Integrated Valve Manifold Structure for Low-Leak Modular Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased assembly time and parts count in modular manifolds mechanically fastened to individual valves result in higher production costs and a higher likelihood of leaks and degradation.
Innovation Solution
A manifold with integrated valves, where the fluid inlet, nozzle outlet, plunger housing, collar, and mounting structure are integrally constructed, allowing for modular expansion and reduced component count, and featuring a coupling mechanism using a spring clip for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular manifolds are mechanically fastened to individual valves, then the manifold is expandable from one valve to many, but the assembly time and parts count increase resulting in higher production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve bodies directly into a single manifold structure, merging what would traditionally be separate components into one unified piece. This eliminates the need for mechanical fastening of individual valves to the manifold, reducing parts count while maintaining expandability through integrated valve configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular manifolds are mechanically fastened to individual valves, then the manifold is expandable from one valve to many, but the assembly time increases resulting in higher production costs
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating valve bodies into the manifold as a unified structure, the patent eliminates the assembly step of mechanically fastening separate valves to the manifold. The integrated design allows the manifold to be manufactured as a complete assembly, significantly reducing assembly time while preserving expandability through the integrated valve architecture
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are coupled with the manifold, then the manifold can be expanded, but the likelihood of leaks and degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates valve bodies into the manifold structure, eliminating multiple mechanical coupling interfaces that would otherwise exist between separate valves and the manifold. This unified structure removes potential leak paths at coupling points, improving reliability and leak resistance while maintaining expandability through the integrated design
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated manifold design reduces the likelihood of leaks, enhances durability, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining accurate fluid delivery and pressure control.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling mechanism may be by a spring clip
Implementation Method 2
The plunger spring may be arranged between the plunger cap and the plunger arm and urge the plunger arm to a position where the fluid inlet of the plunger seat is closed
Implementation Method 3
The integrated valve may be configured to receive pressurized air to cause the plunger arm to open a fluid inlet defined by the plunger seat
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold for use with a fluid delivery system includes a fluid inlet defining a portion of a common channel, a fluid nozzle outlet, a plunger housing of an integrated valve, a collar of a coupling mechanism, and a mounting structure. The fluid inlet, fluid nozzle outlet, plunger housing, collar and mounting structure of the manifold are integrally-constructed. A manifold assembly for use with a fluid delivery system includes at least a first and a second manifold. Each manifold includes a fluid inlet defining a portion of a common channel, a fluid nozzle outlet, a plunger housing of an integrated valve, and a collar of a coupling mechanism. The fluid inlet, fluid nozzle outlet, plunger housing, and collar are integrally-constructed, and the fluid inlet of the first manifold is received by a portion of a common channel of the second manifold.