Modular Flow Control Manifold for High-Pressure Fluid Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control and manifold assemblies for high-pressure fluids, such as pressurized syrup canisters and soda water, are difficult to mount, maintain, and interchange, requiring manual adjustments and tool-based servicing, which complicates the handling and servicing of flow control modules without de-pressurizing the system.
Innovation Solution
A modular flow control and manifold assembly design that allows for easy mounting and interchangeability between adjuster aligned and mechanical flow control assemblies, featuring a horizontal orientation of adjuster screws for easier access, separate shutoff valves for toolless servicing, and slideable retainer slots for secure alignment and disengagement, enabling maintenance without removing high-pressure lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional flow control and manifold assembly is used, then the system can control high-pressure fluid flow, but the assembly is difficult to mount, maintain, and interchange
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly is divided into separate modular components: a manifold assembly with inlet/outlet ports, and a flow control assembly with flow control modules. These modules can be independently mounted, maintained, and interchanged through toolless coupling mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly incorporates toolless coupling mechanisms with alignment features and retainer clips that allow dynamic assembly and disassembly without tools. The coupling mechanism includes movable retainer clips that engage with slots to secure modules during operation but can be easily released for maintenance, enabling the system to transition between operational and maintenance states.
2Ease of repair
If manual adjustments are required for flow control, then flow can be controlled, but servicing requires tools and de-pressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control modules are designed with external accessible adjusters that can be modified without removing the modules from the system. The toolless coupling mechanism allows modules to be quickly detached and reattached without de-pressurizing the entire system, enabling maintenance personnel to service individual modules independently while the system remains operational or partially operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly includes pre-positioned alignment features and accessible adjusters that are oriented for easy access during normal operation. The toolless coupling mechanism is pre-configured with alignment pins and slots that guide proper installation, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during servicing.
3Ease of operation
If adjuster screws are positioned for flow control, then flow adjustment is possible, but access is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuster screws are positioned on the exterior surface of the flow control assembly rather than internally, changing the spatial dimension of access from internal to external. This allows adjusters to be accessed from the side or top of the assembly during normal operation without requiring disassembly or special tools, while the overall structural complexity remains managed through modular design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a common manifold is used for multiple flow control assemblies, then interchangeability is possible, but coupling and uncoupling is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold assembly is designed as a common interface that can couple with multiple different flow control assemblies through standardized ports and coupling mechanisms. The universal coupling design allows different flow control modules to be interchanged on the same manifold without requiring manifold modification, achieving interchangeability through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism extracts the complexity of securing modules by using spring-loaded retainer clips that automatically engage with slots when modules are brought together. The retainer clips are designed to be manually released with simple pressure, separating the complex securing function from the simple coupling action, allowing easy interchangeability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
AI summary
A device for controlled delivery of pressurized fluids from a multiplicity of pressurized fluid sources having a multiplicity of pressurized fluid lines engaged therewith to a bar gun. The device comprises a flow control assembly with a multiplicity of flow channel assemblies. Each flow channel assembly has a high pressure tube receiving port adapted to receive a fluid pressure line from a high pressure fluid source. Each flow control assembly has an on/off valve and flow control structure downstream thereof. The flow control structure may be self adjusting or mechanical control. The flow control assembly includes a housing for engaging the fluid flow channel assemblies thereon. A manifold assembly is adapted to engage the flow control assembly. The manifold assembly includes a multiplicity of connector fittings, each having an upstream and a downstream end.