Interwoven Fluid Manifold for Visible Aseptic Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid transfer systems in biopharmaceutical and vaccine production are complex and prone to operator errors due to the need for precise assembly of multiple components, which can lead to inefficiencies and contamination risks, especially in aseptic processes.
Innovation Solution
A structured fluid transport and distribution manifold with interwoven parallel conduits and a multiport valve head that allows for visible and adjustable connections, enabling automated validation and reducing operator error through programmable and manually adjustable valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple basic components (tubes, connectors, bags, valves) are assembled into complex fluid-transfer systems, then the systems can be customized for various operational stages, but the assembled systems become ungainly and difficult to reproduce with high operator error risk
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transfer system is divided into modular assemblies, each handling specific fluid transfers between operational stages. Rather than assembling many small components, pre-fabricated modular assemblies are used, reducing on-site assembly complexity while maintaining customization capability through selective deployment of modules
Solution Approach 2:
Complex fluid transfer assemblies are pre-fabricated and tested before deployment to the manufacturing site. This preliminary assembly and validation eliminates the need for operators to assemble complex systems on-site, reducing errors while preserving the ability to customize which pre-fabricated modules are deployed
2Ease of operation
If detailed instructions are provided for assembling basic parts into complex functional apparatus, then assembly can be guided, but operator errors can still degrade operation and render the system unusable
Solution Approach 1:
Assemblies are pre-fabricated and validated before deployment, eliminating the need for operators to perform complex assembly procedures that could introduce errors. The pre-validated modules are then deployed as complete functional units
Solution Approach 2:
The system design allows for self-verification of connections through visible confirmation features, enabling operators to independently verify proper assembly without relying solely on instructions, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability
3Productivity
If conventional fluid transfer systems are used, then fluid delivery can be achieved, but the systems require significant time for assembly and validation
Solution Approach 1:
Assemblies are pre-fabricated and validated at the manufacturing location before deployment, transferring the time-consuming assembly and validation activities to a controlled environment where they can be performed efficiently and once, rather than repeatedly at each deployment site
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular assemblies that can be independently validated and deployed. This segmentation allows for parallel processing and reduces the total time required for system setup compared to validating a single large complex system
Data Source
AI summary
A structured assembly of perpendicular, interwoven fluidic conduits permits connections between conduits to be readily (and in some cases visibly) established, thereby providing operational convenience and amenability to automated means of validation or verification.