Remotely Actuated Valve System for Biopharmaceutical Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-use biological liquid processing systems face limitations in flexibility, cost, and physical size due to fixed valve configurations, which hinder efficient biopharmaceutical production and processing.
Innovation Solution
A remotely actuated, pneumatic/hydraulic valve system that allows for adjustable configuration to fit different flow paths and processes, featuring a reusable control system and a pre-sterilizable valve arrangement made by injection molding for cost efficiency and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed valve configurations are used in single-use flow paths, then system complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but flexibility and adaptability for different processes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows reconfiguration of valve connections and assignments through software control, enabling the same hardware to adapt to different process requirements while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal valve manifold design is implemented that can serve multiple process configurations. The same physical valve assembly can be reconfigured through software to support different flow paths and process modes, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated valve configurations for different processes.
2Device complexity
If reusable pinch valves are installed in a fixed pattern at the instrument, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different liquid processing tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system transitions from a static fixed pattern to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Software control enables real-time reassignment of valve functions and reconfiguration of flow paths, allowing the same physical valves to adapt to different chromatography and filtration configurations without increasing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (valve assignments, flow path configurations) through software rather than physical reconfiguration. This allows different processing tasks to be accommodated by changing control parameters rather than hardware arrangements, maintaining low device complexity while achieving high adaptability.
3Reliability
If multiple fixed configured pneumatic distributors are used for different clamshells, then reliability for specific processes is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal pneumatic distributor is designed to control multiple valve configurations through software reconfiguration. Instead of requiring separate dedicated distributors for each clamshell type, one distributor can be reprogrammed to control different valve assignments and flow paths, reducing device complexity while maintaining process-specific reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic distributor becomes dynamically reconfigurable through software control, allowing it to adapt its output assignments based on the required process. This enables reliable control for different process types using the same hardware infrastructure, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-configured distributors.
4Ease of operation
If fixed installation schemes for tubing and flow paths are used, then ease of operation is improved, but flexibility for different process configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The installation scheme transitions from fixed physical routing to dynamic software-defined flow paths. Standardized physical connections are maintained for ease of operation, while software control dynamically configures the logical flow paths to match different process requirements, achieving both ease of operation and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow path configurations are changed by modifying software parameters rather than physical tubing arrangements. The standardized physical installation remains in place, but the operational flow paths are reconfigured through parameter changes in the control software, maintaining ease of operation while enabling 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 system provides high flexibility, reduced costs, and ease of use by allowing quick transformation between different processes and modes of operation, maintaining sterility and reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing the efficiency of biopharmaceutical production.
Implementation Method 1
A remotely actuated, pneumatic/hydraulic valve system that allows for adjustable configuration to fit different flow paths and processes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to valve system for controlling a process fluid within a liquid processing system. The valve system comprises a valve arrangement, a pneumatic or hydraulic control system, and a connector unit. When the valve arrangement is connected to the connector unit, two or more valves are formed, such that the pneumatic or hydraulic control system controls an open/close or pressure control mode of the valves. A pump diaphragm system is disclosed, as well as a system for purifying a biological material that comprises the valve system or the pump diaphragm system. Also discloses are methods of using the valve system or the pump diaphragm system in a process for the purification of a biological material.