Binary Clamp System for Independent Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood separation technologies, such as plasmapheresis systems, face challenges in efficiently managing fluid flow and occlusion in multiple pathways, which can lead to complexities in loading tubing and system size, particularly in devices like AUTOPHERESIS-C, AMICUS, and ALYX systems.
Innovation Solution
A binary clamp system with multiple tube openings and actuators, allowing independent control of fluid flow through each tube, enabling various occlusion configurations such as open-open, closed-open, closed-closed, and open-closed states, using solenoids and linear mechanisms to restrict or allow fluid flow, thereby simplifying the loading process and reducing system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate clamping mechanisms are used to control fluid flow in different pathways, then fluid flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clamping mechanisms into a single integrated clamp assembly with multiple tube openings (first tube opening, second tube opening) that can independently control fluid flow through different tubes simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the ability to control multiple fluid pathways while reducing overall device complexity and size compared to using separate clamping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously perform multiple clamping operations on different tubes through its multiple tube openings. Each opening can independently receive and control a different tube, allowing the single clamp assembly to replace multiple separate clamping mechanisms while maintaining full fluid flow control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate clamping mechanisms are used to control fluid flow in different pathways, then fluid flow control capability is improved, but system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple clamping functions into a single compact clamp assembly structure that occupies less space than multiple separate mechanisms would require. The integrated design with multiple tube openings in one assembly reduces the overall system volume while maintaining the ability to control multiple fluid pathways independently.
3Reliability
If complex occlusion systems are used to manage multiple fluid pathways, then fluid flow management reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is segmented into multiple independent tube openings (first tube opening, second tube opening), each capable of independently controlling fluid flow through its respective tube. This segmentation allows for simplified operation where each tube can be controlled separately, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable fluid flow management through the independent control capability.
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 binary clamp system simplifies the loading of tubing, reduces system size, and ensures reliable fluid flow management by allowing multiple occlusion configurations, enhancing the efficiency and portability of fluid flow devices in blood separation and processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuator coupled to a first linear drive mechanism... The first actuator is configured to move the first linear drive mechanism and the first anvil
Implementation Method 2
The first actuator is configured to move the first linear drive mechanism and the first anvil to restrict the first tube opening and at least partially occlude the first tube opening
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping apparatus is provided for use with a fluid flow device, such as a blood separation system. The clamping apparatus includes a clamp head at least partially defining first and second tube openings each to receive tubing. The clamping apparatus also includes a first actuator coupled to a first flow control member. The first flow control member is configured to be movable via the first actuator relative to the first tube opening to control fluid flow through tubing located in the first tube opening. The clamping apparatus further includes a second actuator coupled to a second flow control member. The second flow control member is movable via the second actuator relative to the second tube opening to control fluid flow through tubing located in the second tube opening.