Biomimetic Valve Block Assembly for Leak-Safe Single-Use Flow Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve block bodies in high-purity environments, such as pharmaceutical and biotechnological processing, are often constructed from multiple assembled parts, leading to manufacturing complexities, potential leakage paths, and structural weaknesses, necessitating a robust, single-use solution with optimized material use and compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic valve block body with a biomimetic structure inspired by natural forms, featuring variable density and hierarchical support structures, optimized for local mechanical requirements, manufactured using additive production methods, ensuring efficient material distribution and mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valve block bodies are constructed from multiple assembled parts, then manufacturing flexibility and adaptability are improved, but structural strength, reliability, and potential leakage paths worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple assembled parts into a single monolithic valve block body constructed from polymeric material. This integration eliminates the interfaces between separate components, removing potential leakage paths and improving structural reliability while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through additive production methods.
2Strength
If solid material valve blocks are used, then mechanical strength and structural stability are improved, but material usage and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the density of the polymeric material throughout the valve block body. Different regions have different material densities optimized for their specific functional requirements - higher density in load-bearing areas and lower density in non-critical regions - thereby maintaining necessary mechanical strength while minimizing overall material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of material density from uniform (solid block) to variable (graded density). This parameter change allows optimization of material distribution, achieving the required mechanical strength in critical areas while reducing material consumption in less demanding areas, thus lowering environmental impact.
3Reliability
If monolithic structure is used, then leakage paths and assembly complexity are reduced, but manufacturing complexity for high-purity environments worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly processes with additive manufacturing technology. This substitution enables the creation of a monolithic structure that eliminates leakage paths while simplifying manufacturing - the valve block body is built layer by layer directly from digital models, reducing assembly complexity and improving suitability for high-purity environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve block body includes a monolithic main body formed by additive manufacturing and comprising a plurality of base portions with valve seats accessible via seat openings, a plurality of fastening portions, a plurality of process fluid connections, and a plurality of tubular walls defining internal fluid channels. A biomimetic structure connects the base portions, fastening portions, and tubular walls, and includes features such as variable density, hierarchical branching, and alignment along primary force paths to optimize strength and reduce material usage. The structure can include clamping force transmission portions and tubular support portions. Valve diaphragms can be provided to close the seat openings. The main body can further include a plate-shaped support contour and an outer housing. A fitting assembly includes the valve block body and a drive carrier with valve actuators and movable clamping elements for securing the valve block body during operation.