Multistage Valve Manifold for Sterile Multidose Bottle Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems for flexible containers, such as those used for eye drops, face challenges in controlling fluid flow and preventing microbial ingress, which can lead to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A multistage valve mechanism is integrated into the dispensing device, featuring a manifold, diaphragms, and a biasing device to control fluid flow while reducing microbial ingress, allowing passive air entry and minimizing operating forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple dispensing device is used for flexible containers, then the device complexity is reduced, but microbial ingress and fluid flow control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is divided into multiple functional stages: a first stage valve for initial flow control and a second stage valve for precise dosing and microbial barrier. This segmentation allows each stage to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing both simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective barrier element is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible container and the external environment. This barrier acts as a microbial filter while allowing controlled fluid passage, solving the contradiction between simple device structure and reliable microbial prevention.
2Device complexity
If a simple dispensing device is used for flexible containers, then the device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Fluid flow control is segmented into two distinct stages: a first stage that manages bulk flow and a second stage that provides precise dosing control. This segmentation enables sophisticated flow control while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that automatically adjust flow characteristics based on operating conditions. The multistage valve structure dynamically responds to pressure changes and user input, providing excellent fluid flow control without complex manual controls.
3Ease of operation
If manual compression is used to dispense fluid, then the ease of operation is improved, but microbial ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective barrier element serves as an intermediary between the user's manual compression action and the fluid reservoir. This barrier allows the user to compress the container for easy operation while preventing microbes from entering the sterile fluid environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism extracts and isolates the critical sealing and filtering functions from the simple manual compression action. By separating these functions into dedicated components, the system maintains ease of operation while eliminating microbial ingress pathways.
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 solution provides improved fluid flow control and significantly reduces microbial contamination, ensuring the integrity and safety of the contents within the flexible containers.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device oriented to cause a first force to be exerted on the core, the first force biasing the core in a first direction against the seal to close the fluid path
Implementation Method 2
fluid pressure on an inlet side of the fluid path exerting a second force against the plurality of diaphragms to at least partially unnest the core from the seal
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus for dispensing fluids includes a manifold, a fluid path at least partially disposed in the manifold and having an inlet and an outlet, and a multistage valve at least partially disposed in the manifold and relative to the fluid path. The multistage valve includes a core positioned in the fluid path between the inlet and the outlet, a seal positioned around the fluid path between the inlet and the outlet, and a biasing device oriented to cause a first force to be exerted on the core. The first force biases the core in a first direction against the seal to close the fluid path. The multistage valve further includes a plurality of diaphragms positioned adjacent to the fluid path, wherein the plurality of diaphragms acts upon the core in response to fluid pressure on an inlet side of the fluid path.