Modular Manifold Flow Paths for Flexible High-Volume Water Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firefighting and water supply systems face challenges in flexibility and mobility due to heavy, large-diameter manifolds that require significant labor and space for transportation and connection, especially in disaster scenarios where rapid reconfiguration of water supply paths is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A modular manifold system comprising detachable units with hollow tube bodies and multiple tube stubs, each equipped with connection fittings that can be connected in various configurations to form flexible flow paths, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly to adapt to different situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a manifold with large-diameter tube stubs is used to supply greater amounts of water, then the water supply capacity is improved, but the weight and labor required for transportation and connection increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system is divided into multiple detachable units, each with smaller-diameter tube stubs. These units can be connected in parallel to achieve the required water supply capacity without requiring a single heavy large-diameter manifold. Each unit weighs less and is easier to transport and handle individually.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single large-diameter connection, the system uses multiple smaller-diameter tube stubs connected in parallel. This changes the parameter from a single large flow path to multiple smaller flow paths, achieving equivalent or greater total water supply capacity while reducing the weight and complexity of each individual component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manifold with multiple tube stubs is used to increase water discharge points, then the water supply flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and space required for disposal increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into multiple detachable units, each containing a manageable number of tube stubs. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual unit while maintaining overall system flexibility. Units can be easily reconfigured by connecting or disconnecting them, avoiding the need for complex fixed-structure manifolds with many stubs.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold system transitions from a static, fixed-structure design to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Detachable connection fittings allow the manifold to be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured to adapt to different water supply scenarios, reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If a heavy manifold is used to ensure structural strength for high-pressure water supply, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy manifold is segmented into multiple lighter units that can be easily transported and handled. Each unit is designed to withstand high pressure individually, and when connected, they maintain the required structural strength for reliable high-pressure water supply while significantly improving mobility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lighter units are merged through detachable connection fittings to form a complete manifold system that achieves the required structural strength for high-pressure supply. This merging approach allows the system to maintain reliability while improving ease of operation, as the units can be assembled and disassembled without requiring heavy lifting equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a manifold includes a plurality of units disposed in a liquid flow channel including a hose. The unit includes a hollow tube body, three or more tube stubs communicating the inside of the tube body, and a connection fitting provided with each of the tube stubs and detachably connected to a connection target of same shape. The manifold forms a flow path communicating the tube stubs of the units while the units are detachably connected together with the connection fittings.