Modular Fluid Manifold Reconfiguration Without Seal Breakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manifold configurations for distributing or collecting fluids, such as heat transfer liquids, require complete disassembly and purging of the fluid system to modify their configuration, which is time-consuming and economically disadvantageous, especially in applications where adjustments are needed during operation.
Innovation Solution
A manifold design featuring a stack of tubular modules with a tie rod that can be fixed in rotation and translation, allowing for partial loosening of the nut to adjust module positions without breaking the seal, enabling configuration modifications without purging the fluid system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the manifold configuration is modified by complete disassembly, then the modules can be repositioned, but the fluid system must be purged which is time-consuming and economically disadvantageous
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into modular sections that can be independently adjusted. The tie rod assembly acts as a separate adjustable component that can be modified without disassembling the entire manifold structure, allowing configuration changes while maintaining system integrity and avoiding purging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie rod assembly incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism with a movable nut that can be repositioned along the tie rod. This allows the manifold configuration to be changed dynamically during operation by simply moving the nut to different positions, eliminating the need for complete disassembly and purging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tie rod is completely disassembled to reposition modules, then configuration changes are possible, but the seal between modules may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into the tie rod, nut, and module components. This segmentation allows the nut to be independently repositioned along the tie rod without separating the modules from each other, thereby maintaining the seal integrity while enabling configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut acts as an intermediary element between the tie rod and the modules. By moving the nut along the tie rod, the modules can be repositioned indirectly without direct disassembly of the module connections, thus preserving the seal while achieving reconfiguration.
3Ease of operation
If the nut is loosened completely to adjust module positions, then reconfiguration is possible, but the seal between adjacent modules is broken
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is designed to be movable along the tie rod rather than requiring complete loosening. This dynamic positioning system allows the nut to be shifted to different locations to adjust module positions while maintaining continuous contact and seal integrity throughout the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of completely loosening the nut, only partial movement along the tie rod is required to achieve the desired module positioning. This partial action approach maintains sufficient clamping force to preserve the seal while enabling the necessary configuration adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
This manifold (10) comprises a stack formed by at least several tubular modules (12) and a first support, at least one compression tie (14) for the stack, in a configuration where central internal volumes (V12) of the different modules are in communication, with a watertight covering of adjacent parts (12, 28) of the stack, and where the relative position of two adjacent modules is fixed. The tie (14) can be fixed, in rotation about its longitudinal axis (X14) and in translation parallel to this axis, with respect to the first support. The tie (14) is equipped with a clamping nut (26) which, in the tightened position, exerts a compressive force (E2) on the stack of modules (12) and on the first support.A stop (288), suitable for being fixed axially with respect to the first support, and suitable for receiving a surface (264A) of the clamping nut (26) when the latter is actuated in the loosening direction, is disposed, with respect to the surface (264A) of the clamping nut in the tightened position, at an axial distance (d1) less than the smallest of the lengths (L1, L8) of watertight overlap of two adjacent pieces (12, 28) of the stack.