Modular Technopolymer Manifold for Thermoregulation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermohydraulic systems with metal manifolds face issues such as corrosion, galvanic corrosion, and inflexibility in configuration, leading to potential system damage and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A modular distribution manifold made of technopolymer, featuring interchangeable connectors and assembled from box-like modular elements, allowing for easy customization and adaptation during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal manifolds (steel or iron) are used, then structural strength and durability are improved, but corrosion and galvanic corrosion occur leading to system damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining technopolymer (polymer matrix) with fiberglass reinforcement (glass fibers embedded in the polymer). This composite structure provides both the corrosion resistance of polymer materials and the structural strength equivalent to metal manifolds, effectively resolving the contradiction between strength and corrosion resistance.
2Ease of manufacture
If pre-established configuration manifolds are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different installation needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together. Each module contains standardized connection points, allowing the system to be configured in different arrangements (horizontal, vertical, varying lengths) to meet diverse installation requirements while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized module production.
3Strength
If metal manifolds are used, then structural integrity is improved, but cost and installation flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The technopolymer composite material provides sufficient structural integrity for thermoregulation system applications while being significantly less expensive than metal alternatives. The fiberglass reinforcement within the polymer matrix ensures the manifold can withstand system pressures and thermal stresses, eliminating the need for costly metal materials.
4Strength
If metal manifolds are used, then structural strength is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to matter release from corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The technopolymer composite material is inherently resistant to corrosion and does not release rust particles or undergo galvanic corrosion when in contact with the heat transfer fluid. This eliminates the reliability issues associated with metal degradation while maintaining the necessary structural strength through the fiberglass-reinforced polymer construction.
Data Source
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AI summary
Distribution manifold for one or more circulation groups in a thermoregulation system with heat transfer fluid, which system comprises at least one primary hydraulic circuit connected to at least one heat source and at least one secondary hydraulic circuit connected to at least one utility. The manifold comprises two watertight chambers (1) for the collection of the heat transfer fluid, of which a delivery chamber (10) for the collection of the heat transfer fluid being delivered from the primary circuit and a return chamber (11) for the collection of the heat transfer fluid returning to the primary circuit, and a plurality of connectors (2) configured to connect the delivery and return branches of said primary circuit respectively to the delivery chamber (10) and to the return chamber (11) and the delivery and return branches of said secondary circuits respectively to the delivery chamber (10) and to the return chamber (11) by means of said circulation groups. The manifold comprises a plurality of modular elements (3) which can be assembled together by fixing means (4).