Monolithic Fluidic Structure With Embedded Modular Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of angled fluidic passages in monolithic structures for integrating modular surface mount (MSM) fluidic components is costly and reduces fluid conductance, as it requires complex and expensive machining to achieve smooth surface finishes and proper sealing, often compromising the diameter of fluidic passages and leading to reduced conductance.
Innovation Solution
A system where modular fluidic inserts are embedded in slots within the monolithic structure, allowing MSM components to be directly mounted with minimal depth penetration, eliminating the need for angled machining and ensuring maximum conductance by maintaining standard fluidic passage diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If angled fluidic passages are used to integrate MSM components in monolithic structures, then sealing and component integration are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and fluid conductance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the monolithic structure into separate functional components: the monolithic body and modular MSM components. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently using optimal processes, avoiding the need for complex angled machining while maintaining reliable sealing through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediate connection structures (flanges, adapters, or interface components) that mediate between the monolithic structure and MSM components. These intermediaries provide standardized sealing surfaces and fluid passages, eliminating the need for angled machining directly in the monolithic structure while ensuring reliable fluid-tight connections.
2Ease of operation
If angled fluidic passages are used for MSM component integration, then component mounting is improved, but fluid passage diameter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from angled three-dimensional passages to orthogonal or planar fluid paths. By using intermediate components with standard perpendicular connections, the fluid passages maintain full diameter without the conductance reduction caused by angled machining, while still achieving proper component mounting through standardized interfaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex angled machining is used to achieve smooth surface finishes in monolithic structures, then sealing surface quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex sealing surface requirements from the monolithic structure itself and places them on separate, dedicated sealing components or intermediate adapters. This allows the monolithic structure to use simpler machining while the sealing quality is maintained through precision-machined intermediate components designed specifically for sealing applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular insert and monolithic structure is disclosed where the inserts are embedded in a slot in the monolithic structure to allow MSM components to be mounted directly to the planar surface of the monolithic structure.