Integrated Valve Manifold Assembly for Faster Leak-Resistant Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased assembly time and parts count in modular manifolds mechanically fastened to individual valves result in higher production costs and a higher likelihood of leaks and degradation.
Innovation Solution
A manifold with integrated valves, where the fluid inlet, nozzle outlet, plunger housing, collar, and mounting structure are integrally constructed, allowing for modular expansion and reduced component count, and featuring a coupling mechanism using a spring clip for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular manifolds are mechanically fastened to individual valves, then the manifold is expandable from one valve to many, but the assembly time and parts count increase resulting in higher production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valves into a single manifold body as one piece, eliminating the need to mechanically fasten individual valves to the manifold. This unified structure maintains expandability through integrated valve configurations while dramatically reducing assembly time and parts count compared to modular assembled approaches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular manifolds are mechanically fastened to individual valves, then the manifold is expandable from one valve to many, but the parts count increases resulting in higher production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valves and the manifold body into a single integrated component structure. This merging eliminates numerous separate parts that would require mechanical fastening, reducing parts count and production complexity while maintaining the ability to provide multiple fluid outlets through the integrated valve arrangement.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple parts are coupled with the manifold, then the manifold can be assembled from individual components, but the likelihood of leaks and degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a unified manifold- valve structure where the valves are integrated directly into the manifold body as one piece. This eliminates multiple coupling interfaces and mechanical fasteners that could create leak paths, significantly improving seal integrity and reliability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integral construction methods.
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
The integrated manifold design reduces the likelihood of leaks, enhances durability, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining accurate fluid delivery and pressure control.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling mechanism may be by a spring clip
Implementation Method 2
The plunger spring may be arranged between the plunger cap and the plunger arm and urge the plunger arm to a position where the fluid inlet defined by the plunger seat is closed
Implementation Method 3
the integrated valve may be configured to receive pressurized air to cause the plunger arm to open a fluid inlet defined by the plunger seat
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold for use with a fluid delivery system includes a fluid inlet defining a portion of a common channel, a fluid nozzle outlet, a plunger housing of an integrated valve, a collar of a coupling mechanism, and a mounting structure. The fluid inlet, fluid nozzle outlet, plunger housing, collar and mounting structure of the manifold are integrally-constructed. A manifold assembly for use with a fluid delivery system includes at least a first and a second manifold. Each manifold includes a fluid inlet defining a portion of a common channel, a fluid nozzle outlet, a plunger housing of an integrated valve, and a collar of a coupling mechanism. The fluid inlet, fluid nozzle outlet, plunger housing, and collar are integrally-constructed, and the fluid inlet of the first manifold is received by a portion of a common channel of the second manifold.