Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an array of reconfigurable modular units for movement of materials.

Background

[0002] Many chemical and mechanical processes rely on one or more of the transportation, storage and mixing of materials, where the materials may include one or more of fluids, liquids, powders or solids. Known systems rely on individual, or discrete, system specific infrastructures that are generally designed to achieve these functions separately. This increases the complexity in the usage and operation of the systems. The discrete system specific structures may significantly increase the chance risk of user error, which may have unwanted

consequences in certain devices, for example medical measurement devices.

Summary

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements.

[0004] Disclosed are arrangements which seek to address the above problems by providing an array of reconfigurable modular units for the movement of materials, including one or more of the storage, transportation and/or mixing of materials.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an array of reconfigurable modular units for movement of material, the array comprising at least two modular units that are interconnected by at least one detachable channel, wherein each of the at least two modular units comprises: a control device operable to transport material between the detachable channel and an internal chamber formed within the control device, and a switching device operable to fluidly connect and disconnect the detachable channel to the internal chamber.

[0006] The control device may comprise a deformable material arranged to form the internal chamber, and an actuating device arranged to depress the deformable material upon actuation to pressurise the internal chamber. [0007] Whereupon deactivating the actuating device, the deformable material of the array may reform the internal chamber.

[0008] The actuating device of the array may comprise a mechanical lever structure that is arranged in a first mode to depress the deformable material and simultaneously operate the switching device to fluidly connect the detachable channel to the internal chamber, and arranged in a second mode to not depress the deformable material and simultaneously operate the switching device to fluidly disconnect the detachable channel from the internal chamber.

[0009] The actuating device of the array may comprise an electromagnetic system comprising a first magnet attached to the deformable material and located inside the internal chamber and a second magnet attached to the switching device, the electromagnetic system operable in a first mode to i) apply a magnetic force to the first magnet to depress the deformable material and simultaneously ii) apply a magnetic force to the second magnet to operate the switching device to fluidly connect the detachable channel to the internal chamber, and further operable in a second mode to i) not apply a magnetic force to the first magnet and so not depress the deformable material and simultaneously ii) not apply a magnetic force to the second magnet and so operate the switching device to fluidly disconnect the detachable channel from the internal chamber.

[0010] At least one of the modular units may comprise at least one detachable channel.

[0011] At least one of the modular units may comprise an opening for receiving the at least detachable channel. The switching device of the at least one modular unit may be arranged to close the opening for connecting and disconnecting the detachable channel to the internal chamber.

[0012] There is also provided a medical instrument or device comprising the array above.

[0013] There is also provided a vehicle air bag system comprising the array above.

[0014] There is also provided a programmable control system comprising a processor device operable to execute a computer program recorded therein, the program being executable by the programmable control system to control the control device and switching device of the at least two modular units in the array. [0015] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of moving material using an array of reconfigurable modular units comprising at least two modular units that are interconnected by at least one detachable channel, the method comprising the steps of: transporting material between the detachable channel and an internal chamber formed within a control device of the modular unit, and fluidly connecting and disconnecting the detachable channel to the internal chamber.

[0016] The method may further comprise the step of depressing a deformable material forming the internal chamber to pressurise the internal chamber.

[0017] The method may further comprise the step of reforming the internal chamber to depressurise the internal chamber.

[0018] The method may further comprise the steps of, in a first mode, depressing a

deformable material forming the internal chamber and simultaneously operating a switching device to fluidly connect the detachable channel to the internal chamber, and arranged in a second mode to not depress the deformable material and simultaneously operating the switching device to fluidly disconnect the detachable channel from the internal chamber.

[0019] The method may further comprise the steps of in a first mode i) applying a magnetic force to a first magnet to depress a deformable material forming the internal chamber and simultaneously ii) applying a magnetic force to a second magnet to operate a switching device to fluidly connect the detachable channel to the internal chamber, and further operable in a second mode to i) not apply a magnetic force to the first magnet and so not depress the deformable material and simultaneously ii) not applying a magnetic force to the second magnet and so operating the switching device to fluidly disconnect the detachable channel from the internal chamber.

