Aseptic Coupling Membrane Structure for Clamp-Free Sterile Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aseptic coupling devices require complex clamping mechanisms and membrane removal procedures to establish a sterile connection, which can be cumbersome and may compromise sterility during the connection process.
Innovation Solution
The design includes aseptic coupling devices with a main body, membrane, ring adapter, locking ring, and sealing member, where the membrane is folded over and attached to the front face with a low friction member to facilitate easy removal and ensure sterility, allowing for a secure, sterile fluid pathway without external clamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clamping mechanisms and membrane removal procedures are used to establish sterile connection, then sterility can be maintained, but the connection process becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex external clamping mechanism and membrane removal procedures from the traditional aseptic coupling system. Instead, it integrates the sealing function directly into the coupling device through a self-contained membrane structure with a low friction member, extracting the unnecessary complexity while preserving sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane structure with the low friction member enables the device to self-seal and self-maintain sterility during connection. The low friction member allows the membrane to be easily pulled away without requiring external clamps or complex removal procedures, making the system self-sufficient in maintaining aseptic conditions.
2Reliability
If traditional membrane removal procedures are used, then sterile connection can be established, but the operation becomes time-consuming and may compromise sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The low friction member acts as an intermediary between the membrane and the coupling device body. It facilitates the easy removal of the membrane by reducing friction, allowing the membrane to be smoothly pulled away without compromising sterility or requiring complex operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter at the interface between the membrane and the coupling device by introducing the low friction member. This parameter change enables the membrane to be easily removed with minimal force, simplifying the operation while maintaining sterile connection integrity.
3Ease of operation
If low friction member is added to the membrane structure, then membrane removal becomes easier and sterility is maintained, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire device complex, the patent applies the low friction member only at the specific location where the membrane needs to be removed. This localized application of a special property (low friction) solves the specific problem of membrane removal without unnecessarily complicating the rest of the device structure.
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
This configuration simplifies the connection process, maintains sterility, and ensures a secure, leak-proof seal, reducing the risk of contamination and improving operational efficiency in establishing aseptic fluid pathways between processing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a low friction member positioned between the first and second portions of the membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
An aseptic coupling device includes: a main body defining a front face; a membrane coupled to the front face, the membrane including a first portion coupled to the front face and a second portion folded over on the first portion; and a low friction member positioned between the first and second portions of the membrane.