Disconnectable Connector Assembly for Aseptic Fluid Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for disconnecting components in fluid processing systems are labor-intensive and require transporting sealing equipment, lacking efficient solutions for maintaining aseptic seals without cutting tubing.

Innovation Solution

A disconnectable connector assembly featuring axially movable stems and fittings with integrated valves, allowing fluid communication when the stem is in the first position and preventing it when in the second position, ensuring aseptic seals during disconnection without cutting tubing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electronic tubing sealers and clamps are used to disconnect components, then fluid communication can be sealed, but the process becomes labor intensive and requires transporting equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid sealVSAvoiddisconnect process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing function and disconnecting function into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector includes a valve mechanism that seals fluid communication and a disconnection mechanism that separates components, eliminating the need for separate sealing equipment and making the disconnect process simple and equipment-free.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If tubing is cut to separate portions, then disconnection is achieved, but labor intensity increases and aseptic seals are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedisconnectionVSAvoidaseptic seal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is pre-configured with sealing surfaces and valve mechanisms that maintain aseptic seals before disconnection. The valve can be closed beforehand to seal fluid communication, and the connector design ensures that disconnection occurs without compromising the aseptic barrier, eliminating the need for post-disconnection sealing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If disconnectable connectors are used, then ease of reconnection is improved, but maintaining fluid tight seals during disconnection becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconnection capabilityVSAvoidfluid tight seal

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly features nested components including a valve mechanism within the connector body and sealing elements integrated into the disconnection interface. This nested design allows the valve to seal fluid pathways while the outer connector structure maintains fluid tight seals during disconnection, enabling easy reconnection without compromising seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2143987B1Disconnectable connector assembly

Publication Date: 2013.10.23 PALL CORP

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

Disconnectable connector assemblies, sets including the assemblies, and methods of using the assemblies, are disclosed. The assembly (1000) comprises a first polymeric fitting (100), a stem (300) movably disposed in the first fitting (100) and provided with a valve (350), a second polymeric fitting (200) connectable to the first fitting (100).