[0020] Two or more reconfigurable modular units may be attached together to form an array of units in any suitable size, configuration or structure for use with any suitable volume of material. The reconfigurable form of the modular units provides scalability. Each unit may provide one or more functions or modes of operation for storing, transporting and/or mixing one or more materials. Materials may include one or more of fluids and liquids, powders and solids. The same or different materials may be stored, transported and/or mixed using the array of units. Different materials may be chemically isolated from each other using the array of units. The array of units may provide a flexible and integrated approach for control and sequencing of complex chemical processes. The modular units in an array may be actuated and connecting channels may be switched using a control program to provide process automation. The structure of a reconfigurable modular unit may include an internal chamber for holding a central material (e.g. a fluid) formed in the shape of a dimple, switchable channels (with the ability to open and close) that extend out from the reconfigurable unit, and a mechanism to actuate the material transport into and out of the internal chamber.

[0021] Other aspects are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] At least one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings and appendices, in which:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a reconfigurable modular unit for use in an array according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 2 shows an array of reconfigurable modular units according to the present disclosure;

[0025] Figs. 3A to 3C show an operational sequence of a reconfigurable modular unit according to the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig. 4 shows a reconfigurable modular unit being controlled using a mechanical lever structure according to the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig. 5 shows a reconfigurable modular unit being controlled using an electromagnetic control system according to the present disclosure;

[0028] Figs 6A to 6C show examples of alternative configurations of two or more

reconfigurable modular units connected using one or more channels according to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description including Best Mode

[0029] Where reference is made in any one or more of the accompanying drawings to steps and/or features, which have the same reference numerals, those steps and/or features have for the purposes of this description the same function(s) or operation(s), unless the contrary intention appears. [0030] Fig. 1 shows a reconfigurable modular unit 101 according to an embodiment, where the unit is for use in an array (shown in Fig. 2). The modular unit 101 has a control device 103 in the form of a“dimple” that is configured as a central storage unit. The control device has formed therein an internal chamber 301 (see Fig. 3) for storing one or more materials. Each material may include one or more of fluids, liquids, powders and solids.

[0031] The control device may be fabricated from one or more strong and/or deformable materials. The material used for the control device may have repellent properties in relation to the material that is to be stored, transported or mixed within the internal chamber. Further, the control device may be manufactured to have one or more pre-packaged materials stored within the internal chamber.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the modular unit 103 has four channels (105A, 105B, 105C, 105D) in switchable fluid connection to the internal chamber 301 of the unit 103. In this example, each of the four channels is positioned at 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees and 270 degrees respectively around the circumference of the control device, which has a circular cross-section and a dome shape.

[0033] The channels may be detachable at the point marked 107A-D. That is, the channels may be inserted into an opening formed in the modular unit to create a seal. Alternatively, one or more channels may be integrally formed with the modular unit where a distal end of these integrally formed channels is either inserted into an opening formed in another modular unit, or connected to a further channel in a sealable manner.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows an example array 201 of reconfigurable modular units 103, where each of the modular units 103 is of the form shown and described with reference to Fig. 1. It will be understood that the modular units on the edges or corners of the array may be configured differently with regards to how many channels the modular unit has, in order to form an enclosed array. That is, the edge modular units may have only three channels to connect to neighbouring units, whereas the corner modular units may have only two channels to connect to the neighbouring units. It will further be understood that other configurations of arrays may be formed, such as those described with reference to Figs. 6A - 6C for example.

[0035] The array 201 of modular units 103 can be realised by connecting multiple modular units in any desired configuration. One or more modular units can be attached and detached from other modular units via their available channels to form an array of a desired configuration. [0036] Each channel is switched to be fluidly connected to and disconnected from the internal chamber using a switching device as described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 3A- 3C, 4 and 5.

[0037] It will be understood that the switching device maybe located within the opening of the modular unit or may be located within the channels.

[0038] Figs. 3A to 3C show an operational sequence of a reconfigurable modular unit according to the present disclosure.

