Compression Valve Fluid Manifold for Dead Zone Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid manifolds in biopharmaceutical manufacturing experience reduced performance due to inefficient fluid flow near exit ports and valves, leading to stagnant fluid and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A fluid manifold design incorporating a primary channel and auxiliary channels with compression valve regions along the body, operable between open and closed positions, to restrict fluid flow and eliminate dead zones near exit ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fluid manifold designs are used, then the structure is simple, but fluid flow efficiency deteriorates near exit ports and valves creating dead zones
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple functional segments including a body portion, a valve portion with compression valve, and an exit port portion. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall flow efficiency and eliminating dead zones through proper geometric transitions between segments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces three-dimensional geometric features including a tapered transition region that connects different cross-sectional areas, and a recessed region that creates vertical dimension variations. These dimensional changes guide fluid flow smoothly through the manifold, preventing stagnation near exit ports while adding structural complexity
2Reliability
If compression valve region is added to restrict fluid flow, then contamination is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression valve is integrated directly into the manifold body structure, merging the valve function with the fluid distribution function. The valve portion becomes an inherent part of the manifold rather than a separate component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining contamination prevention capabilities through the compression valve mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The valve portion serves multiple functions: it acts as a compression valve to restrict fluid flow and prevent contamination, provides a transition region for smooth flow, and creates a recessed area that helps eliminate dead zones. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while enhancing reliability
3Productivity
If auxiliary channels are added to diverge from primary channel, then fluid distribution is improved, but dead zones are created near exit ports
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses curved and tapered geometric transitions instead of sharp angles or abrupt changes. The tapered transition region and recessed area create smooth flow paths that guide fluid evenly into auxiliary channels, preventing stagnation and dead zone formation while maintaining effective fluid distribution across multiple outlets
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 design enhances fluid flow efficiency, reduces stagnation, and prevents contamination by ensuring fluid flow is restricted when the compression valve is in the closed position, maintaining a minimal dead space.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compression valve region disposed along the body of the manifold. The at least one compression valve region may be operable between an open position and a closed position such that when in the closed position fluid flow through the manifold may be restricted
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid manifold may include a body that may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a primary manifold component extending from the proximal end of the body to the distal end of the body and enclosing a primary channel. The fluid manifold may further include at least one auxiliary manifold component diverging from the primary manifold component and enclosing an auxiliary channel connected to the primary channel at a primary channel exit port. The fluid manifold may further include at least one compression valve region disposed along the body of the manifold where the compression valve region may be operable between an open position and a closed position.