Encapsulated Fluid Conduits for Flexible High-Pressure Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid management systems in pharmaceutical and biologic production face challenges with reinforced tubing that cannot bend easily, leading to long conduit sections, significant hold-up volumes, and high costs, while unreinforced tubing fails under elevated pressures.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management system using unreinforced conduits encapsulated by rigid members, such as two-part valve bodies and jackets, which interlock or abut to form a secure, flexible, and pressure-resistant system without the need for reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforced tubing is used to handle pressurized fluid, then structural integrity under pressure is improved, but flexibility and bendability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid transport function into two separate components: unreinforced flexible tubing for fluid conveyance and rigid encapsulating members (valve bodies, jackets) for pressure containment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the tubing provides flexibility while the encapsulating members provide structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid encapsulating members act as intermediary structures that surround and protect the unreinforced tubing. These encapsulating members (valve bodies, jackets) transfer the pressure load from the fluid to their own structural walls, thereby protecting the flexible tubing from pressure-induced failure while maintaining system flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unreinforced tubing is used to improve flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but pressure resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the flexibility function (handled by unreinforced tubing) from the pressure resistance function (handled by rigid encapsulating members). This allows the tubing to be highly flexible while the encapsulating members provide the necessary pressure containment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unreinforced tubing uses flexible polymer materials to provide adaptability and ease of installation, while the rigid encapsulating members surround these flexible tubes to provide the structural support needed for pressurized fluid transport.
3Strength
If long radius conduit sections are used to accommodate reinforced tubing, then structural integrity is improved, but hold-up volume and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the flexibility function from the strength function, the system eliminates the need for long radius bends in reinforced tubing. The unreinforced tubing can be bent to tight radii within rigid encapsulating members, dramatically reducing conduit length and associated hold-up volumes while maintaining pressure integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid encapsulating members provide external structural support in the radial dimension, allowing the internal unreinforced tubing to make sharp bends without compromising pressure containment. This dimensional support enables compact routing that reduces hold-up volume.
4Strength
If reinforced tubing is used to maintain structural integrity, then pressure resistance is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pressure resistance requirement from the fluid transport function. Standard unreinforced tubing (lower cost) handles fluid transport, while separate rigid encapsulating members (valve bodies, jackets) provide pressure containment. This segmentation allows use of less expensive unreinforced tubing while maintaining pressure integrity through the encapsulating members.
Solution Approach 2:
The unreinforced tubing can be used as a disposable or easily replaceable component, while the expensive rigid encapsulating members with valves are reused. This approach reduces overall system cost by allowing replacement of only the low-cost tubing rather than entire reinforced conduit assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid management systems for handling pressurized fluid connect various subsystems or subunits without the need to use reinforced tubing. The system utilizes one or more segments of unreinforced conduit that are encapsulated at various points along a length of the segment with one or more rigid encapsulating members. The unreinforced conduit may be made a disposable element while the rigid encapsulating members may be re-used. In one aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part valve body that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. In another aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part jacket that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. The two-part valve bodies and two-part jackets may be joined at various points within the system as part of the overall flow system.