Hand Operation Unit for Suction Device with Segmented Pinch Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual control units for suction devices in laboratories require improved ergonomics, reduced operational force, and easy cleaning and sterilization, while existing hose pinch valves demand high manual force for operation and are not suitable for continuous suction without permanent manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A manual control unit with two independently operable hose pinching devices, one with a lever mechanism and a rotary knob, allowing for adjustable positions to enable both a permanently open and closed state without continuous manual operation, reducing operational force and facilitating easy hose replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hose pinch valve is used to close the connection to the collection bottle, then the valve can be opened and closed manually, but relatively large forces are required to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The single hose pinch valve is divided into two separate hose pinch valves. Each valve handles one hose, distributing the clamping force requirement. This segmentation reduces the force needed at each valve compared to a single valve handling multiple hoses, making operation easier while maintaining effective closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point clamping mechanism to a distributed multi-point clamping system. By using two valves on different hoses, the force application is distributed across multiple dimensions and locations, reducing the mechanical advantage requirement at each individual valve and lowering the manual force needed.
2Productivity
If a hose pinch valve is used, then the valve can be opened and closed, but it requires permanent manual operation and cannot maintain continuous suction without constant manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the suction device can maintain continuous operation without permanent manual intervention. The two-valve design allows one valve to be opened while the other remains closed, enabling automatic or semi-automatic operation modes where the system can sustain suction continuously rather than requiring constant manual valve manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic operational flexibility by allowing the two valves to be operated independently and in different states simultaneously. This dynamic configuration enables transition between manual operation mode (both valves controlled) and continuous operation mode (one valve open, one closed), adapting to different operational requirements without permanent manual intervention.
3Reliability
If the hose is made stiff to retain its round shape against external atmospheric pressure, then the hose pinch valve can open when lateral force is reduced, but the hose must be pinched very tightly requiring high operational force
Solution Approach 1:
The single tight pinch point is segmented into two separate pinch points on different hoses. Each pinch valve only needs to close one hose, reducing the required clamping force at each location. This segmentation maintains reliable hose shape retention while lowering the force needed to open each individual valve.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire hose system very stiff to maintain shape, the invention applies local quality control by using two separate valves that each handle a portion of the hose system. This allows localized force application and reduces the overall stiffness requirement, making the system easier to operate while maintaining reliable shape retention where needed.
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
The design reduces manual force required for operation, allows for continuous suction without constant manual intervention, and simplifies hose replacement, enhancing ergonomics and ease of cleaning and sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a lever mechanism with a lever (13) which can be radially deflected relative to the hose (4) by a manually operable rotary knob (15) with a cam (14) formed eccentrically to the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
at least one of which has a lever mechanism for squeezing the hose (4). The lever mechanism has a lever (13) which can be radially deflected relative to the hose (4)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The operating unit (1) has housing (2) that is provided with a hose (4) for conducting liquid. A hose pinch valve is arranged in housing for adjusting passage of liquid. The hose squeezing devices (5,6) are independently operated by a hand. The hose is in closed position, when hose squeezing devices are deflected in the squeezing position to hose. The flow cross section of hose is partially opened, when the hose squeezing device is deflected in the squeezing position to hose.