Multi-Channel Manifold for Even Fluid Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for distributing fluids from larger to smaller containers are inefficient, leading to uneven filling, mechanical failures, and sterility breaches due to linear manifold designs with large footprints and high hold-up volumes, necessitating operator manipulation and posing risks.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel distribution manifold system that collects liquid from a single source and distributes it evenly to multiple receptacles, with a separate vent manifold for air displacement, using thermoplastic elastomer conduits and a common vent filter to minimize space and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a linear manifold design is used for fluid distribution, then the system structure is simple, but the fluid distribution becomes uneven and requires operator manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into multiple independent channels, each leading to a separate receptacle. This segmentation allows fluid to be distributed through multiple parallel paths rather than a single linear path, enabling more uniform distribution across all receptacles without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a linear one-dimensional manifold to a multi-dimensional distribution network with channels extending in multiple directions from a central hub. This dimensional change allows simultaneous distribution to multiple receptacles positioned at different spatial locations, improving distribution uniformity while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual valve manipulation is used to ensure even filling, then fluid distribution uniformity improves, but mechanical failure risk and sterility breach risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system is designed to self-regulate fluid distribution through its multi-channel structure. The passive design allows fluid to naturally distribute evenly across all channels based on pressure equilibrium, eliminating the need for manual valve manipulation and thereby reducing mechanical failure risk and sterility breach risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces the mechanical valve manipulation system with a passive multi-channel manifold structure. Instead of using mechanical components that can fail, the system relies on the geometric configuration and fluid dynamics to achieve uniform distribution, thereby improving reliability.
3Device complexity
If a linear manifold design is used, then the system structure is simple, but the footprint area and liquid hold-up volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold design utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with channels extending vertically and radially from a compact central hub. This multi-dimensional configuration allows the system to serve multiple receptacles positioned at different heights and angles, significantly reducing the horizontal footprint area compared to a linear horizontal manifold.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-channel manifold structure nests multiple distribution channels within a compact central hub volume. The channels are arranged concentrically and radially, allowing maximum distribution capability within minimum space, thereby reducing both footprint area and liquid hold-up volume.
4Productivity
If a multi-channel distribution manifold is used, then fluid distribution speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple independent channels that operate in parallel. This segmentation allows fluid to be distributed to multiple receptacles simultaneously rather than sequentially, significantly increasing distribution speed. The segmented design maintains relative structural simplicity by using identical replicated channel units.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-channel manifold serves multiple functions: it distributes fluid to multiple receptacles simultaneously, provides structural support for positioning receptacles, and enables rapid distribution across the system. This multi-functionality increases productivity while the modular design keeps device complexity manageable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
There is disclosed a fluid distribution system for distributing fluid from a single source to a plurality of downstream receptacles. The system has a distribution manifold with a single inlet and a plurality of outlets arrayed around a circumferential outer periphery. The outlets may be directed to the different receptacles which each have their own vent filter, or each receptacle connects back to the distribution manifold for common venting.