Segmented Waterproof Covers for Manifold Electromagnetic Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waterproof manifold electromagnetic valves face strength degradation and distortion issues when using large-sized covers to cover multiple valves, necessitating reinforcing ribs to maintain strength.

Innovation Solution

The use of multiple small-sized waterproof covers, each covering two or three electromagnetic valves, with a thin and long shape that curves outward and is symmetrically attached to the manifold at two positions, eliminating the need for a large-sized cover and reinforcing ribs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a large-sized waterproof cover is used to cover multiple electromagnetic valves, then the coverage area is increased, but the strength of the waterproof cover is reduced and it may be distorted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage area of waterproof coverVSAvoidstrength of waterproof cover
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single large waterproof cover into multiple separate small-sized waterproof covers, each covering a specific electromagnetic valve or group of valves. This segmentation allows each cover to maintain sufficient strength while collectively providing complete coverage of all electromagnetic valves on the manifold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If a large-sized waterproof cover is used to cover multiple electromagnetic valves, then the coverage area is increased, but the waterproof cover may be distorted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage area of waterproof coverVSAvoiddistortion of waterproof cover
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the cover system into multiple small covers, each cover maintains a compact shape that resists distortion under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions during cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each small waterproof cover is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its position on the manifold, allowing better adaptation to local geometric constraints and resistance to distortion in high-pressure environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If multiple small-sized waterproof covers are used to cover electromagnetic valves, then the strength of each cover is maintained, but the number of covers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength of waterproof coverVSAvoidnumber of waterproof covers
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation to divide the cover system into multiple small covers, each maintaining strength while collectively covering all valves. The number of covers is optimized based on the specific configuration of electromagnetic valves on the manifold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The small waterproof covers are designed as universal components that can be applied to different positions on the manifold, reducing the overall complexity by using standardized parts rather than custom-designed large covers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3587879B1Waterproof manifold electromagnetic valves
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 SMC CORP
  • EP3587879B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3587879B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3587879B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

[Object] To solve problems that occur in use of a large-sized waterproof cover by using multiple small-sized waterproof covers to cover all of a large quantity of electromagnetic valves mounted on a manifold. [Solution] A manifold 10 includes multiple first valve mount portions 20A, on each of which three electromagnetic valves 50 are arranged side by side, or a plurality of second valve mount portions 20B, on each of which two electromagnetic valves 50 are arranged side by side, or includes at least one of the first valve mount portions 20A and at least one of the second valve mount portions 20B. Waterproof covers 70A and/or 70B are attached to the valve mount portions 20A and/or 20B of the manifold 10 to each cover the three or two electromagnetic valves 50 mounted on the valve mount portion 20A or 20B. Thus, a waterproof manifold electromagnetic valve is formed.