Resin Panel Circuit Grooves for Accurate Flexible Tube Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The attachment of flexible tubes in tube assemblies for regenerative medicine devices is complicated, prone to entanglement, and difficult to visualize, leading to potential separation and increased attachment time due to vibration and tension, which affects the mountability and efficiency of the device.
Innovation Solution
A resin panel with first and second groove portions guides and secures the flexible tube, enhancing stiffness and reducing weight through vacuum forming, allowing easy and accurate attachment of tube assemblies to the cell processing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tube assembly is attached to the cell processing device, then the device functionality is achieved, but it is difficult to visualize the attachment state and work mistakes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators such as color-coded markers, transparent panels, and contrasting colors to make the attachment state of tubes visible. The panel circuit includes transparent or translucent panels that allow operators to see through to verify proper tube insertion and connection states, reducing work mistakes.
2Productivity
If the tube assembly is frequently attached and detached for single-use operation, then regenerative medicine production efficiency is improved, but the tubes become entangled and handling becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tube assembly into modular components with standardized connection interfaces. The panel circuit provides separate mounting locations and guide structures for different tube segments, allowing independent attachment and detachment without causing entanglement of other tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-arranges tube pathways using guide structures, grooves, and channels in the panel circuit before attachment. Tubes are pre-positioned in designated routes, so when frequently attached and detached, they follow predetermined paths that prevent entanglement and simplify handling operations.
3Ease of operation
If a portion of the tube protrudes out of the panel surface to allow connection, then the tube can be attached to members, but the tube becomes entangled or separated due to vibration and tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the panel circuit with recessed grooves and channels that nest the tubes within the panel structure. Tubes are inserted into grooves that provide lateral support and positioning, with only the necessary connection portions protruding. This nesting approach prevents entanglement while maintaining attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate connection components such as connectors, couplings, and mounting brackets that interface between the protruding tube portions and the processing members. These intermediaries provide secure mechanical attachment points that reduce tension on the tubes themselves, preventing separation due to vibration and tension forces.
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 ensures easy and accurate attachment of tube assemblies, reduces entanglement, minimizes separation risks, and decreases attachment time while maintaining positional accuracy and reducing weight and cost.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing stiffness and reducing weight through vacuum forming
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a panel circuit and a cell processing device capable of easily and accurately attaching a member including a flexible tube.A panel circuit includes a resin panel having a first groove portion on a first surface, and a flexible tube that is fitted into the first groove portion to be guided by the first groove portion. a portion of the second surface of the resin panel opposite to the first surface, on which the first groove portion is formed, protrudes from the other portion of the second surface, and the most part of the tube is fitted into the first groove portion.