Integrated Fluid Manifold Valve Control for Precise Chemical Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Car wash systems 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 distribution and dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A manifold for fluid delivery systems with integrated valves and actuators that adjust the effective valve orifice area, controlled by a control system, allowing precise control over fluid flow and dispensing, including the use of linear actuators and solenoid valves for linear adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fluid delivery systems are used, then fluid distribution is provided, but control over fluid dispensing is insufficient and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manifold body, valve housings, actuators, and fluid delivery channels into a single integrated assembly. The valves are directly mounted on the manifold with their actuators positioned on the exterior, creating a compact unit that provides precise fluid control without requiring separate control systems or multiple components, thus improving ease of operation while avoiding excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is designed to deliver multiple different fluids (water, soap, wax, tire shine) through a single integrated structure. The universal design allows different fluid containers to be coupled to the same manifold body, with each fluid having its own valve-controlled delivery channel, enabling one device to perform multiple fluid delivery functions
2Quantity of substance
If concentrated chemicals are used, then shipping costs and material handling are reduced, but precise control over chemical dispensing becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable valve orifices that can change their opening size to precisely control fluid flow rates. The actuators move the valve plungers to adjust the orifice area, enabling dynamic regulation of concentrated chemical dispensing. This allows precise measurement and control of small quantities of concentrated chemicals, ensuring accurate application rates even when using highly concentrated formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the actuator control mechanism that monitors and adjusts valve position to maintain precise flow control. The actuators receive control signals that regulate the opening size based on required dispensing rates, providing closed-loop control that ensures accurate measurement and delivery of concentrated chemicals regardless of variations in supply pressure or demand
3Productivity
If manual fluid delivery systems are used, then equipment cost is lower, but labor intensity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the manifold automatically controls fluid delivery to multiple applicators without requiring manual intervention. The integrated valves and actuators autonomously regulate flow to each fluid delivery line based on system requirements, eliminating the need for operators to manually control each fluid stream while maintaining high productivity and reducing labor intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control systems with automated actuator mechanisms that use electrical or pneumatic signals to control valve positions. This substitution of manual operation with automated mechanical-electrical systems increases productivity and reduces labor requirements while maintaining relatively simple equipment architecture through the integrated manifold design
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 and precise control of fluid distribution and dispensing, reducing labor and maintenance requirements while optimizing chemical use, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
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 to cause the valve plunger to move to the open position
Implementation Method 2
a return spring 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 manifold for use with a fluid delivery system in a vehicle wash includes a fluid passageway with at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet. At least one integrated valve includes a plunger housing having an air chamber and is configured to receive a valve limiter and a valve plunger arranged therein, which is movable between a closed position and an open position to block a valve orifice and to permit the passage of fluid from the fluid inlet through the valve orifice for dispensing from the fluid outlet. At least one actuator assembly including an actuator, and the valve limiter is configured such that the actuator adjusts a position of the 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.