Compact Fluid Distribution Assembly with Modular Support Faces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid distribution assemblies used in industrial installations are not compact enough, leading to inefficiencies in space usage and fluid transport time.

Innovation Solution

A compact fluid distribution assembly with a cylindrical body having multiple support faces with standardized threaded holes, allowing for interchangeable modules and components, and incorporating a central fluid passage with a filter and auxiliary passages for efficient fluid circulation and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fluid distribution assemblies are used with standardized modules and threaded holes, then interchangeability and manufacturing standardization are achieved, but the assembly size and footprint are too large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterchangeability of modulesVSAvoidfootprint of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing multiple module support faces on different surfaces of a single compact body, allowing modules to be arranged in a three-dimensional configuration rather than requiring a large two-dimensional footprint. The body with multiple support faces enables a nested-like arrangement where modules are distributed in space around the central body, reducing the overall assembly footprint while maintaining standardized interchangeability through consistent threaded hole patterns on each support face.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement of modules on a single flat surface to a three-dimensional configuration by providing a body with multiple support faces on different surfaces. This dimensional change allows modules to be distributed in space around the central body, significantly reducing the footprint while maintaining standardized interchangeability through consistent threaded hole patterns on each support face.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If traditional fluid distribution assemblies are used, then fluid channeling functionality is provided, but the fluid transport time is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid transport efficiencyVSAvoidfluid transport time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fluid distribution function across multiple support faces and modular components, allowing fluid to be distributed through multiple parallel pathways simultaneously. This segmentation of the fluid distribution system enables shorter transport paths and parallel fluid flow through different modules, reducing overall fluid transport time while maintaining efficient channeling functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By arranging support faces and modules in three-dimensional space rather than a single plane, the patent creates multiple short fluid pathways radiating from the central body in different directions. This spatial arrangement reduces the maximum fluid transport distance compared to traditional linear or planar arrangements, thereby reducing fluid transport time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP1999404B1Fluid distribution system and corresponding use
Publication Date: 2013.02.27 EIF
  • EP1999404B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1999404B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP1999404B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

This fluid distribution system (1) comprises: modules (5) for piping the fluid and on which components (7) are mounted; and a body (3) with at least one module (5)-supporting face (9), said supporting face (9) having a regular array of module-fixing means (11). A passage (13) for the fluid is formed inside the body (3). Applicable, for example, to the analysis of fluids piped around industrial installations.