Automatic fluid delivery systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic water systems for laboratory animals are costly, require frequent maintenance, and are prone to failures that can endanger the animals and compromise studies due to issues like biofilm growth, mineral deposits, and jamming from bedding material, leading to water leaks and flooding.
Innovation Solution
An automatic fluid delivery system using replaceable injection molded plastic valve assemblies with a spring-biased design and a quick disconnect element, integrated with a micron-level filter and stainless steel components for durability and ease of replacement, which minimizes the need for traditional stainless steel parts and reduces maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional stainless steel valve assemblies are used in automatic water systems, then durability and resistance to corrosion are improved, but cost increases and maintenance frequency increases due to biofilm growth and mineral deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by designing valve assemblies that are intentionally made less durable but easily replaceable. The valve assembly includes a valve body, valve stem, and seal that can be quickly swapped out without complex disassembly. This resolves the contradiction by accepting reduced individual component lifespan in exchange for dramatically reduced maintenance complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct replaceable components: valve body, valve stem, seal, and spring. This segmentation allows the entire assembly to be replaced as a single unit or individual components to be replaced selectively, resolving the maintenance frequency issue by making repair simple and modular while maintaining corrosion resistance in the permanent portions.
2Strength
If traditional stainless steel valve assemblies are used, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases and replacement cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into discrete segments (valve body, valve stem, seal, spring) that can be independently replaced. The valve stem features external threading that simplifies replacement to a basic screw-out/screw-in operation, dramatically reducing replacement complexity while maintaining structural strength through proper material selection in critical load-bearing areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to be easily replaced by end-users without requiring specialized tools or technical expertise. The simple threaded connection and modular design enable facility personnel to perform replacements themselves, reducing device complexity from the user perspective while maintaining structural integrity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If valve assemblies are made more durable with traditional materials, then service life is extended, but cost increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed as a low-cost, short-life component intended for periodic replacement rather than long-term service. This resolves the contradiction by making the component inexpensive enough that replacement is simpler and cheaper than maintenance, while the simple design minimizes maintenance requirements. The valve body can be made of durable material for the permanent portion while the replaceable valve stem uses simpler, less durable materials.
4Reliability
If complex valve mechanisms are used to prevent jamming, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex anti-jamming mechanisms from the valve design and replaces them with a simple, open valve stem configuration. The valve stem features external threading and lacks internal moving parts that could jam. This resolves the contradiction by achieving reliability through simplicity rather than complexity, eliminating the very mechanisms that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complex mechanisms to prevent jamming, the design inverts the approach by using a deliberately simple, open structure that resists jamming through its lack of complexity. The external threading and minimal internal components create a valve that is inherently resistant to bedding material jamming without requiring additional anti-jamming features.
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 system provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution that reduces the risk of water leaks and flooding, enhances animal safety, and extends the service life of the components, while being autoclaveable and resistant to chemical corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, an interior stem, and a second sealing element disposed within the valve body and the end cap and in the fluid channel to open and close the valve assembly
Implementation Method 2
integrated with a micron-level filter
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the automatic water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.