Multiway Pinch Device for Selective Tube Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiway pinch valve systems for bioprocesses require complex and costly individual control of each pinch valve, making them inefficient and not cost-effective for controlling a plurality of pinch valves simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A multi-way distribution device with a selector hub and control member that allows selective pinching or releasing of a subset of flexible tubes, using a mechanical coupling arrangement for coordinated movement of pinch elements, enabling efficient control of multiple tubes with a single device while maintaining sterility and preventing cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual control of each pinch valve is implemented, then each tube can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pinch elements are merged into a single distribution device body, sharing common control mechanisms. The selector hub and control member simultaneously manage multiple pinch elements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent control capability for each tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution device incorporates universal control components (selector hub, control member, cam mechanism) that can selectively actuate any combination of pinch elements. This multi-functional design allows a single device to control multiple tubes independently without requiring separate control systems for each.
2Device complexity
If multiple pinch valves are controlled with a single device, then cost and complexity are reduced, but selective control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: selector hub for tube selection, cam mechanism for actuation control, and individual pinch elements for each tube. This segmentation allows precise independent control of each tube while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the control member and pinch elements. It translates rotational motion into precise radial movement of selected pinch elements, ensuring accurate control positioning while simplifying the overall control architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pinch elements are made radially movable for selective pinching, then tube control flexibility is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pinch elements are designed with radial movability, transitioning from static to dynamic positioning. They can move outward to pinch tubes and retract inward to release, providing flexible control adaptability while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structures through guided radial motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinch elements utilize the tube's own elasticity to assist in the pinching action. When the pinch element applies radial force, the tube's elastic deformation provides the pinching effect, reducing the force requirement and simplifying the pinch element mechanism while improving control flexibility.
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 device provides a cost-effective and efficient means to control multiple pinch valves, ensuring sterility and preventing cross-contamination, with intuitive manual or motorized operation, and allows for selective control of fluid flow in bioprocess systems.
Implementation Method 1
a control member (3) pivotally mounted within the body about the main axis, the control member having a cam portion (32) configured to cause or allow a radially oriented (outwards or inwards) movement of some the pinch elements when the control member is rotated around the main axis
Implementation Method 2
a selector hub (2), pivotally mounted within the body about the main axis A, wherein an angular position of the selector hub around the main axis causes to select the subset of N tubes, by selecting a corresponding subset of pinch elements to be allowed to move
Implementation Method 3
The valve is in a 'open' state when the tube is not squeezed, i.e., not pinched, and due to its intrinsic resilience, the tube comes to a rest shape where fluid is allowed to flow along the tube
Implementation Method 4
The valve is in a 'closed' state when the pinch element squeezes the flexible tube and obstruct any fluid flow within the tube
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A device for holding a set of M flexible tubes and for selectively pinching or releasing all or a subset of N tubes, the device comprising a body (1), having M passages (12) configured to accommodate one tube, a set of pinch elements (4), each pinch element guided in a guide slot and radially movable in the passage with regard to the main axis A, each pinch element being configured to selectively pinch or release one tube, a pivotal selector hub (2), wherein an angular position of the selector hub around the main axis causes to select the subset of N tubes, by selecting a corresponding subset of pinch elements to be allowed to move, a pivotal control member (3) having a cam portion (32) configured to cause or allow a radially oriented movement of pinch elements when the control member is rotated.