Multi-Use Fluid Coupling With Wiping Seal and Auto-Shut Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid coupling devices for drug delivery systems face challenges in providing a sterile connection that minimizes fluid spillage, dead space, and biological contamination, often requiring sterile environments and multiple components, which can be costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The development of multi-use fluid coupling devices with a wiping seal mechanism and a minimal number of components, featuring an insert coupling and a body coupling with internal valves and springs that create a sterile, aseptic connection and disconnection process, reducing the risk of fluid spillage and biological contamination, and eliminating the need for sterile rooms in some cases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fluid coupling devices are used for drug delivery, then connection between components can be established, but fluid spillage and biological contamination occur during disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterile connection integrityVSAvoidfluid spillage and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member is pre-configured to automatically block the fluid passage upon disconnection of the coupling. The spring member continuously biases the valve member toward the closed position, creating a preliminary protective action that prevents fluid spillage and contamination before they can occur during the disconnection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful function of fluid discharge during disconnection is extracted and neutralized by introducing a dedicated valve member that selectively opens and closes the fluid passage. This separates the connection function from the fluid flow control function, allowing the coupling to disconnect while the valve prevents fluid leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If multiple components are used in fluid coupling devices, then sterile connection can be maintained, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterile barrier maintenanceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated coupling device. The body coupling incorporates both the fluid passage and the valve mechanism with the valve member and spring member, eliminating the need for separate sterile barriers and manual closure mechanisms. This integration maintains sterile connection reliability while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device is designed to perform multiple functions: establishing fluid connection, maintaining sterile barrier, and automatically preventing fluid spillage upon disconnection. The valve member serves both as a flow control element and a sterile barrier protection mechanism, providing multi-functionality that reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If conventional couplings are disconnected, then fluid transfer is complete, but dead space retains excessive fluid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid transfer efficiencyVSAvoidfluid retained in dead space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member is designed to close the fluid passage immediately upon disconnection, performing a preliminary action that prevents fluid from remaining in the dead space. This automatic closure action occurs before fluid can redistribute or leak, minimizing the amount of fluid retained in the coupling device after use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

These devices facilitate multiple sterile connections and disconnections while minimizing fluid spillage and air inclusion, reducing the need for sterile environments and lowering operational costs by ensuring aseptic handling and efficient fluid transfer.

Implementation Method 1

an insert spring disposed within the internal space of the insert housing and arranged to bias the insert valve member against the insert seal member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

one or more mechanical components will reduce the likelihood of fluid discharge out of the fluid system (for example, by blocking as such discharge paths)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

The fluid coupling devices can be implemented as multi-use, sterile fluid coupling devices that are configured to reduce the likelihood of fluid spillage when being disconnected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11635162B2Fluid couplings

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 COLDER PRODUCTS CO

AI summary

Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for purposes of providing a sterile connection for drug delivery. In some embodiments, the fluid coupling devices can be implemented as multi-use, sterile fluid coupling devices that are configured to reduce the likelihood of fluid spillage when being disconnected.