[0039] In Fig. 3A, the modular unit 103 has an internal chamber 301 and is used to control the storage, transportation and/or mixing of one or more materials via other modular units that form an array 201 of modular units. The transport of material between the internal chamber 301 and the channel(s) (including at least one detachable channel 105) is caused to operate by way of a number of controllable actions that i) pressurize and depressurize the internal chamber and ii) open and close the fluidic connection between the internal chamber and the channel(s) (including at least one detachable channel 105) via switching devices.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3A, a force 303 is applied to the modular unit 103 to apply internal pressure within the internal chamber 301 , while at the same time (i.e. concurrently or simultaneously) opening a switching device 305 that is operable to fluidly connect and disconnect the channel(s) (including at least one detachable channel 105) to the internal chamber 301. The pressure increase within the internal chamber 301 causes the material(s) therein to flow out of the internal chamber into the channel 105.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 3B, a force 307, which is a force opposite to force 303, is applied to the modular unit 103 to remove the internal pressure from within the internal chamber 301 , while at the same time (i.e. concurrently or simultaneously) closing the switching device 305 that is operable to fluidly connect and disconnect the channel(s) (including at least one detachable channel 105) to the internal chamber 301. As the switching device 305 is closed, the reduction of pressure in the internal chamber does not cause any movement of material from the channel 105 to the internal chamber.

[0042] Fig. 3C shows an internal chamber 301 being pressurized by application of the force 303 in readiness for opening the switching device. Subsequently, when the switching device is opened, and the force 303 (as shown in Fig. 3A) is applied, the difference in pressure in the internal chamber relative to the pressure in the channel 105 causes the movement of any material in the internal chamber to move to the channel 105.

[0043] In a similar manner, if the chamber 301 is empty, and the switching device 305 is closed, upon applying a force 307 (as shown in Fig. 3B), the chamber is de-pressurized. Upon the switching device 305 opening the difference in pressure in the internal chamber relative to the pressure in the channel 105 causes the movement of any material in the channel to move to the internal chamber.

[0044] Therefore, it can be seen that, by changing the differential pressure between various internal chambers (and connected channels) of the modular units through application of the controlled forces and controlled switch operations, the movement of material(s) between the internal chambers of the modular units is controllable.

[0045] The pressurizing/depressurizing of the internal chamber may be independently controlled from the opening and closing of the fluidic connection between the internal chamber and the channel(s). Alternatively, the pressurizing/depressurizing of the internal chamber may be dependency controlled based on the opening and closing of the fluidic connection between the internal chamber and the channel(s). For example, the pressurizing/depressurizing of the internal chamber may be synchronised with the opening/closing of the fluidic connection between the internal chamber and the channel(s).

[0046] A first action is operable to depress the deformable material forming the internal chamber 301 by way of a first force 303. A second action is the reverse of the first action to apply a second opposing force (as shown in Fig. 3B). A third action is operable to open a channel by controlling a switching device. A fourth action is operable to close a channel by controlling a switching device. By applying relative operation of the first and second actions with respect to the third and fourth actions, the material may be moved between internal chambers of the modular units. The first action may be applied simultaneously with the third action or the fourth action. The second action may be applied simultaneously with the third action or the fourth action. The first action may be applied while the third action transfers to the fourth action, or while the fourth action transfers to the third action. The second action may be applied while the third action transfers to the fourth action, or while the fourth action transfers to the third action.

[0047] Referring back to Fig. 2, it will be understood that, by switchably controlling the movement (or location) of material(s) between the modular units, the storage, transportation and mixing of the material(s) may be enabled in any suitable configuration and along any desired pathway through the array of modular units and associated channels.

[0048] It will be understood that the channel switching devices may be, by default, set in a closed configuration for safe storage of material(s) in the internal chamber. The switching devices may be unidirectional or bidirectional based on different requirements.

[0049] Fig. 4 shows an example of a modular unit that is configured to be controlled using a mechanical class 1 cantilever structure. A cantilever 401 operates via a fulcrum 403 such that when a force is applied according to the force direction arrows (405A, 405B), the cantilever moves about the fulcrum. The force (405A, 405B) may be applied via various approaches such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, electric or mechanical actuator system.

[0050] For example, in a hydraulic example, an electric motor will drive a linear hydraulic arm that will provide force 405A and 405B. The movement of the cantilever may have two effects.

A first effect is to apply a force 407 to the modular unit in the direction of the arrow (or an opposite force), to create the differential pressure within the internal chamber with reference to the channel(s). A second effect is to open or close the switching device 305 (depending on the mode of operation at the time). Another example to provide the force 405A and 405B could be realized via a stiff mechanical arm driven by a motor.

[0051] Therefore, for the cantilever structure, when two channels are connected, one end of each of the cantilever associated with a channel is connected to the associated switching device in the channel. The other end of the cantilever either rests above the modular unit or is connected to the modular unit. When the cantilever is activated, either mechanically or electrically, the material or component is transferred to the desired destination by opening the channel switches and depressing the modular unit. Coordination of the depressing of the modular unit and the switching device opening allows for a simple movement of material around the array.

