Closed Transfer Coupler Backup Valve for Leak-Tight Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closed transfer systems experience leaks due to imperfect fluid tight seals in one-way valves over multiple cycles, posing a risk of chemical exposure during transfer and cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a secondary one-way valve as a backup mechanism, positioned upstream of the primary valve, to prevent fluid leakage by maintaining a fluid tight seal even when the primary valve fails or leaks, ensuring air flow is maintained without throttling the primary valve's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single primary valve is used in the closed transfer system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to leaks over multiple cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a secondary backup valve positioned upstream of the primary valve to prevent fluid leakage. This backup valve acts as a pre-established safety measure that activates when the primary valve fails to maintain a fluid-tight seal, thereby cushioning against the harmful effect of leaks without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is segmented into distinct functional components: a primary valve at the probe tip for normal operation and a secondary backup valve at the base for failure protection. This segmentation allows each valve to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity
2Reliability
If a secondary backup valve is added to prevent leaks, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary backup valve serves as a pre-positioned safety mechanism that remains dormant during normal operation but activates automatically when the primary valve fails. This approach improves reliability by having failure protection already in place without requiring complex control systems or additional operational procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow air channel acts as an intermediary pathway that connects both the primary and secondary valves to the container interior. This intermediary structure allows both valves to function independently through a shared medium (air flow) without requiring direct mechanical or control system interconnection, thereby limiting the increase in complexity
3Reliability
If the secondary valve is positioned upstream at the base, then the reliability improves by catching leaks early, but the air flow path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the secondary backup valve at the base where the hollow air channel enters the container, the system achieves early leak detection and prevention. This upstream positioning allows the backup valve to intercept potential leaks before they can affect the probe assembly or external environment, providing a safety buffer zone
4Reliability
If the secondary valve provides sufficient air flow volume, then the reliability improves, but the primary valve performance may be throttled
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary backup valve is designed with local quality optimization: it provides sufficient air flow volume to maintain system reliability when activated, but its opening pressure differential is calibrated to be less than or equal to the primary valve, ensuring it does not create backpressure that would throttle the primary valve's performance during normal operation
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 secondary valve effectively prevents fluid from exiting the system, enhancing user safety by maintaining a fluid tight environment during chemical transfer and cleaning, thereby reducing the risk of chemical exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one secondary valve is positioned at the base air inlet and configured to selectively allow air into the hollow air channel
Implementation Method 2
The at least one primary valve is positioned at the probe tip and configured to selectively allow air out of the probe tip
Implementation Method 3
Chemical containers can be coupled to a closed transfer system, which can use a pressure differential to motivate chemicals out of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A probe assembly for a closed transfer system is provided. The probe assembly includes a base having an internal wall, a probe defining a hollow air channel, and a valve configured to selectively allow air into the hollow air channel. The internal wall partially defines and fluidly separates a liquid chamber and an air chamber. The probe is coupled to the base such that the hollow air channel is in fluid communication with the air chamber. The valve is positioned proximate to the air chamber. The liquid chamber is configured to deliver rinse water from a water source.