Aseptic Fluid Coupling With Irreversible Disconnect Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling devices in bioprocessing systems face challenges in aseptic disconnection, leading to potential biological contamination and fluid spillage, especially when disconnecting media bags from bioreactors, as they often require sterile environments and can be prone to reconnection errors.
Innovation Solution
The development of single-use aseptic fluid coupling devices with irreversibly blocked fluid paths and a robust locking system, featuring a tear-away sleeve that must be destructively removed to uncouple, providing audible and tactile feedback for secure disconnection and minimizing spillage through sequential valve closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fluid coupling devices are used for disconnection, then operational flexibility is improved, but biological contamination risk increases and sterile environment requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device performs preliminary actions by automatically closing the first valve when the coupling and decoupling bodies are separated, and closing the second valve when fully assembled. This pre-emptive valve closure prevents fluid leakage and maintains sterility without requiring manual intervention or sterile environments during connection/disconnection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is self-service through its automatic valve control system that responds to mechanical states (connected/disconnected) and provides appropriate fluid flow control actions. The system monitors its own state and executes necessary valve closures to prevent contamination and spillage autonomously, eliminating the need for external sterile environment controls.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coupling devices allow reconnection, then adaptability is improved, but reconnection errors and contamination risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device inverts the conventional approach by designing single-use couplings that are intended to be disconnected permanently rather than reconnected. The mechanical blocking feature physically prevents reconnection attempts, ensuring that once disconnected, the coupling cannot be reassembled. This inversion eliminates reconnection errors while maintaining adaptability for single-use applications where reliability is paramount.
3Ease of operation
If disconnection is performed without mechanical blocking, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid spillage and contamination worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device performs preliminary action by closing the first valve automatically at the moment of disconnection, sealing the fluid path before the coupling and decoupling bodies separate. This prevents fluid spillage during the disconnection process while maintaining simple operation, as the valve closure is triggered automatically by the mechanical separation itself without requiring additional user actions.
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 ensure aseptic disconnection without reconnection, reduce the need for sterile environments, provide efficient operation, and minimize the risk of biological contamination and fluid spillage, enhancing operational safety and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric seal disposed on the front surface of the stem such that the male coupling valve member is abutting the elastomeric seal
Data Source
AI summary
Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for purposes of providing a single-use, aseptic disconnection functionality that substantially prevents fluid spillage when being disconnected. In some embodiments, the coupling portions cannot be reconnected to each other after being disconnected from each other.