[0052] Fig. 5 shows an example of a modular unit that is configured to be controlled using an electromagnetic control system.

[0053] An electromagnetic force 501 A may be applied via a programmable control system 505 to interact with a permanent magnet 503A that is located (or embedded) within the internal chamber 301 and attached to an upper portion of the internal chamber surface. The electromagnetic force 501 A forces the permanent magnet in a downwards direction thus increasing pressure within the internal chamber. Release of the electromagnetic force 501A enables the resilient material forming the internal chamber to rebound and reform into its original shape.

[0054] Further, electromagnetic forces (501 B and 501 C) may be applied via a programmable control system 505 to interact with permanent magnets (503B and 503C) that are attached to the upper and lower switch elements of the switching device 305. The electromagnetic forces (501 B and 501 C) force the permanent magnets in a direction to either close the switch or open the switch.

[0055] The programmable control system 505 may control activation of the electromagnetic forces (501A, 501 B and 501C) in a synchronised manner to co-ordinate the pressurising and depressurising of the internal chamber with the opening and closing of the switching device.

[0056] It will be understood that the programmable control system 505 shown in Figure 5 may be a general-purpose computer system, upon which the various control arrangements described can be practiced.

[0057] The computer system may include: a computer module; input devices such as a keyboard, a touch screen, a mouse pointer device, and output devices including a printer, a display device and loudspeakers. An external Modulator-Demodulator (Modem) transceiver device may be used by the computer module for communicating to and from a communications network via a connection. The communications network may be a wide-area network (WAN), such as the Internet, a cellular telecommunications network, or a private WAN. A wireless modem may also be used for wireless connection to the communications network.

[0058] The computer module typically includes at least one processor unit, and a memory unit. For example, the memory unit may have semiconductor random access memory (RAM) and semiconductor read only memory (ROM). The computer module also includes a number of input/output (I/O) interfaces for coupling to the input and output devices.

[0059] Storage devices are provided and typically include a hard disk drive (HDD). Other storage devices such as a floppy disk drive and a magnetic tape drive (not illustrated) may also be used. An optical disk drive is typically provided to act as a non-volatile source of data.

Portable memory devices, such optical disks (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray Disc™), USB-RAM, portable, external hard drives, and floppy disks, for example, may be used as appropriate sources of data to the system. [0060] The method of control of the reconfigurable modular units described may be implemented using the computer system, wherein the control processes described, may be implemented as one or more software application programs executable within the computer system.

[0061] The software may be stored in any suitable computer readable medium. The software may be loaded into the computer system from the computer readable medium, and then executed by the computer system. A computer readable medium having such software or computer program recorded on the computer readable medium is a computer program product. The use of the computer program product in the computer system preferably effects an advantageous apparatus for controlling the reconfigurable modular units.

[0062] In some instances, the application programs may be supplied to the user encoded on one or more CD-ROMs and read via the corresponding drive, or alternatively may be read by the user from the networks. Still further, the software can also be loaded into the computer system from other computer readable media. Computer readable storage media refers to any non-transitory tangible storage medium that provides recorded instructions and/or data to the computer system for execution and/or processing. Examples of such storage media include floppy disks, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray™ Disc, a hard disk drive, a ROM or integrated circuit, USB memory, a magneto-optical disk, or a computer readable card such as a PCMCIA card and the like, whether or not such devices are internal or external of the computer module. Examples of transitory or non-tangible computer readable transmission media that may also participate in the provision of software, application programs, instructions and/or data to the computer module include radio or infra-red transmission channels as well as a network connection to another computer or networked device, and the Internet or Intranets including e- mail transmissions and information recorded on Websites and the like.

[0063] A user of the herein described system may control automation of the desired process via the computer system by entering control parameters and processing pathways to identify which modular units are to be connected and disconnected during each stage of the process. Different timings may be provided to control how long two or more units may be connected and/or disconnected. Access to other relevant adjustable parameters may also be provided to users to enable them to program the storage, transportation and/or mixing of materials using the herein described reconfigurable modular units. [0064] Figs 6A to 6C show examples of alternative configurations of two or more reconfigurable modular units connected using one or more channels according to the present disclosure.

