Unitary Junction Fluid Transfer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes face challenges in maintaining aseptic environments during fluid transfer due to the risk of contamination and leaks associated with multiple independent fluid pathways and complex conduit fittings, which require significant space and assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer assembly with a unitary junction featuring curved fluid pathways and flexible conduits, manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques, minimizing assembly steps and reducing leak points by integrating multiple pathways into a single, compact unitary structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent fluid pathways are used, then fluid transfer functionality is achieved, but the number of fittings and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple independent fluid pathways into a single unitary junction structure, combining what were previously separate fittings and conduits into one integrated component. This merging reduces the total number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining the functionality of multiple fluid pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The unitary junction serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides multiple fluid pathways, acts as a connection point for various conduits, and integrates sealing mechanisms all within a single component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized fittings for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate fittings are used for each fluid pathway, then fluid transfer is enabled, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple separate fittings into a single unitary junction, the physical footprint is significantly reduced. The compact integrated design allows multiple fluid pathways to occupy the same spatial envelope that would have been required for multiple separate fittings distributed across a larger area.
Solution Approach 2:
The unitary junction design allows multiple fluid pathways to be nested or integrated within a compact structure, where pathways are arranged efficiently in three-dimensional space rather than requiring linear extension across a large area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then fluid pathways are established, but leak points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The unitary junction eliminates multiple connection interfaces between separate components by integrating all fluid pathways and connection points into a single monolithic structure. This removal of interfaces directly reduces the number of potential leak points while maintaining the ability to configure multiple fluid pathways.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional manufacturing methods are used, then junctions are produced, but assembly steps and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The unitary junction is designed as a single integrated component that can be manufactured in one process, eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate parts. This merging of functions into a single manufacturable unit directly reduces assembly steps while maintaining ease of production through standard manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer assembly is described. The fluid transfer assembly includes a unitary junction having an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the unitary junction defining a plurality of curved fluid pathways between the upstream portion and the downstream portion. The assembly also includes at least one flexible fluid conduit sealed to the junction in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of curved fluid pathways.