Low-Profile Fluid Manifold With Passive Flow Orifice Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid manifolds with standard fittings and active flow regulators are difficult to implement in small spaces, as they require complex configurations and active control mechanisms, which are not suitable for applications needing compact, passive flow control.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile fluid manifold designed for small spaces, utilizing additive manufacturing (specifically stereolithography) to create intricate flow channels and orifices with internal threadless seals, allowing for passive flow control through varying diameters and orientations, eliminating the need for traditional fittings and active regulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard fittings and active flow regulators are used in fluid manifolds, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional active flow regulators and standard fittings from the manifold structure, extracting only the essential flow control function and implementing it through passive geometric features (orifices with specific diameter ratios) directly integrated into the additive manufactured manifold body, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the flow control function with the manifold structure itself by integrating orifices of different diameter ratios directly into the additive manufactured body, combining what were previously separate components (manifold + flow regulators) into a single integrated structure, reducing device complexity and part count
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard fittings and active flow regulators are used in fluid manifolds, then flow control capability is improved, but the manifold cannot be implemented in very small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension (Z-axis) in additive manufacturing to create complex internal flow channels and orifices that would be impossible with traditional machining, allowing flow control features to be stacked vertically rather than requiring horizontal space, thereby enabling compact manifold designs that fit in very small spaces while maintaining flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the manifold by using additive manufacturing to create orifices with specific diameter ratios (e.g., 2:1, 3:1) and optimized geometries that provide passive flow control, replacing the need for bulky active regulators and enabling the manifold to be scaled down to very small volumes
3Adaptability or versatility
If additive manufacturing is used to create intricate flow channels, then passive flow control is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating orifices with different diameter ratios at specific locations within the manifold to achieve passive flow control for different output lines, where each orifice is precisely engineered with a specific diameter ratio (e.g., 2:1, 3:1) tailored to the flow requirements of that particular outlet, enabling differentiated flow control without active regulators
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile fluid manifold includes a tunable passive flow control system through intricate internal flow channels. The low-profile fluid manifold is manufactured using stereolithography (SLA) additive manufacturing to rapidly produce and tune the intricate flow channels to achieve the desired flow characteristics. Further, SLA additive manufacturing is used to build up inlet and outlet orifices in the flow direction, creating sealing surfaces for parallel oriented seals and sealing surfaces. The low-profile fluid manifold is manufactured to be air and liquid tight at the required operating pressures, temperatures, and environments, without the use of traditional fittings.