Robotized Manifold Valve Matrix for Compact Reliable Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manifold systems face challenges in installation and maintenance due to space constraints, valve actuation complexity, and the need for reliable and accessible cleaning mechanisms, particularly in industrial applications involving lubricants, greases, paints, and chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A robotized manifold system with a pipe matrix organized into layers and walls, utilizing bistable valves actuated by a single mechanical arm, allowing for compact design, easy maintenance, and efficient cleaning through a pig circulation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional valve actuation systems are used in manifold systems, then reliable valve operation is achieved, but the system occupies excessive space and becomes difficult to maintain in reduced spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve actuation functions into a single robotic arm that can service multiple valves throughout the manifold system. This consolidation eliminates the need for individual actuators at each valve location, significantly reducing the space required for actuation equipment while maintaining reliable valve operation through centralized robotic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve actuators with a robotic arm that uses controlled mechanical motion to actuate valves. This substitution allows for more compact positioning of actuation mechanisms and enables precise control of valve operation, achieving reliable performance in reduced spaces where traditional actuation systems would be too bulky.
2Reliability
If complex valve actuation systems are installed to ensure reliable operation, then valve actuation reliability is improved, but maintenance complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the valve actuation function from the valve bodies themselves and concentrates it in a separate robotic arm system. This separation allows the valves to be maintained independently of the actuation mechanism, and the robotic arm can be serviced without disturbing the valve infrastructure, thereby improving overall maintainability while ensuring reliable actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm serves as a universal actuator for multiple valves throughout the manifold system. This multi-functional design simplifies maintenance compared to having dedicated actuators for each valve, as a single robotic system can be serviced, calibrated, and repaired using standardized procedures applicable to all valves it controls.
3Ease of operation
If multiple actuators are used to actuate each valve individually, then precise valve control is achieved, but device complexity and investment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single robotic arm that can perform multiple valve actuation functions throughout the manifold system. This universal actuator achieves precise control of individual valves through programmed positioning and motion control, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated actuators and thereby reducing device complexity and investment cost while maintaining operational precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm provides dynamic valve actuation capability, allowing a single actuator to service multiple valves in sequence through programmable motion. This dynamic approach replaces static, dedicated actuators with a flexible, reconfigurable system that achieves the same control precision with fewer components, reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If traditional manifold systems are designed with accessible piping for cleaning, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but the system occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal pipe routing to vertical pipe routing in the manifold system design. This dimensional change allows cleaning pigs to access and clean pipes vertically, maintaining cleaning accessibility while enabling a more compact horizontal footprint. The vertical arrangement of pipes and valves reduces the horizontal space required for the manifold system.
Data Source
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AI summary
Robotized manifold system (1) comprising a pipe matrix (3) including a first series (5) of pipes (7) extending according to a first direction (9) and being comprised in a first layer of the pipe matrix (3) and a second series (13) of pipes (7) extending according to a second direction (15) transverse to the first direction (9) and extending in a second layer of the pipe matrix (3), said pipe matrix (3) being organized according to at least two walls (19) extending transversally to each other or at least one curved wall (19), each wall (19) comprising a portion of the first layer and the second layer; a plurality of bistable valves (21) being distributed on said at least two walls (19) or at least one curved wall (19), each bistable valve (21) including a shutter body configured to constitute a portion of a pipe (7) of the first series (5) and a portion of a pipe (7) of the second series (13) in a line position and to link said pipes (7) of the first series (5) and second series (13) in a transverse position; a robot (25) with an arm (27) configured to individually actuate each shutter body of the bistable valves (21).