Fluid Delivery Manifold With Adjustable Valve Orifice Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Car washes are labor and equipment maintenance intensive, and the use of concentrated chemicals increases material handling concerns and shipping costs, with existing fluid delivery systems lacking efficient control over fluid and chemical distribution.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery manifold with integrated valves and an actuator assembly that adjusts the effective valve orifice area using a valve limiter, controlled by a control system, allowing precise regulation of fluid flow and mixing of motive fluids and chemicals, including features like parabolic tips and pressurized air actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If concentrated chemicals are used to reduce material handling and shipping costs, then shipping costs and material handling complexity are reduced, but precision control over chemical distribution becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the chemical distribution process into separate functional modules: storage tanks, dosing pumps, mixing chambers, and delivery manifolds. Each concentrated chemical is handled in its own dedicated pathway, allowing precise control at each stage rather than attempting to control the entire distribution process as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Water or carrier fluid acts as an intermediary substance that dilutes concentrated chemicals at controlled points in the system. This intermediary allows the system to transport and distribute chemicals with precision by controlling the mixing ratio, while the concentrated chemicals themselves require minimal handling.
2Device complexity
If traditional fluid delivery systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but labor intensity and equipment maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into integrated assemblies: the manifold combines fluid distribution, chemical injection, and flow control in a single component. Pumps are integrated with motors and control systems, reducing the number of separate parts that require maintenance while automating functions that would otherwise require manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-regulating features such as automatic flow sensors that adjust delivery rates, integrated filters that self-clean, and control systems that automatically monitor and adjust operational parameters. This automation reduces the need for manual intervention and maintenance while improving operational efficiency.
3Device complexity
If manual control methods are used for fluid distribution, then system simplicity is maintained, but precision control over fluid flow rates and mixing ratios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor fluid flow rates, chemical concentrations, and pressure levels. This feedback is transmitted to control systems that automatically adjust pump speeds, valve positions, and mixing ratios to maintain precise control. The closed-loop control ensures that actual conditions match desired conditions, achieving high precision without overly complex manual control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control mechanisms are replaced with electronic and pneumatic control systems. Electric motors replace manual cranks for pump operation, electronic valves replace manual throttles, and computerized control systems replace manual gauges and switches. This substitution maintains relative system simplicity while dramatically improving control precision.
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
Enables efficient, precise control over fluid and chemical distribution, reducing labor and maintenance requirements while optimizing fluid flow rates and mixing ratios, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of vehicle wash systems.
Implementation Method 1
The air chamber may be configured to receive pressurized air to overcome a bias of the return spring during an on cycle of the fluid delivery manifold to thereby cause the valve plunger to move to the open position
Implementation Method 2
A valve plunger may be arranged in the plunger housing configured to block a valve orifice of the fluid outlet in a closed position of the valve plunger to prevent passage of fluid from the fluid inlet through the valve orifice, and to open the valve orifice in an open position of the valve plunger to permit the passage of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
The return spring may be configured to engage with a plunger head of the valve plunger for biasing the valve plunger in the closed position such that the valve plunger normally blocks the passage of the fluid through the valve orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery manifold for use with a fluid delivery system includes a fluid passageway and at least one integrated valve, each with a plunger housing having an air chamber. The air chamber and the fluid passageway are non-fluidly coupled relative to each other. A valve plunger in the plunger housing blocks a valve orifice of the fluid outlet in a closed position to prevent passage of fluid, and opens to permit fluid to pass from a fluid inlet of the passageway through the valve orifice for dispensing from a fluid outlet. An actuator assembly coupled to each integrated valve includes an actuator configured to adjust a position of a valve limiter to adjustably control an effective valve orifice area of the valve orifice based on a distance of movement of the valve plunger to the open position.