Modular Manifold Units for Flexible Water Supply Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In firefighting and other water supply scenarios, existing manifolds are cumbersome and difficult to transport and connect, especially in situations where space is limited and flexible water supply paths are needed, hindering effective water distribution.
Innovation Solution
A modular manifold system comprising detachable units with rotation mechanisms and connection fittings of varying diameters, allowing for flexible assembly and disassembly to form desired flow paths without the need for large, heavy manifolds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a manifold with large diameter tube stubs is used to supply greater amount of water, then the water supply capacity is improved, but the weight and labor required for transportation and connection increase
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 large-diameter manifold, thereby reducing the weight of each individual unit and facilitating easier transportation and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the diameter of tube stubs in a single manifold, the invention transitions to a multi-unit configuration where multiple smaller-diameter units are arranged in a dimensional expansion (parallel arrangement). This allows the system to achieve equivalent or greater water supply capacity through increased number of units rather than increased size of individual components.
2Ease of manufacture
If a manifold with fixed configuration is used, then the manufacturing and initial setup are simplified, but the adaptability to changing firefighting situations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Detachable connection fittings allow the manifold to be disassembled, reconfigured, and reassembled in different arrangements according to the specific requirements of firefighting situations, enabling both ease of manufacture (through standardized units) and high adaptability (through flexible configuration).
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the manifold into detachable units with standardized connection interfaces, the system achieves both manufacturing simplicity (standardized components) and operational flexibility (reconfigurable arrangements). Each unit can be manufactured independently using the same design, and then assembled in various configurations to suit different spatial and functional requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If a large number of tube stubs are integrated into a single manifold, then the number of connection points is increased, but the space required to dispose the manifold is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system is segmented into multiple smaller units, each with a limited number of tube stubs. These units can be connected in series or parallel configurations to achieve the required total number of connection points. This segmentation allows the system to provide numerous connection points while maintaining a compact overall footprint, as the units can be arranged in space-efficient configurations rather than requiring a single large-diameter manifold with all stubs radiating from one location.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of expanding the manifold in a single plane to accommodate numerous tube stubs, the invention utilizes three-dimensional arrangement of multiple detachable units. This allows connection points to be distributed across multiple levels and orientations, increasing the effective number of connection points without proportionally increasing the ground area occupied by the system.
4Quantity of substance
If a heavy manifold is used to provide sufficient tube stubs for connection, then the number of connection points is adequate, but the ease of transportation and assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system is divided into multiple lighter-weight detachable units, each with a manageable number of tube stubs. This segmentation reduces the weight of individual components that need to be transported and handled, while the total number of tube stubs across all units remains sufficient for the required connections. The lighter units can be more easily transported with standard equipment and assembled by fewer personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, heavy monolithic manifold to a dynamic, modular configuration of lighter units. This allows the manifold to be transported in smaller, more manageable segments and assembled on-site as needed, significantly improving ease of operation during transportation and assembly while maintaining the required number of connection points through the combined capacity of multiple units.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
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.