Chromatography Valve Assembly for Fast Airtight Cassette Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing the valve cassette block to the control block in BioSMB systems are time-consuming and complex, requiring calibrated torque wrenches or hydraulic cylinders, which increase installation time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly design featuring a valve unit with protrusions and fastener-engaging components, a valve control block with pins, and a thrust plate with corresponding protrusions and apertures, allowing for airtight connection using fasteners to reduce engagement distance and facilitate relative motion, enabling quick and cost-effective assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screw and washer tightening method is used to secure the valve cassette block to the control block, then a secure connection is achieved, but the installation time increases significantly (about 45 minutes) and requires calibrated torque wrenches
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: the valve cassette block with integrated fastener-engaging components, the control block with corresponding pins and apertures, and the thrust plate with protrusions. This segmentation allows for pre-assembled modules that can be quickly connected without complex tightening procedures, reducing installation time while maintaining connection security through the engineered engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust plate acts as an intermediary component between the valve cassette block and the control block. It translates the engagement of fasteners into precise positioning and secure connection forces. The thrust plate's protrusions engage with corresponding features on the valve cassette block, mediating the connection process to achieve reliable attachment without requiring time-consuming torque sequencing.
2Reliability
If a swivel door with hydraulic cylinders is used to secure the valve cassette block, then sealing pressure is achieved, but the device complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The complex hydraulic cylinder system and swivel door mechanism are extracted and replaced with a simplified fastening system. The essential function of applying sealing pressure is achieved through the thrust plate's mechanical engagement with the valve cassette block's fastener-engaging components. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complexity while retaining the core sealing function through direct mechanical contact and controlled compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable valve cassette block design that can be replaced after each use, eliminating the need for complex, expensive sealing mechanisms. The fastener-engaging components are integrated into the disposable cassette block, providing adequate sealing pressure for single-use applications without requiring permanent, complex sealing systems. This approach trades the reusability of complex mechanisms for the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of disposable components.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided that comprisesat least one valve unit (20, 30) comprising a plurality of valves (25), the at least one valve unit (20, 30) having a plurality of valve unit protrusions (32) extending in a first direction and at least one valve unit fastener-engaging component (36);a valve control block (10) configured to open and close the plurality of valves (25), the valve control block (10) comprising a plurality of pins (15) extending in the first direction (A); andat least one thrust plate (40) comprising a plurality of thrust plate protrusions (42), a plurality of thrust plate apertures (44) configured to receive the plurality of pins (15) and at least one thrust plate fastener-engaging component (46).