Manifold apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manifold apparatuses face difficulties in efficiently attaching and detaching branch tubes from connector members due to interference between adjacent tubes, which are arranged in a linear configuration with perpendicular axial lines.
Innovation Solution
The manifold apparatus features manifold blocks coupled in a line with connector members on their outer surfaces, where each block has a main port and a branch port with axial lines deviated perpendicular to the coupling direction, allowing for a staggered arrangement of connector members to prevent interference, enabling efficient attachment and detachment of branch tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If branch pipes are arranged in a line with axial lines perpendicular to the main pipe, then the manifold apparatus achieves a compact linear structure, but adjacent tubes interfere with each other during attachment and detachment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional linear arrangement of connector members to a three-dimensional staggered arrangement. By positioning connector members at different heights (one above the other) on adjacent manifold blocks, the design eliminates interference between adjacent tubes while maintaining a compact overall structure. This dimensional change allows simultaneous access to multiple connector members without tube collision.
2Productivity
If connector members are positioned in a staggered pattern, then tube interference is prevented and attachment operations are facilitated, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold apparatus is divided into multiple independent manifold blocks, each with its own connector members. This segmentation allows each block to be manufactured and assembled separately with standard positioning, then coupled together to form the complete apparatus. The staggered pattern is achieved by alternating the orientation of adjacent blocks, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the productivity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjacent manifold blocks are coupled in opposite orientations (one block inverted relative to its neighbor), creating an asymmetric staggered pattern for connector members. This asymmetric arrangement prevents tube interference and enables efficient attachment operations, while the systematic alternation of block orientations simplifies the overall assembly process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector members are provided on manifold blocks, then the manifold apparatus achieves high versatility and adaptability, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase due to potential interference
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging connector members in a three-dimensional staggered pattern across multiple manifold blocks, the design provides high versatility (multiple connector positions and orientations) while eliminating interference issues. The dimensional separation allows each connector member to be accessed independently, maintaining ease of operation despite having multiple connectors.
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold apparatus includes a plurality of manifold blocks which are coupled together in a line. In each of the manifold blocks, an axial line of a branch port is deviated from an axial line of a main port in a direction perpendicular to a coupling direction in which the manifold blocks are coupled together. The plurality of manifold blocks are configured to be coupled together in a state where one of the adjacent manifold blocks is inverted 180° from the other of the adjacent manifold blocks in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the branch port and the coupling direction.