Modular Pinch Valve Assembly for Reusable Tubing Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pinch valve assemblies for single-use polymeric tubing in the bioprocessing industry are not reusable and lack control over flow rates, making them inefficient and prone to contamination, while hybrid stainless-steel assemblies are impractical and costly due to the variety of tubing sizes and wall thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A pinch valve assembly with interchangeable compressor and holder elements, allowing for customization to fit different fluid conduit sizes and wall thicknesses, featuring a durable stainless-steel compressor and Polyphenylsulfone holder, and manual or pneumatic closure options for precise control and easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If hybrid stainless-steel valve assemblies are used for pinching molded polymer tubes, then durability and reusability are improved, but cost and practicality worsen due to the variety of tubing sizes and wall thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into separate modular components: a reusable stainless steel valve body and interchangeable compressor elements. Different compressor elements can be attached to the same valve body to accommodate various tubing sizes and wall thicknesses, eliminating the need for multiple complete valve assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The stainless steel valve body is designed as a universal platform that can work with multiple types of compressor elements. Each compressor element is tailored for specific tubing dimensions, but all interface with the same valve body through standardized mounting mechanisms, providing multi-functionality across different tubing specifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete single use valve and tubing arrangements are used, then compatibility with all tubing sizes is improved, but cost and waste worsen due to disposal after single use
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the reusable valve body from the consumable components. The stainless steel valve body can be reused across multiple batches and applications, while only the compressor elements and tubing are replaced, significantly reducing waste compared to disposing of entire valve assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables recovery and reuse of the expensive stainless steel valve body while discarding only the less valuable compressor elements and single-use tubing. This selective replacement strategy reduces material waste and operational costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If single-use polymeric devices are used, then elimination of sterilisation and cleaning is improved, but control over flow rate and durability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly combines polymeric single-use tubing with stainless steel reusable components. The polymeric portion maintains the sterilisation-free advantage, while the stainless steel valve body provides durable, precise flow control mechanisms that can be reused and sterilized if needed.
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
Enables reusability without contamination risk, adaptability to various tubing sizes, and cost-effectiveness by allowing users to interchange components without replacing the entire assembly, ensuring reliable fluid control and compliance with ANSI FCI 70/2 Class VI specifications.
Implementation Method 1
the compressor element is moveable towards the holder element within the assembly housing for compression of a fluid conduit between the compressor and the holder elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A pinch valve assembly is provided for compression of a fluid conduit comprising an assembly housing (1); an interchangeable compressor element (2); an interchangeable holder element (3) for holding a fluid conduit, the holder element facing the interchangeable compressor element; the valve assembly being configured such that the compressor element is moveable towards the holder element within the assembly housing for compression of a fluid conduit between the compressor and the holder elements.