Springless Valve Stem Structure for Sterile Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The pharmaceutical and biological industries face challenges in valve design that result in damage to fluid components and compromised operational efficiencies and sterility, necessitating improvements in valve technology for selective fluid flow restriction.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a valve body and stem with a locking flange and retention feature that allows for selective control between open and closed configurations without the use of a spring, enabling precise fluid flow management and integration with fluid conduits, particularly suitable for biologically active or pharmaceutical compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valve designs are used, then fluid flow can be restricted, but damage to fluid components and compromised sterility occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component from the valve assembly, extracting the source of mechanical damage and contamination risk. This eliminates spring-induced stress on seals and potential spring degradation products that could compromise sterility, while maintaining valve functionality through alternative springless actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diaphragm as an intermediary element between the actuation force and the valve closure mechanism. This diaphragm mediates the closing action without requiring direct mechanical contact that could damage seals or compromise sterility, allowing fluid flow restriction while protecting fluid components from damage
2Productivity
If conventional valve designs with springs are used, then valve operation is simplified, but operational efficiencies and sterility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the spring component, the patent eliminates potential sources of contamination and mechanical failure that could compromise sterility. The springless design reduces parts that can degrade or contaminate pharmaceutical fluids, thereby improving operational efficiency in sterile environments while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve employs a self-actuating mechanism where fluid pressure differential automatically opens or closes the valve without requiring external spring force. This self-service operation eliminates the need for spring maintenance and replacement, improving operational efficiency while maintaining sterility through reduced mechanical complexity
3Reliability
If valve designs that minimize damage to fluid components are used, then sterility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm serves as a simple intermediary element that protects seals and fluid components from direct mechanical stress. This single added component achieves sterility protection without requiring complex multi-part assemblies, maintaining relatively simple valve structure while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Removing the spring component simplifies the overall valve structure by eliminating a complex mechanical element. The resulting springless design, though it adds a diaphragm, reduces overall complexity by removing parts that require maintenance, lubrication, and can compromise sterility, leading to a cleaner, more reliable valve architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A valve comprising: a valve body; and a valve stem disposed at least partially within the valve body, the valve stem comprising a sidewall defining a central lumen and at least one opening in the sidewall, wherein the valve is adapted to prevent fluid flow through the lumen when the at least one opening is disposed within the valve body and permit fluid flow through the lumen when the at least one opening is exposed from the valve body, and wherein the valve is essentially free of a spring.