Segmented Manifold Assembly for Faster, Lower-Waste Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-piece manifold manufacturing is time-consuming and generates significant waste, increasing overall production costs.
Innovation Solution
A manifold design comprising a flow-splitting tube with externally-connected tubes and covers, allowing for separate manufacturing of simpler structural members, reducing complexity and duration of the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece manifold is manufactured by a cutting process, then the manifold structure is complete and functional, but the manufacturing time is long and waste is large
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple separate pieces (first manifold piece and second manifold piece) that are manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows each piece to be manufactured more quickly using simpler processes, while the final assembled structure maintains the complete manifold functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece manifold is manufactured by a cutting process, then the manifold structure is complete and functional, but the amount of waste produced is large
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple separate pieces that are manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows each piece to be manufactured more efficiently with less material waste, while the final assembled structure maintains the complete manifold functionality.
3Productivity
If the manifold structure is split into multiple members, then the manufacturing time and waste are reduced, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple separate pieces with simplified individual structures that are manufactured quickly and then assembled using straightforward connection methods, balancing manufacturing efficiency with assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple separately manufactured manifold pieces are combined through assembly to form the complete functional manifold structure, achieving both manufacturing efficiency and structural integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Manifold comprises flow-splitting tube, two externally-connected tubes, and two covers. Flow-splitting tube has two flow paths which are not connected to each other, multiple flow-splitting ports and multiple confluence ports. The flow-splitting ports are connected to one flow path. The confluence ports are connected to the other flow path. The first externally-connected tube has a first externally-connected flow path connected to one flow path. The second externally-connected tube has a second externally-connected flow path connected to the other flow path. The first externally-connected tube and the second externally-connected tube are respectively fitted to two opposite sides of the flow-splitting tube. One cover is arranged at one side of the first externally-connected tube, and forms the first externally-connected flow path together with the first externally-connected tube. Another cover is arranged at one side of the second externally-connected tube, and forms the second externally-connected flow path together with the second externally-connected tube.