Fluid Supply Interface with Switchable Coupling Formations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fluid supply interfaces for cell culture systems require excessive installation space as the number of coupling formations and fluid channels increases, limiting their efficiency and hygiene due to fixed connections that do not allow for optimal space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A fluid supply interface with a movable fluid channel base and switchable coupling formations that allow for the temporary creation of a common fluid line segment, reducing the number of coupling formations on the line component and enabling more fluid channels to be connected without increasing installation space, using a power unit for easy operation and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of coupling formations and fluid channels is increased to handle more containers, then the fluid supply interface can serve more containers simultaneously, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid channel connections through a common fluid line segment that can be selectively coupled to different fluid channels. This merging approach allows multiple fluid channels to share common infrastructure (the fluid line assembly and coupling formations), thereby reducing the total installation space required compared to having separate dedicated connections for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs switchable coupling formations that can dynamically reconfigure which fluid channels are connected to which fluid line sections. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt connections based on operational needs without requiring permanent fixed infrastructure for all possible connections, thus optimizing space utilization while maintaining versatility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed connections are used for all fluid channels, then the structure is simple and stable, but the installation space increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid connection system into modular components: a stable line component with coupling formations, a movable fluid channel base with connector formations, and selective fluid line sections. This segmentation allows the system to maintain structural stability through well-defined connection points while reducing overall installation space by only activating connections that are currently needed, rather than having all connections permanently established.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid channel base acts as an intermediary component between the stable line component and the various fluid channels. This intermediary can be positioned and configured as needed, providing stable connections when coupled while allowing flexibility in system configuration. The intermediary nature of the fluid channel base enables the system to maintain stability during operation while minimizing installation space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid supply interface includes a line component having a first coupling formation for the temporary coupling of a first fluid channel, a second coupling formation for the temporary coupling of a second fluid channel, and a third coupling formation for the temporary or permanent coupling of a third fluid channel, each of said coupling formations being penetrated by a fluid line section, wherein in the line component, a fluid line assembly is formed, by means of which each fluid line section of the first, second and third coupling formations is or can be connected to each fluid line section of the other two coupling formations for the purpose of fluid transport.