Rigid Disposable Flow Path Structure for High-Pressure Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable fluid processing systems face challenges in ensuring proper cleaning and sterilization, flexibility in size and configuration, and maintaining high-pressure operations without leakage, particularly with plastic-based systems that are prone to leaks due to limitations in material properties and complex component assembly.
Innovation Solution
A disposable rigid flow path system composed of two plastic sheets with liquid-tight seals and integrated flow channels, reinforced with materials like polyolefins and thermosets, which includes flexible tubing and fittings for enhanced pressure resistance and leak prevention, allowing for high-pressure operations and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plastic flexible containers and tubing are used, then the system becomes flexible in size and configuration, but the system cannot be used at high pressures due to material limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines rigid plastic sheets with integrated flow channels and flexible tubing in a composite structure. The rigid sheets provide structural support and pressure resistance, while the flexible tubing provides adaptability. This composite approach allows the system to maintain flexibility in configuration while achieving high-pressure capability through the rigid structural framework.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate components such as bags and tubes are assembled, then the system can be manufactured, but leaks occur at connection points between components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow channels directly into the rigid plastic sheets during manufacturing, eliminating separate tubing components and their connection points. The integrated channels are formed as part of the sheet structure itself, removing the weak points where leaks typically occur at tube-to-port connections while maintaining ease of manufacture through integral forming processes.
3Stress or pressure
If manifolds and clam shell systems are used to constrain the assembly, then pressure resistance is improved, but the complexity of operation and manufacture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate manifold and clam shell constraint systems by integrating the flow channel structure directly into the rigid sheets. The sheets themselves are formed with the necessary structural features and flow paths, removing the need for additional constraining components and simplifying both manufacturing and operation while maintaining pressure resistance.
4Strength
If traditional stainless steel pathways are used, then the system is durable, but cleaning and sterilization between uses is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable rigid plastic sheets with integrated flow channels that can be discarded after single use. This eliminates the complex cleaning and sterilization processes required for reusable stainless steel systems, as each sheet is used once and then discarded, ensuring complete contamination removal without time-consuming sterilization cycles while maintaining durability for the duration of use.
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 improved pressure resistance and eliminates leaks, enabling reliable high-pressure operations while simplifying the assembly and maintenance processes, thus addressing the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other at their adjoining first major surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a disposable rigid flow path which by itself or in conjunction with a clam shell or manifold system provides additional pressure resistance for the disposable device. In a first embodiment, the device is comprised of a first sheet of rigid plastic material and a second sheet of plastic material. Each sheet has a first major surface and a second major surface and a thickness between the first and second major surfaces. At least one and preferably both have flow channels formed in them. The flow channels are formed in the sheet such that they extend away from the first major surface of the sheet and beyond the normal plane of the second major surface of the sheet.. The first and second sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other at their adjoining first major surfaces.