Elastic Valve Insert for Sterilization-Safe Bidirectional Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external functional devices, such as disposable cassettes in medical and laboratory settings, face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow due to the limitations of traditional valve devices, which often require prestressing and can be sterilization-incompatible, leading to issues with bidirectional fluid flow and mechanical stress during sterilization processes.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with an elastic valve insert that can switch between multiple states through deformation, allowing for bidirectional fluid flow during sterilization and reducing mechanical stress, utilizing a design with a receiving device and a covering device to manage fluid flow and pressure, enabling cost-effective and space-saving solutions for fluid control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional valve devices with prestressing are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but sterilization compatibility deteriorates and mechanical stress increases during sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to elastic for the valve insert. The elastic valve insert can deform under sterilization conditions without suffering permanent damage or excessive mechanical stress, thereby improving sterilization compatibility while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic capability to the valve insert by making it elastic rather than rigid. The valve insert can dynamically adapt its shape during sterilization processes, absorbing mechanical stress through elastic deformation rather than resisting it rigidly, which prevents failure during sterilization
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic valve insert is used, then bidirectional fluid flow during sterilization is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic valve insert serves multiple functions: it acts as both a flow control element and a sterilization-compatible component. The same elastic material enables both bidirectional fluid flow during sterilization and normal valve operation, eliminating the need for separate components for different functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the flow control function from a complex mechanical valve structure and concentrates it in a simple elastic valve insert. This eliminates the need for complex moving parts, springs, and actuation mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining bidirectional flow capability
3Ease of manufacture
If elastic valve insert is used, then space is saved and cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to elastic, which fundamentally alters the manufacturing approach. Elastic materials can be molded into final shapes with built-in compliance, eliminating the need for precision machining and assembly of multiple rigid parts. The elasticity itself compensates for minor dimensional variations, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances
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 valve device allows for efficient, bidirectional fluid flow during sterilization and reduces mechanical stress, enabling cost-effective and space-saving solutions for fluid control, improving the functionality and reliability of external functional devices in medical and laboratory applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one valve insert (1) that is elastic in at least one section (S) thereof
Implementation Method 2
The valve insert of the disclosed valve device is provided and designed in such a way that it can be switched or exchanged between at least three different valve states when a path is impressed and/or force is applied to the valve insert
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve device (100) with an elastic valve insert (1) and a receiving device (3) for the valve insert (1). It further relates to a valve insert (1), an external functional device and a treatment device, as well as a manufacturing method and methods in which the valve device (100) according to the invention can be used.