Integrated Sprayer Manifold Assembly for Leak-Safe Pump Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated sprayer devices for bath and shower enclosures are complex and costly due to the need for numerous parts and assembly, which increases manufacturing and labor costs and complicates quality control, especially when incorporating a motor or pumping apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A manifold assembly with a housing that integrates a fluid inlet and outlet, a motor, and a pump, along with an air inlet and outlet, providing a centralized unitary structure that reduces the number of parts and assembly complexity, while incorporating a drainage passage to manage fluid accumulation, and using gaskets and various coupling methods to ensure a leak-free seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If numerous separate parts are used to accommodate motor and pump components, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing costs and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor housing and pump housing into a single integrated manifold assembly. The motor is positioned within the manifold housing, and the pump is coupled to the manifold, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and multiple connection points. This merging of components directly reduces assembly complexity while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the housing for the motor, provides the pump housing, contains fluid passages, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the automated sprayer system, thereby reducing assembly complexity without compromising functional requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous separate parts are used to accommodate motor and pump components, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of motor and pump housings into a single manifold assembly reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation typically reduces manufacturing costs through economies of scale and reduced tooling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating components, the design allows for modular assembly where the motor and pump can be separately manufactured and then coupled to the manifold. This segmentation enables specialized manufacturing processes for each component while still achieving cost savings through the integrated final assembly.
3Ease of operation
If multiple connections and joints are used, then component mounting is achieved, but leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated manifold design eliminates multiple external connections and joints between separate motor and pump housings. By combining these into a single housing structure, the number of potential leakage points is reduced, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of component mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate connections and joints from the system. By directly coupling the motor to the manifold and the pump to the manifold with minimized interface points, the potential pathways for leakage are removed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are manifold assemblies (12) for use in automated sprayers (10). The manifold assemblies (12) provide passageways (112) for cleaning fluid, venting air (114) if venting is needed, and drainage fluid (116). They also provide a mount (98) for a motor (52) and a pump chamber (78). There are also check valves (120, 129, 133) retained in the manifold assemblies (12) to ensure that the flows are in the proper direction.