Reinforced Fluid Manifold with Compression Valve for Dead-Zone Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid manifolds in biopharmaceutical manufacturing experience reduced performance due to inefficient fluid flow near exit ports and valves, leading to stagnant fluid and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A polymer-based fluid manifold with a compression valve region along its body, operable between open and closed positions, and encased by a reinforcement shell, to restrict fluid flow and prevent dead zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fluid manifold designs are used, then the structure is simple, but fluid flow efficiency deteriorates near exit ports and valves causing dead zones
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold body is segmented into distinct regions including a compression valve region with different thickness characteristics. This segmentation allows optimization of fluid flow in specific areas (near exit ports and valves) without redesigning the entire manifold, thereby improving local flow efficiency while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression valve region is designed with specific local geometric properties (average thickness AT_CVR less than or equal to 0.9 times the average thickness of the primary manifold component AT_PMC) to address flow issues specifically where they occur near exit ports and valves, rather than uniformly modifying the entire manifold structure.
2Productivity
If compression valve region with reduced thickness is introduced, then fluid flow efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies a quantitative parameter relationship (AT_CVR ≤ 0.9 × AT_PMC) that provides clear manufacturing guidance. This parameter-based approach translates the complex fluid flow optimization into a simple, measurable thickness ratio that can be controlled during manufacturing, reducing the actual precision burden despite the sophisticated flow optimization goal.
3Strength
If reinforcement shell is added, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement shell is merged with the manifold body to form an integrated composite structure. This combination provides enhanced strength and structural integrity while maintaining a relatively simple overall design, as the shell serves multiple functions (structural support, potential flow guidance) simultaneously rather than adding separate complex components.
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
Enhances fluid flow efficiency and prevents stagnant fluid, reducing contamination risks and improving overall manifold performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compression valve region disposed along the body of the manifold. The at least one compression valve region is operable between an open position and a closed position such that when in the closed position fluid flow through the manifold is restricted
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A fluid manifold may include a body that may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a primary manifold component extending from the proximal end of the body to the distal end of the body and enclosing a primary channel. The fluid manifold may further include at least one auxiliary manifold component diverging from the primary manifold component and enclosing an auxiliary channel connected to the primary channel at a primary channel exit port. The fluid manifold may further include at least one compression valve region disposed along the body of the manifold where the compression valve region may be operable between an open position and a closed position.