Hybrid Valve Carrier Module for Flexible Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution devices lack flexibility in accommodating valves of different sizes and designs, limiting their ability to manage varying fluid volume flows efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a hybrid valve carrier module with a mounting surface featuring two assembly locations with distinct channel opening patterns, allowing for the installation of differently sized valves without adapters, and a modular design that enables variable length and configuration of valve carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fluid distribution device uses a standardized valve carrier with uniform channel opening patterns, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate valves of different sizes and designs, limiting flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The valve carrier is divided into multiple modular valve carrier modules, each with its own mounting surface and channel opening pattern. This segmentation allows different modules to have different opening patterns tailored to specific valve types, while maintaining overall system modularity and ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different mounting positions on the valve carrier modules are designed with different channel opening patterns (e.g., first opening pattern with larger spacing for larger valves, second opening pattern with smaller spacing for smaller valves). This local differentiation enables the same valve carrier structure to accommodate multiple valve sizes and designs without requiring a completely different carrier design.
2Productivity
If the valve carrier is designed with fixed channel opening patterns for specific valve sizes, then manufacturing is simplified, but the device cannot efficiently supply varying fluid volume flows to different consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The valve carrier modules are designed with mounting surfaces that can accommodate multiple types of valves (different sizes and designs) through different opening patterns. This multi-functionality allows a single valve carrier module to serve multiple purposes - supplying different fluid volume flows to different consumers using appropriately matched valves, thereby improving overall system productivity and efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are used to mount different valve sizes on the same carrier, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using adapters, the valve carrier modules are designed with mounting surfaces that have different channel opening patterns directly integrated into the carrier body. Each mounting position is locally optimized for specific valve types, allowing direct mounting without additional adapter components. This approach maintains versatility while significantly simplifying assembly and manufacturing processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid distribution device (10) with a modular valve carrier (20) through which a fluid-flowing valve carrier channel system is traversed and which has several valve carrier modules (40). The valve carrier modules (40) are arranged in a row in a direction (60) and each has a carrier body (41) that defines a mounting surface (110) forming at least one mounting position (140) for mounting a valve (30). The valve carrier channel system terminates at each mounting position (140) with several channel openings (160) for connection to a valve (30), forming an opening pattern (170).At least one valve carrier module (40) is designed as a hybrid valve carrier module (220) which has two adjacent mounting positions (223, 224) that differ from each other in the opening pattern (170) of their channel openings (160), so that it can be fitted with two different valves (30) at the same time.