Flow-Splitting Manifold Assembly for Low-Waste Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-piece manifold manufacturing is time-consuming and generates significant waste, increasing overall production costs.
Innovation Solution
A manifold design comprising a flow-splitting tube with externally-connected tubes, allowing for separate manufacturing of simpler structural members, reducing complexity and duration of the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-piece manifold is manufactured by a cutting process, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing time is long and waste is large
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple separate pieces (first manifold piece, second manifold piece, third manifold piece) that are assembled together. Each piece can be manufactured independently using simpler processes, reducing overall manufacturing time and waste while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection design.
2Reliability
If a single-piece manifold is manufactured by a cutting process, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple separate pieces that can be manufactured using simpler, less expensive processes. Each segment requires less material and processing time, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining structural integrity through designed connections.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the manifold, material waste from each individual piece is reduced compared to cutting a single large piece. The connection structures between segments are optimized to minimize material loss while ensuring structural integrity.
3Reliability
If a single-piece manifold is manufactured by a cutting process, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the amount of waste produced is large
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple smaller pieces that can be manufactured with less material waste each. The total material usage is optimized across segments, reducing overall waste compared to manufacturing a single large piece through extensive cutting operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Manifold comprises flow-splitting tube, two externally-connected tubes, and two covers. Flow-splitting tube has two flow paths which are not connected to each other, multiple flow-splitting ports and multiple confluence ports. The flow-splitting ports are connected to one flow path. The confluence ports are connected to the other flow path. The first externally-connected tube has a first externally-connected flow path connected to one flow path. The second externally-connected tube has a second externally-connected flow path connected to the other flow path. The first externally-connected tube and the second externally-connected tube are respectively fitted to two opposite sides of the flow-splitting tube. One cover is arranged at one side of the first externally-connected tube, and forms the first externally-connected flow path together with the first externally-connected tube. Another cover is arranged at one side of the second externally-connected tube, and forms the second externally-connected flow path together with the second externally-connected tube.