Integrated Operation Manifold for Compact Multi-Tank Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle pressurized-fluid storage and distribution assemblies with multiple tanks have a complex spatial footprint and require numerous functional members, leading to increased assembly costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An operation manifold with integrated functional members, including an electrically operated valve, manual valve, and check valves, shares a single manual valve for both distribution and filling lines, reducing the number of manual valves and centralizing functions within the manifold body, thus minimizing spatial footprint and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate functional members (manual valves, check valves) are used for distribution and filling lines, then fluid control reliability is improved, but device complexity and spatial footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional members (manual valve, first check valve, second check valve) into a single integrated operation manifold body. The manifold includes a distribution line with a first manual valve and first check valve, and a filling line with a second check valve, all integrated into one component rather than using separate assemblies. This merging reduces the number of discrete parts while maintaining the reliability of fluid control through the preserved functional capabilities of each valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation manifold body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the distribution line conduit, contains the first manual valve for distribution control, includes the first check valve for one-way flow control in distribution, and incorporates the second check valve for one-way flow control in filling. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate functional members are assembled on the operation manifold, then fluid control functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manual valves and check valves are integrated directly into the operation manifold body as a single manufactured component rather than being assembled from separate parts. This merging into one monolithic or integrally-formed component simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving all necessary fluid control functionalities for distribution and filling operations.
3Ease of operation
If functional members are distributed across multiple tanks, then local control capability is improved, but total number of functional members and spatial footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The operation manifold is provided with multiple communication openings (at least three), each configured to be in fluidic communication with a different tank. This segmentation allows the single manifold to serve multiple tanks independently, maintaining local control capability for each tank connection while consolidating all functional members into one centralized unit rather than distributing them across multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation manifold is for a vehicle pressurized-fluid storage and distribution assembly that includes a plurality of pressurized-fluid tanks. The manifold includes a body having a plurality of communication openings to be in fluidic communication with a tank, a distribution line for distributing fluid stored in the tanks and which is formed in the body and arranged to be in fluidic communication with the tanks via an electrically operated valve and a manual valve, and a tank filling line formed in the body and arranged to be in fluidic communication with the tanks. The manual valve is also used to ensure fluidic communication between the tank filling line and the tanks