Manifold Cascade Fluid Dispensing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing cascade systems require extensive fluid lines to connect sequence valves, making assembly and maintenance time-consuming and costly, and often lack space-efficient solutions for on-site refilling.
Innovation Solution
A manifold-based cascade system that integrates sequence valves and check valves as cartridges, reducing the need for fluid lines and enabling simultaneous fluid delivery and recharging without interrupting operation, using a recharge circuit to manage pressure sequencing across multiple storage containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a plurality of smaller storage containers are used in combination with a fluid dispensing cascade system, then space constraints are addressed, but the system requires large amounts of fluid line to fluidly couple sequence valves and other components, making assembly and maintenance time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sequence valves and fluid line components into a single manifold assembly. The manifold serves as a common fluid distribution hub that consolidates what would otherwise require extensive separate fluid lines connecting individual sequence valves. This merging of components directly reduces the total amount of fluid line required while maintaining the cascade system's functionality across multiple storage containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a fluid distribution network, a mounting structure for sequence valves, and an integration point for multiple storage containers. By making the manifold a multi-functional component, the system eliminates the need for separate fluid lines and mounting hardware, thereby reducing overall device complexity and assembly requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known cascade systems are implemented with sequence valves and fluid lines, then fluid can be delivered from multiple storage containers, but assembly and disassembling for installation and maintenance purposes is time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cascade system into modular components: individual sequence valves can be independently installed or removed from the manifold, and storage containers can be separately coupled or decoupled. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to service individual components without disassembling the entire system, significantly reducing maintenance time while preserving full fluid delivery capability across all containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is pre-configured with integrated fluid pathways and valve mounting positions during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration means that during installation, operators only need to connect storage containers to the pre-prepared manifold interfaces, rather than assembling complex fluid line networks on-site. This preliminary preparation dramatically reduces both initial installation time and subsequent maintenance time.
3Productivity
If a single relatively large fluid storage container is used for on-site refilling, then adequate refilling services can be provided, but sufficient space may not be available to accommodate the large container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total fluid storage capacity into multiple smaller storage containers that are coupled to the manifold. Each container contributes to the overall refilling capability, and their combined capacity equals or exceeds what a single large container would provide. This segmentation allows the system to achieve adequate refilling productivity while using smaller, space-efficient container units.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold merges the fluid delivery capability of multiple smaller storage containers into a unified system that functions equivalently to a single large container. By combining the output of multiple containers through the manifold's fluid distribution network, the system achieves the same refilling productivity as a large single container would provide, while occupying less total space.
Data Source
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AI summary
An example cascade system includes a manifold having a fluid outlet port to dispense fluid and a fluid valve engaged to the manifold. First and second fluid storage containers are coupled to the manifold. The fluid valve is configured to control a first fluid flow path between the second fluid storage container and the fluid outlet port.