Tube-Pinching Switching Valve for Sterile Sample Flow Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump modules in dispensing and culture medium replacement apparatuses face challenges in accurately discharging samples without contamination, as dust and bacteria from switching valves mix with the sample, and the valves cannot be sterilized, affecting cell culture accuracy and cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A switching valve with a rotor and pressing members that control tube flow without sample introduction, allowing for sterile operation and easy replacement, combined with a syringe pump and tubes that can be sterilized independently to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switching valve is used to switch suction/discharge directions of liquid, then the liquid can be transferred to different destinations, but dust and bacteria from the valve mix with the liquid and contaminate the specimen
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid transfer system is divided into separate segments: a sterilizable segment (tubing pump and tubes) and a non-sterilizable segment (switching valve). The pump and tubes can be independently sterilized and replaced, while the valve remains outside the sterile field, preventing contamination of the liquid specimen.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching valve is extracted from the sterile liquid path and positioned outside the sterilizable area. Only the essential liquid-contact components (tubes and pump) are kept within the sterile zone, allowing them to be sterilized independently while the valve operates in a non-sterile environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a switching valve is used to control liquid flow, then flow direction can be changed, but the valve cannot be subjected to sterilization or autoclave treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into sterilizable components (tubing pump, tubes) and non-sterilizable components (switching valve). This allows the valve to perform its flow control function without requiring sterilization, while the liquid path components can be independently sterilized.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubing pump acts as an intermediary between the sterile liquid reservoir and the non-sterile switching valve. It transfers liquid through sterilizable tubes to the valve, maintaining the sterile barrier while enabling flow direction control.
3Productivity
If a tubing pump is used to continuously squeeze a soft tube, then a large amount of liquid can be supplied continuously, but the soft tube deteriorates and accuracy of discharge amount deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The soft tube is designed as a disposable component that is replaced periodically. This allows the system to maintain high productivity through continuous operation while ensuring discharge accuracy by replacing the tube before deterioration affects precision, rather than attempting to extend the tube's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains accuracy through automatic monitoring and periodic replacement of the soft tube. The tube is replaced when signs of deterioration appear, ensuring that discharge accuracy is self-maintained without requiring complex compensation mechanisms.
4Productivity
If the soft tube is continuously squeezed by the pressing roller, then liquid can be transferred efficiently, but the inner wall of the tube is separated and mixed with the specimen
Solution Approach 1:
The soft tube is designed as a disposable component with a limited service life. It is replaced before the continuous squeezing causes inner wall separation and contamination, ensuring that liquid transfer efficiency is maintained without introducing harmful contaminants from deteriorated tube material.
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 solution effectively prevents dust and bacteria from entering the sample, reduces worker burden by eliminating the need for valve washing, and ensures accurate sample discharge without contamination, enhancing the cleanliness and reliability of cell culture processes.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor that includes a pair of rollers (6a, 6b) that are rotatable about center axes C1 and C2 respectively
Implementation Method 2
a pair of pressing members (17a, 17b) that are disposed at positions where the pressing members (17a, 17b) press the tubes (8, 9) against the rollers (6a, 6b)
Data Source
AI summary
A switching valve includes a rotor having a pair of rollers rotatably mounted on both ends thereof, a rotor drive unit rotationally driving the rotor, a pair of pressing members, each being provided at a position where each of the pair of pressing members cooperates with each of the pair of rollers outside a revolution orbit of each of the pair of rollers revolving by rotation of the rotor, and a pair of tubes, each being disposed between the revolution orbit of each of the pair of rollers and each of the pair of pressing members. A rotation center axis of the rotor is disposed on a straight line connecting centers of rotation of the pair of rollers, and each pressing member has the pair of pressing areas symmetrical with respect to a straight line passing through the center of rotation of the rotor and extending a vertical direction.