Multi-Valve Actuator Assembly for Compact Liquid Handling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passive control in liquid handling devices limits their complexity and ability to perform advanced diagnostic tests, while active control systems are larger and more expensive, making them unsuitable for portable and affordable point-of-care devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact and reliable actuator design with independently operable actuation elements and a circular or closed-loop path for the operator surface, allowing precise control of multiple valves using a simple driving mechanism, such as an electric motor, with each actuation element biased to a default closed position for safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If active control with external actuators is used, then the range of operations and control precision are improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation elements (first, second, and third actuation elements) into a single integrated actuator assembly that controls multiple valves. The operator moves along a closed loop path to sequentially engage with each actuation element, merging what would traditionally be separate actuators into one compact unit. This reduces overall device size while maintaining the ability to independently control multiple valves with precise timing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active control with external actuators is used, then the range of operations and control precision are improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is designed as a universal control mechanism that can independently actuate multiple different valves (first valve, second valve, third valve) through a single operator moving along a closed loop path. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuators for each valve, reducing component count, manufacturing complexity, and overall device cost while maintaining versatility in controlling different fluid handling operations.
3Volume of moving object
If passive control is used, then the device size and cost are reduced, but the complexity and number of operations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities to a compact device by implementing an operator that moves along a closed loop path and can selectively engage with different actuation elements at different positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the same compact actuator assembly to perform multiple different operations (controlling first, second, and third valves independently) depending on the operator's position, thereby increasing operational complexity and versatility without increasing device size.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an actuator, an actuator assembly, a method of operating an actuator, a computer program and a system. In one aspect, an actuator may comprise a plurality of independently operable actuation elements and an operator having an operator surface. Each actuation element may have an actuation surface. The operator may be driveable to move the operator surface along a path to selectively engage with the respective actuation surface of each actuation element to actuate the actuation element.