Manifold Collar for Cold Crucible Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inline injection systems face challenges in efficiently delivering and regulating fluid to vessels during the melting of reactive metals and alloys, particularly due to the need for bending and replacing copper tubing, which complicates the process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a collar and delivery channel system that securely mates with a temperature-regulated vessel, allowing for the efficient delivery and output of fluid, reducing the need for complex tubing arrangements and facilitating easier vessel replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If copper tubing is bent and shaped around the vessel, then fluid delivery is achieved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion that can be assembled together, with the delivery channel integrated into the collar structure. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual components while maintaining the overall fluid delivery function, eliminating the need for complex bent copper tubing arrangements.
2Ease of operation
If copper tubing is bent and shaped around the vessel, then fluid delivery is achieved, but ease of operation worsens due to replacement complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The collar and vessel are designed as separable components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The upper and lower portions of the collar can be separated to facilitate vessel replacement, making the system dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed and difficult to modify. This allows quick replacement of vessels without complex tubing reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If copper tubing is used for fluid delivery, then fluid can be delivered to the vessel, but loss of time increases due to replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is pre-configured with integrated delivery channels during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site tubing bending and configuration. Vessels are designed to be pre-matched with collars, allowing for quick replacement without time-consuming tubing reconfiguration. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces downtime during vessel changes.
4Manufacturing precision
If copper tubing is bent and shaped, then fluid delivery path is created, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to deformation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery channel is merged directly into the collar structure, combining the collar and tubing functions into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate copper tubing that requires bending and shaping, thereby maintaining high manufacturing precision while simplifying the manufacturing process. The delivery channel is formed as part of the collar manufacturing process, ensuring consistent dimensions and flow characteristics.
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
This solution enhances fluid delivery and temperature regulation in inline injection systems, improving efficiency and reducing costs by simplifying the setup and maintenance of the fluid delivery system, while maintaining precise temperature control for melting reactive metals and alloys.
Implementation Method 1
a delivery channel within the collar for directing an input flow of fluid. The delivery channel is configured to deliver the input flow of the fluid into the temperature regulated vessel
Implementation Method 2
an exit channel is provided within the collar for directing an output flow of the fluid. The exit channel is configured to output the output flow of the fluid from the temperature regulated vessel
Implementation Method 3
The vessel has one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow the fluid therein received by the delivery channel for regulating a temperature of the vessel during melting of the material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of a temperature regulated vessel and a fluid delivery device, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus and include one or more temperature regulating lines configured to flow a fluid or liquid within the body (e.g., to heat a cold device). The fluid delivery device is mounted in the apparatus and has a collar with an opening extending therethrough to sealingly mate with the vessel. A delivery channel is provided within the collar for directing an input flow of fluid into the vessel. An exit channel can also be provided within the collar for directing an output flow of the fluid from the vessel.