Low-Pressure Valve Assembly With Cut Elastomer for Backflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-pressure valve systems, such as check valves, often require high actuation pressures and fail to function effectively at pressures of about or less than 1 mmH2O, which is a limitation in applications like biological systems where precise fluid control is needed, especially in in vitro heart models.
Innovation Solution
The development of low pressure valve assemblies utilizing a thin elastomeric material with at least two cuts, layered between two backings, which allows for deformation and directional control of fluid flow at pressures as low as 1 mmH2O while preventing backflow, and retains functionality at higher pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing check valves are used, then they can prevent backflow, but they require high actuation pressures and fail to function at pressures of about or less than 1 mmH2O
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin elastomeric material with at least two cuts that forms a deformable portion between two backings. This flexible membrane structure can deform at very low pressures (≤1 mmH2O) to open the valve, while still providing reliable backflow prevention when closed, resolving the contradiction between low actuation pressure and effective backflow prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the valve structure by using a thin elastomeric material with specific cut patterns that reduce the actuation pressure threshold to ≤1 mmH2O. The elastomeric material's elasticity and the cut geometry allow the valve to respond to minimal pressure differentials while maintaining sealing capability for backflow prevention.
2Stress or pressure
If the elastomeric material includes at least two cuts to enable low pressure actuation, then the valve can function at low pressures, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material is segmented by including at least two cuts that divide the material into distinct regions, creating a deformable portion that can respond to low pressures. This segmentation allows the valve to achieve low pressure actuation while the cuts are integrated into a single elastomeric piece, minimizing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a thin elastomeric film with cuts creates a simple yet effective structure that achieves low pressure actuation without requiring complex mechanisms. The flexibility of the thin film allows it to deform easily under minimal pressure while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If the inlet is configured to obstruct the deformable portion to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is improved, but the inlet geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet is configured with an asymmetric geometry that obstructs the deformable portion in a specific orientation to prevent backflow. This asymmetric design allows the valve to distinguish between forward flow (when the deformable portion moves away from the inlet) and reverse flow (when it would need to pass through the obstruction), providing reliable backflow prevention with a relatively simple geometric feature.
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
These valve assemblies enable efficient fluid pumping and control at very low pressures, preventing backflow and maintaining functionality across a range of pressures, making them suitable for applications in biological systems like human ventricular Cardiac Organoid Chambers.
Implementation Method 1
a thin, elastomeric material that comprises at least two cuts and is layered between two backings. The deformable portion is configured to deform at a pressure of less than or equal to about 1 mmH2O
Data Source
AI summary
A low pressure valve assembly comprising: an elastomeric material including at least one cut that forms a deformable portion, a first backing material including an inlet, and a second backing material including an outlet, wherein the elastomeric material is between the first backing material and the second backing material, and wherein the deformable portion is configured to deform at a range of pressures including a pressure of less than or equal to about 1 mmH20.