Single-Side HVAC Manifold Layout for Confined-Space Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional HVAC manifolds with inlets and outlets on opposite sides require additional space and piping, leading to increased costs and limited placement options due to the need for connections on two sides.

Innovation Solution

A manifold design with input and output ports located on the same side, utilizing FORTRON™ 1140 L4 Polyphenylene Sulfide material and compression fittings, allowing for reduced material usage and flexible placement in confined spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If inlets and outlets are placed on opposite sides of the manifold, then the manifold can be used in traditional HVAC configurations, but the placement flexibility is limited and additional piping is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanifold placement flexibilityVSAvoidpiping configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional manifold design by placing all inlets and outlets on the same side rather than on opposite sides. This inversion allows the manifold to be installed in confined spaces with limited access, eliminates the need for piping on both sides, and simplifies the overall piping configuration while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Area of stationary object

If inlets and outlets are placed on opposite sides, then the manifold structure is traditional and simple, but additional space is required for piping connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace required for manifold installationVSAvoidplacement in confined spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges all connection ports (inlets and outlets) to a single side of the manifold body. This consolidation reduces the installation footprint by eliminating the need for space on the opposite side, allowing the manifold to be installed in confined areas, ceiling cavities, and locations with limited access while maintaining all necessary connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of substance

If traditional manifold design with opposite side connections is used, then the manifold structure is straightforward, but additional piping materials and costs are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepiping material usageVSAvoidpiping layout

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the need for opposite-side piping by consolidating all connections to one side. This eliminates the requirement for additional piping runs that would otherwise be needed to reach the opposite side of the manifold, reducing material usage and installation costs while simplifying the piping layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9335005B2Manifold

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 SIEMENS INDUSTRY INC

AI summary

A system and method for a fluid manifold with a sensor inlet and sensor outlet located on the same side of the body of the fluid manifold.