Hub Plenum Fluid Distribution for Aseptic 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 lead to contamination risks, require significant space, and are time-consuming and costly due to the need for multiple fittings and sequential filling of containers.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distribution system that secures multiple vessels to a hub, allowing simultaneous and equal distribution of fluid through a plenum, with inflow conduits of consistent length and diameter, reducing leak points and space requirements, and simplifying assembly for efficient and cost-effective aseptic fluid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate containers, conduits, or components are used for each fluid pathway, then fluid transfer can be performed, but the number of leak points increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fluid pathways into a single integrated hub assembly where multiple vessels connect to a common plenum chamber. This merging eliminates the need for numerous separate fittings and connections, reducing leak points while maintaining the ability to transfer fluid between multiple vessels simultaneously. The hub assembly integrates the distribution function that previously required multiple independent components.
2Productivity
If sequential filling of multiple containers is performed, then each container can be filled individually, but significant time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid distribution system into multiple independent pathways that converge at a common hub, allowing simultaneous filling of multiple vessels. Each vessel connects to the plenum through its own conduit, enabling parallel operation while maintaining individual control over each filling pathway. This segmentation allows the system to fill multiple containers at the same time rather than sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous filling of multiple vessels from a single source through the hub assembly. The plenum chamber maintains continuous fluid supply to all connected vessels at once, eliminating the idle time between sequential filling operations. This continuous parallel action maximizes productivity by keeping the fluid source actively distributing to multiple destinations without interruption.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate fittings are used for each fluid pathway, then fluid transfer can be performed, but space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where multiple vessel conduits connect to a central hub assembly in a compact arrangement. The hub assembly acts as a central node that consolidates multiple connection points in a single location, allowing conduits to be routed efficiently through a compact volume. This nested configuration reduces the spatial footprint compared to distributed separate fittings while maintaining organized fluid pathways.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional fluid transfer assemblies are used, then fluid transfer can be performed, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal hub assembly that can accommodate multiple different vessels and fluid pathways through standardized connection interfaces. The hub serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a distribution manifold, a connection hub, and a structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of specialized components needed and simplifies assembly procedures while maintaining the ability to handle various fluid transfer configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of aseptically distributing fluid to a plurality of vessels includes securing the plurality of vessels relative to a hub and flowing fluid through an input tube into a plenum of the hub such that a substantially equal amount of fluid flows from the plenum into each of the vessels simultaneously. The vessels are positioned in the same plane relative to one another with each vessel having an inflow conduit extending from the hub to the vessel such that an arc segment is formed between the hub and the vessel.