Heating/cooling system manifold

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating/cooling system manifolds face challenges in mounting and sealing due to the rotational connection of tubular metal elements, which can damage O-rings and complicate fluid flow control.

Innovation Solution

A heating/cooling system manifold with a sleeve and fixing means forming a closed ring around the sleeve, allowing for translational movement of functional parts to control fluid flow, using a threaded connection that translates rotational movement into linear adjustment, and incorporating sealing rings and high-pitch threads for precise control and easy assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If tubular metal elements are connected by threaded connection, then the fixing means can be assembled, but the O-rings used for sealing between the parts and the sleeve are damaged due to rotation against each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly of fixing meansVSAvoidsealing integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing means is divided into two separate tubular metal elements that are inserted into opposing openings in the sleeve from opposite sides. These elements form a closed ring when connected, but the segmentation allows each element to be independently positioned and connected without relative rotation, thus protecting the O-rings from damage while maintaining assembly capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

O-rings are introduced as intermediary sealing elements between the tubular metal elements and the sleeve. These O-rings provide the necessary sealing function without requiring rotational movement during assembly, as the elements are connected in a manner that avoids relative rotation between the tubular elements themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If functional parts are fixed in position, then the connection is stable, but fluid flow control is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidfluid flow control
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The functional parts are designed to be movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, enabling dynamic adjustment of fluid flow characteristics. The threaded connection between functional parts allows controlled translation (linear movement) when one part is rotated, providing adaptability for flow control while maintaining connection stability through the threaded engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the first functional part is held unrotatably and the second functional part is rotatably mounted, then precise linear adjustment is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment precisionVSAvoidmounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs differential constraints where the first functional part is held unrotatably (preventing rotation) while the second functional part is rotatably mounted (allowing rotation). The threaded connection between them converts the rotational movement of the second part into precise linear adjustment of the first part's position, achieving high positioning precision through a relatively simple mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded connection mechanism substitutes for more complex positioning systems by using the well-understood screw mechanism to convert rotational input into precise linear output. This replaces the need for complex mechanical positioning devices with a simple, reliable threaded engagement that provides fine adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design enhances the stability and sealing of the manifold, simplifies the mounting process, and allows for precise control of fluid flow, reducing the risk of O-ring damage and improving the overall efficiency of the heating/cooling system.

Implementation Method 1

the first functional part and the second functional part are connected by means of a threaded connection. When the second functional part is rotated, this rotating movement is translated in a translatory movement of the first part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4242524B1Heating/cooling system manifold
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 DANFOSS AS
  • EP4242524B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4242524B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4242524B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

A heating/cooling system manifold (1) is described, the manifold (1) comprising a sleeve (2) having two openings (3, 4) in a wall and fixing means (5) having a connection geometry (6, 29, 30) Mounting of a manifold for a heating/cooling system should be facilitated. To this end, presetting means (116) of the system are mounted to the sleeve (2) by means of the fixing means (5), the fixing means comprising at least two parts (7, 8) which are connected, wherein a functional part (17) of the presetting means (116) is mounted movably to the fixing means (5).