Manifold Flow Control Assembly With Clip-Coupled Tight Pitch Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow rate control units are bulkier due to the need for space to accommodate pipe connectors, which increases the mounting pitch between flow rate control devices, hindering miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate control unit design featuring a manifold with flow rate control devices mounted juxtaposedly, utilizing a connection means comprising first and second pipe members with different axial lengths and a clip to hold their connection, allowing for alternate orientation and minimal mounting pitch without requiring tool insertion space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipe connectors are used to connect flow rate control devices and the manifold, then the connection is reliable, but the mounting pitch increases due to space required for tool insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe connector is divided into two separate pipe members (first and second pipe members) that are coupled together. This segmentation allows each pipe member to be smaller in size, eliminating the need for large tool insertion space while maintaining connection reliability through the coupled structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pipe member is inserted into the second pipe member to form a coupled connection. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall space required for the connector, allowing for smaller mounting pitch between flow rate control devices while maintaining secure connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If space is allocated for tool insertion between adjacent flow rate control devices, then pipe connectors can be properly installed, but the flow rate control unit increases in size
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pipe connector into two smaller pipe members that couple together, the design eliminates the need for large tool insertion space, thereby reducing the overall unit size while maintaining assembly capability through the coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe members are arranged in different axial line directions, utilizing spatial dimensionality to achieve proper connection without requiring additional horizontal space for tool insertion, thus reducing the flow rate control unit's footprint.
3Volume of stationary object
If the mounting pitch is reduced to minimize unit size, then miniaturization is achieved, but space for tool insertion becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into two pipe members that can be assembled in a nested configuration, requiring minimal insertion space that fits within the reduced mounting pitch, thereby enabling miniaturization without compromising ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism allows for dynamic insertion and locking of the first pipe member into the second pipe member, enabling assembly with minimal space requirements while ensuring secure connection in the miniaturized configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The flow rate control unit 1 is comprised with each of the flow rate control devices 11 connected to (juxtaposedly mounted on) the manifold 2 by the joint 91 interposed between each of the flow rate control devices 11 and the manifold 2. Each of the flow rate control devices 11 can be attached to or detached from the manifold 2 by manually operating (attaching/detaching) the clip 93 without using a tool. Because there is no need to secure space to insert a tool between the adjacent flow rate control devices 11, the mounting pitch between the adjacent flow rate control devices 11 (joints 91) can be reduced to the minimum, allowing miniaturization of the flow rate control unit 1.