Apparatus and method for restricting fluid flow in a planar manifold

摘要

The present invention refers to a novel apparatus and method to restrict pneumatic flow in a planar manifold. A forming tool of specific geometry is pressed into a planar manifold causing the pneumatic channel inside to collapse onto itself in a predictable and controllable way, therefore restricting the fluid flow in the pneumatic channel. The geometry of the forming tool is provided with angles and radii so that the planar manifold is not ripped during the pressing operation. Further, the geometry limits the deformed area so that distortion of adjacent pneumatic channels, and the potential for springing leaks between layers is minimized. In a preferred embodiment, the tooling also provides flow measurement while the forming tool is pressed into the planar manifold at a specific orientation.