines, couplers, brackets, temperature control units) into a single integrated mounting panel structure. The panel includes internally routed channels, mounted components, and temperature control elements all within one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate discrete components and their associated space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, routes fluid through internal channels, mounts various process fluid control components, and incorporates temperature control capabilities. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity and space.
2Reliability
If multiple couplers, brackets, and elbows are used to route fluid lines, then fluid delivery paths are established, but the risk of leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates fluid routing channels directly into the panel structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate couplers, brackets, and elbows. By combining the panel structure with internal fluid pathways, the system reduces the number of connection points where leaks could occur, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the fluid routing function from discrete external components and embeds it directly into the panel structure. This extraction of the routing function into the panel body eliminates the need for separate routing components and their associated leak risks.
3Reliability
If temperature control units are added to maintain fluid temperature and prevent condensation, then fluid integrity is maintained, but space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature control elements directly into the mounting panel structure, merging the temperature control function with the panel itself. This integration allows the panel to maintain fluid temperature and prevent condensation without requiring separate external temperature control units, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining fluid integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting panel acts as an intermediary structure that provides temperature control capabilities to the fluid lines. By embedding temperature control elements within the panel, the system achieves temperature management functionality without the need for separate external control units.
4Ease of manufacture
If discrete components are used throughout the system, then ease of manufacturing individual components is maintained, but overall device complexity and troubleshooting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the panel into multiple functional zones with internally routed channels that provide clear fluid flow paths. This segmentation allows for easier troubleshooting by isolating different fluid paths and control functions within distinct regions of the panel, making it simpler to identify and repair issues without dealing with a tangled web of discrete components.
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 simplifies the fluid delivery system by integrating control paths and temperature management within the panel, reducing complexity, cost, and space requirements while maintaining fluid integrity and flow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a mounting panel including a plurality of diffusion-bonded metal plates that form: a reservoir to contain a process fluid; multiple channels through which to flow the process fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a mounting panel having diffusion-bonded metal plates that form a reservoir to contain a process fluid, multiple channels through which to flow the process fluid, and vias through which to flow the process fluid to and from process fluid control components attached to the mounting panel. At least a pair of the multiple channels are connected with the reservoir. A temperature sensor is attached to a top of the mounting panel, the temperature sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir through one of the vias. A set of inlet ports are attached to the mounting panel, the set of inlet ports to receive the process fluid. At least one outlet port is attached to the mounting panel, the at least one outlet port to output the process fluid from the mounting panel.