Modular Fluid Control Device With Inverted-V Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid control devices require different passage block shapes based on the number of on-off valves, complicating the structure and making it difficult to increase or reduce the number of valves, and they have significant dead volumes when vent gas flows.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control device with a main body formed by identical passage blocks, featuring inverted-V passages and short outlet passages between on-off valves, allowing for easy adjustment of the number of on-off valves and reduction of dead volumes by shortening these passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of passage blocks are used to accommodate varying numbers of on-off valves, then the number of on-off valves can be adjusted, but the structure of the main body becomes complicated and it becomes difficult to increase or reduce the number of on-off valves
Solution Approach 1:
The main body is divided into multiple identical passage blocks that can be arranged in series. Each passage block contains the same internal structure with passages and can accommodate on-off valves. By adding or removing passage blocks, the number of on-off valves can be adjusted without changing the basic structure of each block, thus maintaining simplicity while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each passage block is designed with universal functionality, containing all necessary passages (first and second inverted-V passages, first and second outlet passages, communication paths) within a standardized structure. This universal design allows any passage block to function independently or in combination with others, enabling flexible configuration of on-off valves without requiring different block types.
2Device complexity
If conventional passage designs are used, then the structure is straightforward, but dead volumes when vent gas flows are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inverted-V shaped passages instead of conventional linear or orthogonal passages. The inverted-V configuration creates smoother flow paths with reduced sharp corners and dead zones where gas can stagnate. This curved/angular transition design improves flow dynamics while maintaining structural simplicity, effectively reducing dead volumes during vent gas flow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of on-off valves is increased to handle more gas types, then gas switching capability improves, but the passage block shape must change making the structure more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing different passage block shapes for different numbers of valves, the system segments the valve accommodation into standardized modular passage blocks. Each block can accommodate a fixed number of on-off valves in a standardized arrangement, and multiple blocks can be connected in series to handle more gas types, maintaining uniform block geometry throughout the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges on-off valves and passages in a standardized three-dimensional configuration within each passage block, utilizing vertical and horizontal space efficiently. The inverted-V passages extend in specific spatial directions, and multiple valves are accommodated by stacking or arranging them in standardized positions within the block, allowing increased valve capacity without changing the external block shape.
Data Source
AI summary
As passages forming a main gas passage, each of the passage blocks 3 has a first inverted-V passage, a first outlet passage communicating between the apex of the first inverted-V passage and an outlet of a first on-off valve. As passages forming a vent gas passage, each of the passage blocks 3 has a second inverted-V passage and a second outlet passage communicating between the apex of the second inverted-V passage and an outlet of a second on-off valve. As passages forming a first sub-gas inflow passage, each of the passage blocks has a first inlet passage leading to an inlet of the first on-off valve and a common inlet passage. As passages forming a second sub-gas inflow passage, each of the passage blocks has a second inlet passage leading to an inlet of the second on-off valve and a communication path continued to the common inlet passage.