Multi-Tube Pinch Valve Assembly With Single-Actuator Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pinch valve systems require multiple pinch valves for each discrete fluid flow control area, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential for failure, especially as the number of control areas increases.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tubing pinch valve assembly that uses a single actuator to control multiple tubes, allowing for simultaneous or sequential control of different sets of tubes, and is designed to be compact and integrate with bioreactor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pinch valves are used for each discrete fluid flow control area, then fluid flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pinch valves are merged into a single integrated assembly where a common actuator controls multiple tubes simultaneously. The valve body combines multiple tube receiving apertures and sealing surfaces, allowing one actuator to perform the function of what would traditionally require multiple separate valves, thereby reducing component count while maintaining fluid flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator in the multi-tube pinch valve assembly performs multiple functions by controlling different tubes for different fluid flow paths. The valve assembly is designed to handle multiple bioreactors and fluid pathways through a unified structure, making the system more versatile without requiring proportional increases in component numbers.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pinch valves with independent actuators are used, then individual tube control precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased failure points
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple tube control functions into a single actuator system, the number of potential failure points is reduced. The unified actuator and valve body structure eliminate the reliability issues associated with multiple independent actuators, while the multi-aperture design ensures precise control over multiple tubes simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete pinch valves are used, then fluid flow control flexibility is improved, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly allows maintenance personnel to service a single unified component rather than multiple discrete valves. The common actuator and valve body can be maintained as one unit, significantly reducing the time and effort required for routine maintenance while preserving the flexibility to control multiple fluid pathways.
4Device complexity
If a compact valve array is used to service multiple bioreactors, then system cost is reduced, but the challenge of coordinating multiple tubes with a single actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented with multiple tube receiving apertures arranged to accommodate different bioreactor configurations. This segmentation allows the single actuator to independently control each tube aperture while maintaining a compact, cost-effective unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism incorporates dynamic elements such as cam profiles and movable anvils that automatically coordinate the pinching action across multiple tubes. This dynamic design ensures proper timing and force distribution without requiring complex control systems, making the compact valve array both economical and easy to operate.
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
The multi-tubing pinch valve assembly simplifies fluid management systems by reducing the number of components and actuators needed, enhancing reliability, and allowing for precise control of fluid flow in multiple tubes with a single actuator.
Implementation Method 1
a camshaft extending a length along a longitudinal axis of the camshaft, the camshaft comprising at least one cam disposed along the length, the at least one cam comprising a cam profile shape defined around the longitudinal axis and a periphery of the camshaft
Implementation Method 2
an anvil assembly comprising a cam contact portion disposed on a first side of the anvil assembly and a pinch edge disposed on a second side of the anvil assembly, wherein the anvil assembly is moveable between a retracted state such that the pinch edge is disposed outside of the space and an extended state such that the pinch edge is disposed inside the space adjacent the platen
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-tubing pinch valve assembly including a receiving space defined between a pinch protrusion and tubing contact body. The multi-tubing pinch valve assembly is moveable between a retracted state and an extended state. In the extended state, multiple tubes disposed in the receiving space are pinched, restricting flow therethrough. In the retracted state, multiple tubes are capable of being loaded into and/or out of the receiving space.