Integrated Ball Valve Manifold for Compact Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manifolds for liquid or gas distribution systems require increased installation time and size due to the separate connection of flow control valves, and integrating the valve within the manifold does not adequately reduce axial dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A manifold design with a ball-shaped flow control element integrated within the manifold body, positioned between the intake port and the first discharge port, allowing for a short distance between these ports and enabling quick and simple installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate flow control valve is connected to the manifold body, then the flow control function is provided, but the overall size and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control valve is integrated directly into the manifold body, merging two separate components (manifold and flow control valve) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate connection and reduces the overall volume by removing the interface and additional coupling hardware between the manifold and external flow control valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold body is designed to perform multiple functions: fluid distribution and integrated flow control. By incorporating the flow control valve within the manifold structure, the system achieves multi-functionality in a single component, reducing the total number of parts and overall system volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate flow control valve is connected to the manifold body, then the flow control function is provided, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the flow control valve with the manifold body into a single integrated component, the installation process is simplified from connecting two separate parts to installing one unified component, directly reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control valve is pre-integrated into the manifold body during manufacturing, so that during installation, the flow control function is already built-in and requires no additional connection steps or separate assembly operations.
3Productivity
If the flow control valve is integrated in the manifold body, then the installation time is reduced, but the axial dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the flow control valve axially along the manifold body, the invention repositions and reorients the flow control element to utilize radial or lateral space within the manifold body, thereby maintaining compact axial dimensions while still providing integrated flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control element is designed with a ball-shaped geometry that allows it to be compactly positioned within the manifold body, utilizing spherical packing efficiency to minimize the axial footprint while maintaining full flow control functionality.
4Ease of operation
If the flow control valve is integrated in the manifold body, then the installation is simplified, but the space between intake port and first discharge port increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control element is positioned and oriented to utilize three-dimensional space within the manifold body rather than extending linearly between ports, allowing the element to be accommodated without increasing the axial distance between the intake port and first discharge port.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control element is nested within the manifold body structure, fitting into the existing internal volume between the intake port and discharge ports without requiring additional axial space, similar to how nested dolls occupy space efficiently within each other.
Data Source
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AI summary
A manifold for liquid or gas distribution systems with reduced overall size, comprising a manifold body (2a), which has an elongated shape and in which there lies a duct (3a) which is connected to an intake port (4a), which is provided at a longitudinal end of the manifold body (2a), and to at least two discharge ports (5a, 6a), which are spaced one another along the longitudinal extension of the manifold body (2a); in the manifold body (2a) there is a seat (10a) which accommodates a ball-shaped flow control element (11a) which is arranged at the first discharge port (5a), i.e., the discharge port that lies closest to the intake port (4a); the flow control element (11a) can be maneuvered in order to pass from a closed position, in which it blocks the duct (3a) between the intake port (4a) and the first discharge port (5a), to an open position, in which it opens the duct (3a), connecting the intake port (4a) to the discharge ports (5a), and vice versa.