Split Valve Locking Mechanism for Sterile Sealing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing split valves, such as split butterfly and ball valves, face challenges in maintaining sterility and secure sealing during sterile operations, particularly in pharmaceutical and biotech industries, due to bulky designs and complex engagement mechanisms, which complicate handling and increase the risk of product contamination.
Innovation Solution
A split valve assembly with a simplified locking mechanism using a moveable male and female member pair, where the male member is offset and capable of translational movement, ensuring a secure seal and improved engagement of valve portions, allowing for efficient sterilization and containment of materials in sterile environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stringent tolerances are applied to ensure good sealing between valve portions, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating compliant sealing elements (such as elastomeric seals or gaskets) that can deform to compensate for dimensional variations in the valve portions. This pre-built compliance mechanism ensures reliable sealing without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If valve elements are made relatively large to ensure good sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to bulky design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the valve into modular portions (e.g., body and end caps) that can be assembled together. The sealing function is segmented into dedicated sealing elements (gaskets, O-rings, or elastomeric seals) that are separate from the main structural components. This allows the valve to maintain reliable sealing through the dedicated sealing elements rather than requiring large overall dimensions, thereby improving ease of handling while preserving sealing reliability.
3Reliability
If complex engagement mechanisms are used to secure valve portions, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing engagement mechanisms that automatically ensure proper sealing alignment without requiring complex external systems. For example, the valve portions may feature self-aligning sealing surfaces, snap-fit connections that inherently position sealing elements correctly, or tapered interfaces that guide proper assembly. This self-aligning capability maintains sealing reliability while minimizing the complexity of the engagement mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A split valve apparatus for the control, charging, discharging and/or regulating the flow of powders, liquids, slurries and/or fluids. The valve has two valve portions complementarily shaped such that the first can sealingly engage with and co-operate with the second to allow the flow of material therethrough. Each valve portion comprises a housing, a valve seat and a valve closure member, which is movable between two positions.