Fluidic Connection Device for Biological Analysis Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic connection devices for biological analysis apparatuses are complex, making maintenance difficult due to the need to uncouple all pipes to remove components, which can lead to damage and contamination risks, and prior modular designs restrict design flexibility and cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic connection device with fittings, connectors featuring splines and O-ring sealing, and a maintenance plate allows for easy decoupling and replacement of fluidic components without disturbing the pipes, enabling standardized and accessible component arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fluidic components are connected by flexible tubes or hoses mounted on fittings, then the fluid circuit can be assembled with standard components, but removing a component requires disconnecting all hoses which is tedious and can lead to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules (reaction module, detection module, etc.) that can be independently removed from the support structure. Each module has its own fluidic connections that interface with the support structure, allowing one module to be removed without affecting others or requiring disconnection of all hoses.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fluidic connections and fittings are integrated into a single unified interface between the module and support structure. The fitting assembly combines multiple tube connections, sealing elements, and mounting features into one integrated component that attaches and detaches as a single unit.
2Ease of operation
If flexible tubes or hoses are used to connect fluidic components, then the system can be easily assembled, but the hoses are present on the same side as fluid components creating risk of disconnection during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic connections are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration on the support structure, with tubes entering from different directions and positions. This spatial arrangement allows maintenance operators to access and remove modules from the front while the tube connections are secured at the rear, separating the maintenance access path from the connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the fluidic modules and the external tube network. Modules connect to the support structure at fixed interfaces, while the support structure maintains the external tube connections, preventing direct exposure of tubes to maintenance operations.
3Device complexity
If all channels are grouped within a single module, then the design is simplified, but it imposes significant constraints on design and arrangement of components and makes cleaning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic system is segmented into multiple independent modules, each containing specific channels and functions. This segmentation allows each module to be designed optimally for its specific function, enables flexible arrangement on the support structure, and allows individual modules to be removed for cleaning without affecting other modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure provides a universal interface that can accommodate different types of fluidic modules with varying channel configurations. The standardized mounting and fluidic interfaces allow modules to be swapped and rearranged to optimize for different cleaning scenarios or functional requirements.
4Reliability
If the entire support structure is replaced in case of a problem, then system reliability is maintained, but maintenance cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into replaceable functional modules that can be independently removed and replaced. If a problem occurs in one module, only that specific module needs to be replaced rather than the entire support structure, reducing maintenance cost and complexity while maintaining system reliability through quick replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables selective replacement of defective modules while retaining and reusing functional modules and the support structure itself. This extends the lifecycle of the support structure and functional components, reducing overall maintenance costs while maintaining system reliability through targeted module replacement.
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
Facilitates easy maintenance and replacement of fluidic components, reduces the risk of damage and contamination, and allows for flexible design and cleaning, while maintaining the benefits of modular and integrated fluidic systems.
Implementation Method 1
fittings provided with sealing means including an O-ring
Implementation Method 2
fittings provided with sealing means including a conical surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention concerns a fluid connection device for biological analysis apparatuses, intended to simultaneously connect a plurality of fluid conduits (10) and at least one fluidic component (3) comprising a connecting surface with a plurality of fluid ports (11), said device comprising: (i) a holding plate (1), (ii) removable attachment means (5) capable of pressing said holding plate (1) against said connecting surface, (iii) connectors (2) suitable for being fixed to the ends of the fluid conduits (10) and provided with sealing means (4) suitable for allowing a sealed connection to be made between said connectors (2) and said fluid ports (11), said holding plate (1) comprising through-openings opposite the fluid ports (11) and being shaped in such a way as to be able to receive said connectors (2) in said through-openings and to hold them pressed against the connecting surface. The invention also concerns a biological analysis apparatus implementing said device.