Modular Fluidic Module Assembly for Custom Chromatography Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chromatography valve blocks are not modularly customizable, making them inflexible and inefficient for biomolecule purification processes.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic module assembly that allows for modular customization, featuring blocks with faces designed for contact assembly, central conduits, lateral lines with fluid access ports, and closure members for fluid control, enabling compact and flexible fluid conveyance and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional valve block is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is not modularly customizable and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The valve block is divided into multiple independent fluidic modules, each comprising a block with conduits, closure members, and connection faces. These modules can be assembled in different configurations to create customized valve assemblies, enabling modular customization while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
Each fluidic module is designed with universal connection faces and standardized conduit configurations that can be used across multiple modules. This allows the same basic module design to serve multiple functions in different assembly configurations, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modular fluidic module assembly is created, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into reusable fluidic modules that can be independently manufactured and tested. Each module contains integrated components (conduits, closure members, seals) that reduce the total number of discrete parts needed in the overall assembly, as the same modules can be reused across different configurations
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated fluidic modules. Each module combines conduits, closure members, sealing surfaces, and connection interfaces into a single assembleable unit, reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly steps
3Volume of moving object
If fluidic modules are assembled by contact between faces, then the assembly is compact and sealed, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Sealing elements (such as O-rings or gaskets) are introduced as intermediaries between the contact faces of fluidic modules. These sealing components compensate for minor variations in manufacturing precision, ensuring reliable seals while allowing for practical manufacturing tolerances, thus maintaining compact assembly without requiring extremely high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates compliant sealing surfaces and tolerance-compensating features that are built into the modules before assembly. These features provide a cushioning effect that absorbs manufacturing variations, ensuring that the compact assembled structure maintains proper sealing and alignment without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes:a first fluidic module comprising a block comprising a first face, one or more central conduits, at least one lateral line connected to one of the central conduits, and a first closure member configured so as to close or open the at least one lateral line; anda second fluidic module comprising a block comprising a first face, a first central conduit, a first lateral conduit connected to the first central conduit, a second central conduit and a second lateral conduit connected to the second central conduit, and a second closure member configured so as to close or open the opening of the first lateral conduit and/or of the second lateral conduit;wherein the first face of each of the first and second fluidic modules is assembled with the face of a block of another fluidic module by contact between the two faces.