SMB Chromatography Valve Cassette Assembly for Fast Sealed Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing the valve cassette block to the valve control block in SMB chromatography systems are either cumbersome, requiring calibrated torque wrenches and long installation times, or complex and costly, involving hydraulic cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A valve setup comprising a valve control block with sliding trenches and sliding components that interlock with pulling brackets, allowing for easy assembly and secure attachment of the valve cassette block to the valve control block, reducing installation time and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws and washers are used to secure the valve cassette block to the control block, then a secure connection is achieved, but the installation time increases to about 45 minutes and requires calibrated torque wrenches
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: a valve cassette block with integrated control surfaces, a control block with corresponding engagement features, and a simplified fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows for quick assembly and disassembly without requiring multiple screws and washers, reducing installation time while maintaining connection security through the modular design.
2Reliability
If a swivel door with hydraulic cylinders is used to secure the valve cassette block, then sealing pressure is achieved, but the device complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The complex hydraulic cylinder system is extracted and replaced with a simplified mechanical engagement mechanism. The valve cassette block incorporates integrated control surfaces that directly engage with the control block, eliminating the need for swivel doors and hydraulic cylinders while maintaining adequate sealing pressure through the direct mechanical connection and integrated gasket system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve cassette block is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable unit with integrated control surfaces. Instead of investing in complex, expensive hydraulic sealing systems, the design accepts that the cassette block can be quickly replaced after use, simplifying the overall system while maintaining functionality during its service life.
3Reliability
If multiple screws and washers are used to secure the valve cassette block, then a secure connection is achieved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate components (screws, washers, and potentially multiple fastening elements) are merged into a single integrated fastening mechanism. The valve cassette block and control block are designed with complementary engagement features that provide secure connection with minimal components, reducing the total part count while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided that comprises:at least one valve cassette block (20) comprising a plurality of valves (25) which are controllable via a control surface (24) of the valve cassette block (20);a valve control block (10) having an operation surface (11), the valve control block (10) being configured to control each of the plurality of valves (25) when the operation surface (11) is in contact with the control surface (24) of the at least one valve cassette block (20), the valve control block (10) comprising at least one sliding trench (14) formed in the operation surface (11);at least one sliding component (30) configured to slidably interlock with the at least one sliding trench (14) such that the at least one sliding component (30) is movable relative to the valve control block (10) in a sliding direction parallel to the operation surface (11),at least one pulling bracket (40, 50) configured to embrace the at least one valve cassette block (20) and to interact with the at least one sliding component (30) such that a sliding movement of the at least one sliding component (30) in the at least one sliding trench (14) causes the pulling bracket (40, 50) to pull the at least one valve cassette block (20) with its control surface (24) against the operation surface (11) of the valve control block (10).