[0065] According to Fig. 6A, an array structure is provided that has two modular units 103 and a single channel 105 switchably connecting the internal chambers of the two modular units.

Each of the modular units has a single input, which also operates as a single output.

[0066] According to Fig. 6B, an array structure is provided that has three modular units 103 and two channels 105. A first modular unit and a second modular unit are switchably connected via a first channel. The second modular unit and a third modular unit are switchably connected via second channel. The first and third modular units have a single input, which also operates as a single output. The second modular unit has two inputs, which also act as two outputs.

[0067] According to Fig. 6C, an array structure is provided that has four modular units 103 and four channels 105. A first modular unit and a second modular unit are switchably connected via a first channel. The second modular unit is also switchably connected via a second channel with a third modular unit. The third modular unit is also switchably connected via a third channel with a fourth modular unit. The fourth modular unit is also switchably connected via a fourth channel with the first modular unit. Each of the first, second, third and fourth modular units have two inputs, each of which also operates as an output.

[0068] Alternative configurations are also envisaged.

[0069] An example of the herein described modular units being used in an airbag is now provided. For example, the configuration shown in Fig. 6A may be used in an airbag.

[0070] Two separate materials, a chemical liquid and a dry powder, are stored in separate internal chambers of two modular units that are switchably connected. The internal chambers of the two modular units are fluidly connected via a channel. When the airbag is in the“off” state, the two internal chambers are completely isolated from each other due to the switching device operations. When the airbag activation sensing procedure detects an impact, the airbag release sequence is activated.

[0071] Upon activation, the switching devices of both modular units are activated to fluidly connect the two internal chambers. Also, the actuating devices are actuated to cause a difference in pressure between the two internal chambers and so cause the material stored within one of the internal chambers to be transferred to the other internal chamber. Once the material arrives in the other chamber, a chemical reaction could occur when two substances are mixed together and transform into a third substance.

[0072] The herein described system therefore may perform the storage, transportation and/or mixing of one or more materials, by actuation of the“dimple” and switching of the switches in a reconfigurable modular unit. This functionality is able to be coordinated and controlled in a programmable array of the modular units to perform complex material (e.g. fluidic) processes. The herein described system may provide a chemical isolation system or method to reduce the potential hazards associated with material exposure.

[0073] The transport of material may be controlled between modular units at a modular unit level, where each unit performs the step of directing the material in and out of the modular unit while at the same time directing the flow of the material around the array network. This may be done by synchronising the actuation of the unit (i.e. input/output control of the material from the internal chamber) and switching of the channels between the units. This may allow for a scalable network of any size, which can be programmed for any suitable chemical process.

[0074] It will be understood that the speed of material movement may be controlled by i) controlling the speed of activating the control devices that change the pressure in the internal chamber, ii) changing the material of the internal chambers to cause the control devices to work more slowly or faster depending on the material of the internal chamber, iii) controlling the speed at which the switching devices operate, iv) using different apertures in the channels, or a combination of any of i) to iv).

[0075] According to alternative arrangements, the channels may be positioned on, located at or attached anywhere on the body of the modular unit to enable a fluid connection or disconnection to be made between the channel(s) and the internal chamber.

[0076] According to alternative arrangements, any suitable number of channel(s) may be in fluid connection with an internal chamber of each modular unit.

[0077] According to alternative arrangements, each channel associated with a modular unit may be of the same size, or be of different sizes.

[0078] According to alternative arrangements, any of the channel(s) may have varying aperture sizes along their length. [0079] According to alternative arrangements, the channel(s) and internal chambers may be made from different materials depending on the material that is being moved.

Industrial Applicability

[0080] The arrangements described are applicable to storage, transportation and/or mixing of materials. These include applications in industrial processes, medical or biomedical applications and research environments. In particular, as an example, the disclosed arrangements may be used in sensors, instruments or lab on chip devices. These sensors and devices may operate based on chemical reactions, microfluidics and nanofluidics, optical or electronic processes. An example of a device that may implement the arrangements described is an opto-fluidic lab on chip sensor that performs spectroscopic or absorption analysis on microfluidic samples. The arrangement described could be used for sample management and delivery to the opto-fluidic chip.

[0081] The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

[0082] In the context of this specification, the word“comprising” means“including principally but not necessarily solely” or“having” or“including”, and not“consisting only of”. Variations of the word "comprising", such as“comprise” and“comprises” have correspondingly varied meanings.