Water Dispenser Manifold Layout for Higher Capacity in Limited Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water dispensers face limitations in increasing the volume of water storage without expanding the dispenser's physical size, due to constraints from components like water tubes and electrical circuitry.

Innovation Solution

A manifold device is integrated into the water dispenser, comprising a hot and cold water inlet, outlets, and a passage mechanism controlled by activation levers, solenoids, and gaskets to manage the flow of hot and cold water efficiently, allowing for increased water capacity within the same physical dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the dispenser's volume is increased to store more water, then the amount of water available increases, but the dispenser's physical size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of waterVSAvoiddispenser size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold device integrates multiple water passages and storage chambers within a compact structure, nesting functional elements inside each other to maximize water capacity within limited dispenser volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional arrangement of water tanks and passages, transitioning from horizontal expansion to vertical stacking to increase water capacity without increasing footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If separate water tubes are used for hot and cold water, then temperature control is achieved, but the space for water storage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehot and cold water controlVSAvoidwater storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold device merges hot and cold water passages into a single integrated structure with shared walls and common outlets, reducing the total volume occupied by separate tube systems while maintaining temperature separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support, a water distribution network, and a space-efficient container for both hot and cold water passages within a unified component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 manifold device enhances the water dispenser's capacity by effectively managing the flow and distribution of hot and cold water, enabling more water storage without increasing the dispenser's size.

Implementation Method 1

the manifold device comprises a cold water solenoid and a hot water solenoid configured to pump water from water tubes connected to the hot water tank and the cold water tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS20260008662A1Water dispenser with a manifold device

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 SHMUEL EFRAIM

AI summary

A water dispenser, comprising a hot water tank and a cold water tank; a water outlet configured to output water; activation interface, and a manifold device. The manifold device comprising a hot water inlet configured to receive hot water from a hot water tube; a cold water inlet configured to receive cold water from a cold water tube; a manifold outlet coupled to the water outlet; a passage mechanism for controlling a flow of water from the manifold device towards the water outlet.