Welded Flexible Sheet Fluid Manifold for Sterile Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid manifolds used in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries for dispensing sterile liquids are labor-intensive to assemble, prone to connection failures that can lead to contamination, and may trap particulate matter, resulting in unwanted contamination of the fluid.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fluid manifold system comprising a manifold formed from opposing flexible sheets welded together to create a fluid flow path, which reduces the number of connections required and minimizes the risk of contamination by eliminating cut tubing sections and reducing gas entrapment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional manifolds are assembled from multiple tube sections with T-connectors, then the system can be manufactured using traditional methods, but the assembly becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate tube sections and T-connectors into a single integrated manifold body. The manifold is constructed as one unified component with multiple outlets, eliminating the need to assemble separate tube sections and connectors, thereby dramatically reducing assembly time and labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold body is segmented into multiple functional outlets that can independently connect to different containers. This segmentation allows the fluid distribution function to be achieved within a single integrated component rather than requiring multiple separate tube sections to be assembled together.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple tube sections and connectors are used in the manifold, then the system can be assembled using conventional components, but the number of connections increases the risk of leakage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple tube sections and T-connectors into a single integrated manifold body, the patent eliminates numerous connection points where leaks could occur. The unified construction removes the interfaces between separate components, thereby significantly improving connection reliability and reducing contamination risk.
3Ease of manufacture
If tube sections are cut and pressed together to form the manifold, then the manifold can be constructed from standard tubing, but particulate matter becomes trapped within the tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful effect of particulate matter generation by eliminating the tube cutting and pressing process entirely. The manifold is manufactured as a single molded component rather than assembling cut tube sections, thereby removing the source of particulate contamination from the fluid path.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the manifold into a single integrated component manufactured through molding or similar processes, the patent eliminates the intermediate steps of cutting and pressing tubes together. This unified construction prevents particulate matter from being generated and trapped within the fluid pathways.
4Productivity
If large passage tubes are used in the manifold, then fluid can flow freely through the system, but a significant amount of fluid is retained within the tubes after container filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible tubing with collapsible walls that can be pinched or collapsed to close off the fluid passage. This flexibility allows the system to maintain adequate flow during operation while enabling complete drainage of the tubes into the containers by collapsing the passages, thereby minimizing fluid waste.
5Ease of manufacture
If conventional tube assemblies are used, then the manifold can be constructed using standard components, but the tube assembly becomes unwieldy and difficult to work with
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple separate tube sections and connectors into a single integrated manifold body, the patent transforms an unwieldy, difficult-to-manage assembly into a compact, manageable unit. The integrated construction improves ease of operation while maintaining the fluid distribution functionality.
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 fluid manifold system is easier to manufacture and assemble, reduces the risk of contamination and particulate entrapment, minimizes gas entrapment, and allows for efficient fluid transfer with reduced waste, making it more efficient and cost-effective for handling sterile liquids.
Implementation Method 1
a manifold formed from opposing flexible sheets welded together to create a fluid flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid manifold system includes a first manifold having portions of opposing flexible sheets welded together to form a fluid flow path therebetween, a fluid inlet communicating with the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path of the first manifold includes: a primary flow path communicating with the fluid inlet of the first manifold; and a plurality of spaced apart secondary flow paths that branch off of the primary flow path. Each secondary flow path has a first end communicating with the primary flow path and an opposing second end, each secondary flow path having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the primary flow path. The fluid manifold system also includes a plurality of tubular connectors with each tubular connector being secured to the first manifold at the second end of a corresponding one of the secondary flow paths.