Channel Selector with Roller Clamps for Medical Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices with multiple channels require complex and labor-intensive control to open and close channels, complicating the manufacturing process and increasing contamination risks during cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A channel selector system that uses inherently reversibly deformable channel sections with a movement unit and squeezing elements to simultaneously open or close channels, allowing for selective fluid flow while maintaining a simple and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If valves are used to open and close channels, then channel control is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible elastomeric tubing with inherently reversibly deformable channel sections instead of rigid valves. The elastomeric material allows the channel walls to be compressed and deformed by squeezing elements, enabling opening and closing of channels through external compression rather than internal valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the valve function from the system by using the elastomeric channel sections themselves to perform the opening/closing function through external squeezing, eliminating the need for separate valve components.
2Ease of operation
If valves are used to control channels, then channel opening and closing is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric tubing with reversible deformable sections provides a simple manufacturing solution compared to assembling multiple valve components. The squeezing elements externally compress the flexible channel sections, eliminating complex valve assembly and reducing manufacturing steps.
3Ease of operation
If traditional channel selectors are used, then channel selection is achieved, but contamination risk during cleaning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the channel selection function from the fluid path by placing squeezing elements outside the elastomeric tubing. The squeezing elements compress the channel sections from the exterior, allowing the channel selector mechanism to remain outside the liquid line and preventing contamination during cleaning processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric tubing acts as an intermediary that transmits the external squeezing force to the internal fluid flow path. The squeezing elements compress the external channel sections, which then control the internal fluid flow without the selector mechanism needing to contact the fluid.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are controlled simultaneously, then fluid distribution is achieved, but control effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple channel control functions into a single channel selector unit that can simultaneously control multiple elastomeric channel sections. The drum-shaped mover with multiple squeezing elements allows simultaneous opening and closing of multiple channels through a single rotational movement, reducing overall control effort.
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
Enables efficient and contamination-free operation by allowing selective channel opening and closing, reducing control effort and manufacturing complexity, and facilitating targeted liquid introduction and cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
a channel section that is inherently reversibly deformable to open or close the respective channel
Implementation Method 2
the squeezing elements of the movement unit squeeze radially from the inside and/or from the outside onto the deformable duct wall sections
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Channel selector (1) comprises a moving unit (4) with squeezing elements (5) for simultaneously squeezing a number of channel wall sections (3b) and for opening or closing related channels. Preferred Features: The moving unit has a drum shape or is linear. The channel wall sections are formed as silicone tubes. The squeezing elements are uniformly distributed over the periphery of the moving unit.