Modular Fittings for Fluid Switching Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems require custom-built components and are costly due to the need for multiple solenoid valve assemblies, which are time-consuming to produce and prone to damage, limiting flexibility and increasing expenses.
Innovation Solution
Modular fittings that can receive commercially-available solenoid valves and couple with adjacent fittings, allowing for selective aggregation to form a switching assembly with any number of fluid circuits, reducing the need for unique parts and fabrication costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-machined block assemblies are used to accommodate multiple solenoid valves, then the system can handle multiple beverage circuits, but the manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The block assembly is divided into multiple individual valve receptacles that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together. Each receptacle is a separate component that can be produced independently using injection molding, then joined to form the complete block assembly with multiple ports and valve mounting locations.
Solution Approach 2:
A single standardized receptacle design serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting location for solenoid valves, creates sealed fluid passages, and interfaces with standardized ports. This universal receptacle design can be replicated to create block assemblies for any number of beverage circuits without requiring custom machining for each configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-machined block assemblies are used, then the system can be configured for specific numbers of solenoid valves, but the production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The block assembly is divided into multiple individual valve receptacles that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together. Each receptacle is a separate component that can be produced independently using injection molding, then joined to form the complete block assembly with multiple ports and valve mounting locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows easy reconfiguration by changing the number of receptacles assembled together. Instead of machining different blocks for different configurations, the same standardized receptacle design can be assembled in varying quantities to create block assemblies for 2, 4, 6, 8, or any number of beverage circuits, simply by changing the assembly parameter rather than the manufacturing process.
3Volume of moving object
If a single block assembly accommodates all solenoid valves, then the system is compact, but any damage to the block renders the entire assembly unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The block assembly is divided into multiple individual valve receptacles that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together. Each receptacle is a separate component that can be produced independently using injection molding, then joined to form the complete block assembly with multiple ports and valve mounting locations.
Solution Approach 2:
If one receptacle or valve becomes damaged, only that specific receptacle needs to be replaced rather than the entire block assembly. The standardized receptacle design allows for easy replacement of individual components while maintaining the integrity of the remaining receptacles, thereby recovering the functionality of the overall system with minimal disruption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate solenoid valve assemblies are used, then the system is flexible in configuration, but the number of unique parts and fabrication expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual solenoid valve assemblies are merged into a single integrated block assembly structure. The standardized receptacles are combined with a common base that provides shared mounting features, sealed fluid passages, and standardized port connections, reducing the total number of unique parts while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A single standardized receptacle design serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting location for solenoid valves, creates sealed fluid passages, and interfaces with standardized ports. This universal receptacle design can be replicated to create block assemblies for any number of beverage circuits without requiring custom machining for each configuration.
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
The modular fittings provide increased flexibility and reduced costs by allowing the formation of beverage dispensing systems with any number of beverage lines, decreasing the number of unique parts and fabrication expenses while maintaining compactness and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an operator can cause a mixed beverage to be drawn from its source or sources and be delivered to a cup or a glass. The flow path in such a dispensing system typically includes one or more switching elements that use a solenoid valve to control the flow of the beverage from its source to its destination.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular fitting for use with a commercially-available fluid or pneumatic switch, such as solenoid valves. The modular fittings disclosed can be aggregated to form a resulting modular fitting assembly according to the number of fluid circuits desired. The modular fittings include one or more coupling features that provide the ability to couple adjacent modular fittings.