Aseptic Fluid Coupling with Rotatable Collar and Sterile Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid coupling devices lack effective mechanisms for maintaining sterility and preventing biological contamination, especially in single-use applications where secure connection and aseptic conditions are crucial.

Innovation Solution

The development of single-use fluid coupling devices with mechanical locking mechanisms and aseptic attachment structures, including removable membranes and rotatable collars with valve shuttle members, that resist uncoupling and inhibit biological contamination, ensuring sterility and secure fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fluid coupling devices are used, then connection and disconnection can be performed, but sterility cannot be maintained and biological contamination can occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterility maintenanceVSAvoidbiological contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is divided into separate sterile and non-sterile zones using a membrane barrier. The membrane separates the fluid pathway into a sterile portion (exposed to fluid) and a non-sterile portion (exposed to environment), allowing the coupling to be handled without compromising sterility. This segmentation enables maintenance of sterility while allowing connection operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A removable membrane acts as an intermediary barrier between the sterile fluid pathway and the non-sterile external environment. The membrane can be removed after connection to allow fluid flow, but during connection it prevents biological contamination from entering the sterile zone. This intermediary element resolves the contradiction by enabling both sterility maintenance and connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical locking mechanisms are added to prevent uncoupling, then connection security improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmechanical structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device uses self-latching mechanisms where the coupling members automatically lock together upon engagement without requiring additional locking components or complex mechanical structures. The design leverages the natural engagement forces to create secure connections that resist uncoupling, achieving connection security while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If aseptic attachment structures with removable membranes are implemented, then sterility is maintained, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaseptic conditionVSAvoidconnection operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is pre-positioned in place before connection occurs, establishing the sterile barrier in advance. During the connection operation, the membrane remains in place and automatically maintains sterility without requiring the operator to manually install or adjust it. The membrane is removed only after connection is complete, streamlining the operation while maintaining aseptic conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240360943A1Fluid couplings

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 COLDER PRODUCTS CO

AI summary

This document describes fluid handling couplings. For example, this document describes fluid handling couplings that include manually openable valves and that are configured for aseptic fluid handling usage. In some embodiments, the valves are manually openable by rotation of a collar of the fluid handling couplings.