Distributor Assembly With Integrated Locking for Modular Separation Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional separation units in bioprocessing require extensive space, are cumbersome, and suffer from undesirable backmixing and low product yield due to inflexible fluid connections, necessitating complex setup and operation, with intermediate storage being necessary due to incompatible interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A distributor assembly with a housing and fluid distributor device featuring standardized connection options, including a connection element and securing element, ensures flexible interconnection of separation and functional units, providing both fluid and rigid mechanical connections, with anti-twist devices and locking mechanisms to ensure secure, efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hoses and piping are used to interconnect separation units, then fluid connections can be established, but the process setup requires extensive space and becomes very cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the process into modular separation units, each with integrated connection elements. This segmentation allows units to be closely positioned without requiring extensive external piping, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection elements are merged directly into the housing of each separation unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate external connection components and reduces the space required for fluid interconnections between units.
2Reliability
If conventional hoses and piping are used for fluid connections, then units can be interconnected, but the setup becomes cumbersome requiring special securing measures
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element integrates the fluid passage, mechanical connection, and securing functions into a single component mounted on the housing. This merger eliminates the need for separate securing measures and external piping, reducing setup complexity while ensuring reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is designed to be self-securing through its integrated structure, automatically providing stable fluid connections without requiring additional external securing components or complex assembly procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate storage tanks or bags are used between separation steps, then incompatible interfaces can be managed, but the process becomes cumbersome and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element provides universal interfacing capabilities directly integrated into each separation unit, allowing different units with potentially incompatible interfaces to connect directly without intermediate storage. This multi-functional connection element handles both fluid transfer and interface adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate storage function is extracted and eliminated by providing direct connection capabilities between separation units. The integrated connection element enables units to be linked directly, removing the need for separate intermediate storage tanks or bags.
4Productivity
If extensive piping and hoses are used for fluid connections, then units can be interconnected, but large dead spaces are created causing backmixing and reduced product yield
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented modular units with integrated connections, eliminating the need for extensive external piping. This segmentation reduces the volume of dead spaces where backmixing could occur, thereby improving product yield.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid passages are merged directly into the housing structure of each unit through integrated connection elements. This eliminates separate external piping and reduces dead space volume, preventing backmixing and enhancing product yield.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A distributor assembly (14) which is provided in particular for a separation unit (12) of a modular process device arrangement (10) comprises a fluid distributor means having multiple fluid ports (28, 30), wherein the fluid distributor means can selectively form and block flow connections between the fluid ports (28, 30). The distributor assembly (14) also comprises a connection element (42) and a securing element (58). The connection element (42) can be attached to one of the fluid ports (30), and the distributor assembly (14) has an associated installation socket (60) at the fluid port (30). The installation socket (60) is adapted to the shape of the securing element (58) such that the securing element (58) can be inserted into the installation socket (60) up to a defined securing position in which the securing element (58) engages with the connection element (42) and fixes it in place.