Fluid Distribution Hub for Simultaneous Vessel Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical companies face challenges in maintaining aseptic environments during fluid transfer processes, as traditional methods often result in leaks and contamination due to the complexity and space requirements of independent fluid pathways, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distribution system that secures multiple vessels to a hub, allowing simultaneous and equal fluid distribution through a plenum, with each vessel having an inflow conduit of the same length and diameter, reducing leak points and space needs, and utilizing a pump to control fluid pressure for precise distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate independent fluid pathways are used for each vessel, then each vessel can be filled independently, but the number of fittings increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent fluid pathways into a single integrated pathway system. A single conduit connects the fluid source to a distribution hub that serves multiple vessels simultaneously, reducing the number of separate fittings and connection points while maintaining aseptic conditions through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution hub serves as a universal component that can distribute fluid to multiple vessels through a single inlet connection. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for separate pathway connections for each vessel, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to fill multiple containers independently.
2Reliability
If sequential filling of multiple containers is used, then each container can be filled one at a time, but significant time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables periodic simultaneous filling operations where multiple vessels are filled at the same time through the distributed pathway system. This periodic parallel action dramatically reduces total filling time compared to sequential operations while maintaining contamination avoidance through the closed, integrated pathway design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate fluid pathways are maintained, then each pathway can be controlled independently, but a large number of separate fittings are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid pathway controls into a single integrated distribution hub that receives fluid through one connection and distributes it to multiple vessels. This merging maintains adaptability and independent control capabilities while dramatically reducing the number of separate fittings required at the source connection point.
4Reliability
If traditional fluid transfer assemblies are used, then aseptic environments can be maintained, but the assemblies are expensive due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple expensive components into a single integrated distribution hub assembly. By combining the functions of multiple separate fittings, connectors, and pathway components into one unified device, the overall manufacturing cost is reduced while maintaining aseptic environment capabilities through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution hub serves as a universal, multi-functional component that replaces multiple separate expensive components. This single device performs the functions of several individual fittings and connectors, reducing material costs, assembly complexity, and overall manufacturing expense while maintaining reliable aseptic performance.
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 solution significantly reduces filling time by up to 20 times, minimizes contamination risks, and lowers costs by simplifying assembly and reducing the number of components needed, while ensuring aseptic conditions are maintained.
Implementation Method 1
Activating the pump may include increasing the pressure of the fluid within the input tube from a first vessel to the plenum of the hub
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid distribution system includes an input tube, a plurality of vessels, and a distribution hub. The input tube is configured to extend from a supply vessel. Each vessel of the plurality of vessels includes an inflow conduit. The distribution hub includes a single inlet and a plurality of outlets. The single inlet is defined in a bottom of the distribution hub and is in fluid communication with the input tube such that the distribution hub is configured to receive fluid from the input tube through the single inlet. Each outlet of the plurality of outlets is in fluid communication with the single inlet and in fluid communication with a respective inflow conduit such that the distribution hub is configured to provide an equal portion of the fluid received through the single inlet to each of the inflow conduits.