Single-Use Valve Block Coupling With Fault-Free Drive Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems for single-use applications face challenges in quick and fault-free coupling and decoupling with drive mounts, often requiring complex and costly setups with multiple separate valve units.
Innovation Solution
A valve block body designed for single-use applications, featuring multiple process fluid ducts with valve seats, drive connection sections with diaphragms, and clamping sections, which can be quickly and safely coupled and decoupled with a drive mount using form-fit sections and a device with movable clamping elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate valve units are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and construction space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate valve units into a single integrated valve block body that can be coupled with a drive mount. This merging approach maintains the reliability of having multiple valves while reducing the overall device complexity and construction space required compared to using multiple separate valve units.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve block body is designed as a universal component that integrates multiple valve functions within a single unit. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve the reliability of multiple valves without the complexity and space requirements of separate valve units.
2Reliability
If multiple separate valve units are used, then reliability is improved, but construction space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate valve units into a single integrated valve block body that can be coupled with a drive mount. This merging approach maintains the reliability of having multiple valves while reducing the overall device complexity and construction space required compared to using multiple separate valve units.
3Productivity
If quick coupling and decoupling is enabled, then productivity is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential coupling errors
Solution Approach 1:
The valve block body is designed with self-aligning features including form-fit sections and clamping sections that automatically guide the coupling process. This self-service mechanism ensures that even during quick coupling and decoupling operations, the components align correctly without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling interface is designed with pre-positioned form-fit sections and clamping sections that prepare the valve block body for accurate alignment before the actual coupling occurs. This preliminary action ensures that quick coupling operations maintain high reliability by preventing misalignment or coupling errors.
4Ease of operation
If single-use valve bodies are used, then ease of operation is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single-use valve block body design that can be quickly coupled with a drive mount for operation and then easily decoupled and discarded. The drive mount is designed to be reusable and can be recovered after the single-use valve block is removed. This approach simplifies operation by eliminating the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures while managing costs through the recovery and reuse of the expensive drive mount component.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve block body for arranging on a drive mount includes multiple process fluid ducts, between which valve seats are arranged. Multiple drive connection sections are assigned to the valve seats, which are arranged on at least one side of the valve block body. Multiple clamping sections are arranged facing away from at least one side of the valve block body.