Configurable Biopharmaceutical Device for High-Pressure Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopharmaceutical device arrangements face challenges in flexibility, error susceptibility during connection, pressure resistance, and drainability, particularly when handling complex hose connections and specific process volumes.
Innovation Solution
A configurable device with a solid body featuring predefined pipe sections and plug-in locations, allowing for customizable functional elements that ensure pressure stability, flexibility, and improved drainability, enabling high-pressure operations and adaptable configurations for various process requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hose lines are used for connections, then flexibility and ease of installation are improved, but pressure resistance and system reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection functions and piping structures into a single integrated solid body. The body contains multiple pipe sections and connection locations formed directly within the molded structure, eliminating the need for separate hose lines and connectors. This integration maintains ease of installation through modular design while significantly improving pressure resistance by using a rigid, monolithic structure that can withstand high pressures without the weaknesses of conventional hose connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex hose connections are used to achieve versatile configurations, then adaptability is improved, but error susceptibility and operation complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The solid body is designed with multiple connection locations and pipe sections that can be configured for different unit operations. The same basic body structure serves multiple functions through selective connection of process components at various locations. This universal design provides adaptability for different applications while simplifying operations, as the modular connection system reduces complexity compared to custom hose arrangements for each configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional process setups are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but pressure stability and system safety worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a disposable single-use system manufactured using injection molding techniques. This approach maintains ease of manufacture through efficient plastic molding processes while achieving superior pressure stability. The solid body structure, molded as a single piece or pre-assembled module, provides inherent pressure resistance and system safety that conventional assembled hose systems cannot match, while remaining cost-effective for single-use applications.
4Manufacturing precision
If standardized device arrangements are used for specific process steps, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability and versatility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a segmented modular architecture where the solid body is divided into distinct functional sections with standardized connection points. Each module can be manufactured with high precision using standardized molding tools, ensuring manufacturing consistency. Meanwhile, the modular segments can be selectively connected and configured for different process steps, providing adaptability and versatility without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable device for the flexible provision of connections and/or functions in a biopharmaceutical process includes a body in which predefined pipe sections and plug-in locations are formed by recesses in the material of the body. The configurable device further includes a plurality of functional elements which are adapted to be inserted into the plug-in locations.