Modular Fluid Handling Units for Compact Upgradeable Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid handling systems, such as liquid chromatography systems, lack flexibility and require time-consuming and delicate upgrades, often necessitating external add-on equipment that increases system footprint and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid handling system with interchangeable components, including high-pressure pumps and fluid control valves, allows for easy optimization and upgrading without additional equipment, featuring a liquid handling panel that separates fluidics from non-fluidics sections and a master control unit for flexible configuration and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external add-on equipment is used for upgrading fluid handling systems, then system functionality is improved, but system footprint and connection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular fluid handling units that can be independently selected and configured. Each unit (pump, valve, mixer, sensor) is a self-contained module that can be easily replaced or upgraded without affecting other components, enabling functionality improvement without adding external equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized fluidic connections that allow the same hardware platform to serve multiple functions. A single modular unit can be configured for different applications by changing software parameters or interchangeable components, eliminating the need for additional specialized equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external add-on equipment is used for upgrading fluid handling systems, then system functionality is improved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates fluidic connections from electrical connections through the modular architecture. Each modular unit has pre-configured fluidic ports and electrical interfaces, reducing the need for complex custom wiring and fluid routing when upgrading or reconfiguring the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units are pre-configured with standardized interfaces and pre-assembled connection points during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows for quick plug-and-play installation without requiring complex on-site connection work, reducing both fluidic and electrical connection complexity during upgrades.
3Ease of operation
If fluid handling units are made interchangeable and modular, then system flexibility and upgrade ease are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modular units with uniform mounting interfaces, connection protocols, and control interfaces. This segmentation creates a systematic framework that simplifies upgrades despite the presence of multiple components, as each module follows the same design patterns and integration rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units maintain physical and interface standardization while allowing functional differentiation through configurable parameters and software settings. This enables diverse functionality across multiple units without requiring complex physical variations, managing device complexity through parameterization rather than structural complexity.
4Ease of repair
If modular interchangeable components are used, then replacement time and difficulty are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standardized modular units that are manufactured independently using the same base design and interface specifications. This segmentation allows for economies of scale in manufacturing, as the same modular platform can be produced in volume and then configured for different applications, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the variety of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal modular platform is manufactured with standardized interfaces and core functionality, which can then be adapted for specific applications through software configuration or minor component variations. This approach reduces manufacturing complexity by producing a core design in volume rather than custom-manufacturing each unique unit.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated fluid handling system comprising a housing (20) and two or more fluid handling units (26) arranged as interchangeable modular components with an external fluidics section (30) and an internal non fluidics section (32), and wherein the housing (20) comprises a liquid handling panel (22) with two or more of component positions for receiving said interchangeable modular components (26) such that the external fluidics section (30) is separated from the non fluidics section (32) by the liquid handling panel (22).