Aseptic Fluid Coupling With Irreversible Non-Spill Disconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid systems, particularly bioprocessing systems, lack effective aseptic disconnection methods that prevent biological contamination and fluid spillage during and after disconnection, often requiring sterile environments and allowing reconnection of coupling components.

Innovation Solution

The development of single-use, aseptic fluid coupling devices with irreversible blocking mechanisms and audible/tactile feedback, featuring tear-away sleeves and latches to ensure aseptic disconnection and prevent reconnection, while providing non-spill capabilities and robust locking systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fluid coupling devices are disconnected, then fluid flow path is interrupted, but biological contamination can enter and fluid spillage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaseptic disconnectionVSAvoidbiological contamination and fluid spillage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member is pre-positioned within the male coupling housing, ready to automatically block the fluid flow path upon disconnection. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the coupling halves separate, the valve immediately closes to prevent contamination and spillage without requiring additional manual actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device performs self-protection through the spring-biased valve mechanism. When the male and female couplings disconnect, the spring automatically drives the valve member to the closed position, sealing the fluid path without external intervention. This self-actuating mechanism ensures aseptic disconnection and prevents fluid leakage autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If coupling portions are designed for reconnection, then device reusability is improved, but risk of contamination after disconnection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconnection capabilityVSAvoidaseptic integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of designing the coupling to allow reconnection, the invention inverts the approach by making the coupling single-use with irreversible blocking. The valve member blocks the fluid path upon disconnection, and the mechanical blocking members prevent re-engagement, ensuring that the coupling cannot be reconnected. This inversion prioritizes aseptic integrity over reusability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device is designed as a disposable, single-use component. The male and female couplings are intended to be used once and then discarded, eliminating the risk of contamination from repeated use. This approach aligns with the single-use philosophy in bioprocessing where sterility is critical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If mechanical blocking mechanisms are added to prevent reconnection, then aseptic integrity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of reconnectionVSAvoidmechanical blocking structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical blocking function is merged with the existing coupling structure. The blocking members are integrated into the male and female coupling halves, utilizing the same engagement surfaces and geometric features already present in the coupling design. This merging approach adds the blocking capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking members create an asymmetric mechanical interference that prevents reconnection. When the coupling halves attempt to re-engage after disconnection, the blocking members on one half conflict with the corresponding features on the other half, creating a mechanical lock that asymmetry ensures cannot be overcome. This asymmetric design provides simple yet effective prevention of reconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 enhance aseptic disconnection by minimizing biological contamination and fluid spillage, reducing the need for sterile environments and ensuring components remain intact during sterilization processes, thus facilitating efficient and cost-effective operations.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A spring in the internal space of the male housing moves the male coupling valve member to the closed position in response to uncoupling the male and female couplings from each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12595867B2Aseptic fluid couplings

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 COLDER PRODUCTS CO

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.