Modular Pressurized Gas Manifold for Easier Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressurized gas distribution and regulation systems for gaseous hydrogen in fuel cell applications are complex, heterogeneous, and difficult to maintain due to their assembly of components from different manufacturers, requiring numerous fittings and welds, which complicates maintenance and reveals proprietary knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A modular pressurized gas distribution and regulation kit with standardized modules and interchangeable components, allowing for customizable configurations and easy maintenance, featuring a main body with internal chambers for various gas regulation devices and interchangeable adjustment systems, ensuring compactness, reliability, and safety while protecting proprietary architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional distribution and regulation systems are assembled from heterogeneous components of different manufacturers, then functional requirements can be met, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates due to numerous fittings, welds and supports required
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into standardized modules that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each module contains specific distribution or regulation devices, allowing the complex system to be broken down into manageable, standardized units that reduce overall assembly complexity while maintaining functional requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized modules are designed to be universal and interchangeable, capable of performing multiple functions depending on configuration. This universality reduces the need for manufacturer-specific custom components, thereby reducing device complexity while meeting diverse functional requirements through standardized interfaces and designs
2Reliability
If heterogeneous components from different manufacturers are used, then specific functions can be achieved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to disparity of distribution or regulation devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments repair tasks into module-level operations. Since modules are standardized and self-contained, repairs can be performed at the module level without affecting the entire system, and standardized components within modules make replacement and maintenance easier compared to heterogeneous assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized modules use homogeneous designs and components within each module, making maintenance procedures consistent across the system. This homogeneity allows technicians to develop standardized repair protocols and reduces the need to learn multiple manufacturer-specific maintenance procedures, thereby improving ease of repair
3Reliability
If numerous fittings, welds and supports are required for assembly, then system functionality is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to complicated maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into standardized modules, the number of fittings, welds and supports required for overall assembly is reduced. Modules can be pre-assembled and tested independently, then quickly integrated into the final system, significantly reducing assembly time and maintenance operations while maintaining full system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple distribution or regulation devices are merged into integrated standardized modules. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate components, fittings and connections required in the system, thereby reducing assembly complexity and maintenance operations while preserving all necessary functional capabilities
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A module (1) comprising a parallelepiped main body (10) having four lateral faces (11, 12) extending between a top face (13) and a bottom face (14), in which an inner chamber (2) is provided in the main body, opening in the top and bottom faces in order to receive, on the inside, a distribution or regulation device, this inner chamber comprising, consecutively, a top bore, an intermediate bore that has a smaller diameter than the top bore, and a bottom bore that has a smaller diameter than the intermediate bore, and in which a plate (15) is provided on each lateral face for attachment to a plate of a similar adjacent module, this plate having peripheral holes (17) used for the passage of attachment screws and a central blind hole (18) suitable for guiding a drill hole opening in the top bore or in the intermediate bore.