Integrated Fluid Cassette Layout for Mixing and Volume Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cassette systems for pumping fluids lack efficient integration of mixing, balancing, and fluid management, leading to suboptimal fluid flow control and precision in fluid handling applications.
Innovation Solution
The cassette system integrates a mixing cassette, a middle cassette, and a balancing cassette with reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps, membrane valves, and metering pumps, connected by fluid lines to manage fluid flow and balance volumes, utilizing a pod structure with flexible and rigid components for efficient fluid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate cassettes are used for mixing, balancing, and fluid management, then each function can be independently optimized, but the system complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mixing cassettes, balancing cassettes, and fluid management components into a single integrated cassette system. The mixing cassette includes a mixing chamber with inlet and outlet lines, while the balancing cassette integrates balancing chambers and flow control mechanisms. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining functional independence through internal fluid line connections, thereby reducing system complexity without sacrificing fluid flow control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cassette system is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device. The mixing cassette can simultaneously mix fluids while the balancing cassette balances flow rates, and both are connected through integrated fluid lines. The system also incorporates pod pumps and membrane valves that serve multiple purposes including pumping, flow control, and pressure regulation, thereby achieving multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable fluid management.
2Productivity
If integrated cassette system is used, then fluid flow control precision and mixing efficiency improve, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cassette system is segmented into distinct functional modules including a mixing cassette with mixing chamber, a balancing cassette with balancing chambers, pod pumps, and membrane valves. Each module is designed to perform its specific function independently but is integrated through fluid lines and common housing structures. This segmentation allows for efficient fluid handling within each module while the integration reduces overall system complexity compared to completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where pod pumps and membrane valves are positioned within or between the mixing and balancing cassettes. The fluid lines are routed through the housing structures, and components are arranged in a compact nested configuration that maximizes space utilization. This nesting approach enables the integrated system to achieve high fluid handling efficiency while minimizing the overall device structure complexity.
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
This configuration enables precise control of fluid flow, balances fluid volumes, and enhances the efficiency of fluid handling and mixing processes, improving the overall performance of fluid management systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump in said mixing cassette housing... The pressure pump pumps at least one fluid from said fluid inlet line to at least one of said fluid outlet line
Implementation Method 2
at least one membrane valve... in some embodiments the valve is a membrane valve
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.