Heating/cooling system manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating/cooling system manifolds face challenges in simplified mounting due to the need for rotational alignment of threaded connections, which can damage O-rings and complicate the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a sleeve with protrusions on the fixing means that allow for easy insertion and clamping, using screws or other joining elements like snap connections, enabling a stable and accessible connection geometry that simplifies the mounting process and provides a channel for fluid guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections are used to connect the two parts of the fixing means, then a stable connection is achieved, but the mounting process becomes complicated and O-rings can be damaged due to rotational alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing means is divided into two separate parts that are connected by a joining element. This segmentation allows each part to be independently positioned and connected without requiring complex rotational alignment, simplifying the mounting process while maintaining connection stability through the joining element.
Solution Approach 2:
A joining element acts as an intermediary between the two parts of the fixing means. This intermediary component facilitates the connection without requiring the parts to be rotated against each other, thereby protecting O-rings from damage while ensuring a stable connection.
2Reliability
If the two parts of the fixing means are connected by rotating them against each other, then a secure connection is formed, but O-rings used for sealing between the parts can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The joining element serves as a mediator that connects the two parts of the fixing means without requiring them to be rotated against each other. This eliminates the harmful rotational friction that would damage O-rings, while the joining element itself ensures secure connection and maintains sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional threaded rotational connection mechanism is replaced with a joining element that connects the parts through insertion or clamping. This substitution eliminates the mechanical friction and rotational stress that would otherwise damage the O-rings, while maintaining the sealing function.
3Reliability
If the fixing means are mounted on opposite sides of the sleeve, then stable clamping is achieved, but accessibility for connection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The joining element is oriented parallel to the tangent of the sleeve circumference rather than radially. This dimensional change in the connection approach allows the connection to be made from the outside of the sleeve, improving accessibility while maintaining the stable clamping effect of having parts on opposite sides.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
A heating/cooling system manifold (1) is described, the manifold (1) comprising a sleeve (2) having at least one opening (3, 4) in a wall and fixing means (5) having a connection geometry (6) for mounting at least a functional part of the system to the sleeve (2) and being arranged around the opening (3, 4). Mounting of a manifold for a heating/cooling system should be facilitated. To this end, the fixing means (5) comprise at least two parts (7, 8) which are connected by means of screws (9, 10) outside the sleeve (2)