Pinch Valve Assembly for Reversible Sterile Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pharmaceutical and bioprocess systems with flexible, sterile conduits are cumbersome and complex, requiring numerous valves and conduits for flow reversal in applications like chromatography, which complicates sterilization and increases the risk of cross-contamination, necessitating a more elegant and compact solution.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a multidirectional flow path using a flexible conduit with a loop and branches, where multiple valves pinch the conduit in different configurations to direct fluid flow, integrated into a valve body with optional rigid jackets for encapsulation, allowing for compact and efficient flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves and conduits are used for flow reversal in chromatography applications, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and risk of cross-contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body with a multidirectional flow path. The valve body contains multiple passageways that can be selectively opened or closed by individual valves, allowing flow reversal and multiple flow paths without requiring separate physical valves for each direction. This merging approach maintains flow control capability while reducing the overall number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly provides multi-functionality by enabling multiple flow directions (forward flow, reverse flow, bypass) through a single integrated structure. The valve body with its interconnected passageways can handle various flow configurations, making it a universal component that replaces multiple specialized valves and conduits while maintaining adaptability for different chromatography operations.
2Productivity
If numerous conduits and valves are used in the system, then flow management capability is improved, but sterilization difficulty and cross-contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple flow management functions into a single integrated valve assembly, the patent reduces the total number of components that require sterilization. The consolidated structure with interconnected passageways allows for more efficient sterilization processes compared to numerous separate conduits and valves, while maintaining comprehensive flow management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable flexible tubing that can be easily replaced after use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization of the tubing itself. The rigid valve body can be sterilized and reused, while the flexible conduit portions are discarded after a single use, simplifying the overall sterilization process and reducing cross-contamination risks.
3Ease of manufacture
If flexible disposable tubing is used to avoid sterilization, then sterilization ease is improved, but space requirements and system compactness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the flexible disposable tubing inside the rigid valve body structure. The flexible conduit is positioned within the valve assembly, utilizing the internal space of the valve body. This nesting arrangement allows the system to benefit from the sterilization ease of disposable tubing while maintaining a compact overall form factor, as the flexible tubing does not extend externally beyond the valve body boundaries.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly with a multidirectional flow path includes a valve body that includes respective hinged portions defining respective passageways extending through the valve body when in a closed state. A flexible conduit or tubing having a loop portion and a plurality of branches extending from the loop portion is at least partially positioned within the valve body. Portions of the loop that extend beyond the valve body are encapsulated by respective rigid jackets. Multiple valves are situated on the valve body and are used to selectively pinch the loop portion in different pinching configurations to direct fluid to or from the particular branches. The valve assembly may be integrated into a manufacturing or other production process with optional additional jackets used to encapsulate the flexible conduit branches.