Heating/cooling system manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating/cooling system manifolds face reduced flow capacity due to fixing means that increase flow resistance by contacting each other inside the sleeve, restricting the flow area.
Innovation Solution
The connection geometry of the fixing means is positioned outside the sleeve, allowing a space between them, and connected via a screw or other external means, preventing internal contact and maximizing flow area, thereby reducing resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixing means are inserted into opposing openings in the sleeve and connected by threaded connection inside the sleeve, then the functional parts are securely mounted, but the flow area is reduced and flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection geometry is moved from the internal dimension (inside the sleeve) to the external dimension (outside the sleeve). The fixing means are connected via external threaded connections or welding on the outer surface of the sleeve, rather than occupying space inside the sleeve. This dimensional relocation eliminates the trade-off between mounting reliability and flow capacity, as the internal flow path remains completely unobstructed while external connections provide secure mounting.
2Device complexity
If fixing means contact each other within the sleeve, then the structure is compact, but the available flow area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is extracted from the internal space of the sleeve and relocated to the external surface. The fixing means connect to each other outside the sleeve through threaded connections or welding on the outer surface, completely removing the interfering elements from the internal flow path. This extraction allows the internal sleeve structure to be optimized solely for flow capacity without compromise for structural compactness.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A heating/cooling system manifold (1) comprising a sleeve (2) having two openings, at least one arrangement of functional parts within the sleeve (2), and fixing means for mounting the functional parts to the sleeve (2) is described, the fixing means having a connection geometry (13). Such a manifold should have a flow capacity as big as possible. To this end, the connection geometry (13) is arranged on an outside of the sleeve (2) and a space between the fixing means is arranged within the sleeve (2).