Aseptic Connector Clip Assembly for Synchronized Plug Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors in biopharmaceutical applications lack user-friendly and efficient aseptic connection and disconnection mechanisms, often requiring complex assembly and high material usage, while failing to ensure aseptic conditions during operation.
Innovation Solution
A connector arrangement with a tubular body and a movable plug, featuring an external blocking part and aseptic attachment structure, allowing aseptic connection and disconnection through a simple radial pulling action, and incorporating a return mechanism for automatic closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a male connector and female connector are used for fluid connection, then the connection can be established, but the interoperability is limited as male connectors cannot connect to male connectors and female connectors cannot connect to female connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric connector designs where connectors of the same gender (e.g., male-to-male or female-to-female) can be interconnected through complementary asymmetric interfaces. This allows versatile interoperability while maintaining distinct connection geometries that prevent incompatible connections, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If aseptic connection devices are designed to allow disconnection, then the ability to uncouple connections is achieved, but the construction becomes complex requiring more material and increasing production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The aseptic connection device is divided into separable segments including a coupling portion and a decoupling portion that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation enables easy connection and disconnection operations while using simpler individual components, reducing overall construction complexity and material requirements compared to monolithic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates nested structures where internal components are housed within outer casings, allowing compact integration of multiple functions (sealing, latching, fluid flow control) into a single compact unit. This nesting approach reduces the overall footprint and material usage while maintaining the ability to disconnect aseptically.
3Ease of manufacture
If connectors are designed for easy assembly, then the amount of material and production cost are optimized, but the ability to ensure aseptic conditions during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates flexible membranes as thin film barriers that seal fluid pathways during assembly and operation. These thin film membranes are integrated into the connector structure in a cost-effective manner, providing reliable aseptic sealing without requiring complex multi-component assemblies, thus maintaining both ease of manufacture and aseptic reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
The connector arrangement has a connector (1) provided with a plug (15) movable inside a tubular body. A blocking part (12a), clipped around the body (2), provisionally locks a retracted open position of the plug, to retain the plug away from a plug seating surface provided near a front central opening of the connector, where a junction plane extends for a coupled state of the connector (1) with a compatible/identical connector (101). An aseptic attachment structure (5) with membrane (M) initially seals the opening. A fluid connection system (100) with a pair of interlocked connector arrangements allows synchronizing membrane removal with unlocking of the respective plugs (15), by forming a removably clippable assembly including the blocking parts (12a, 12b). Each membrane of attachment structure is secured to the clip assembly (12) to be pulled, radially outward, with this assembly. Return means (20) may push the plugs for having aseptic disconnection.