Single-Use Aseptic Fluid Couplings With Self-Sealing Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling devices fail to effectively prevent fluid spillage and biological contamination during disconnection, particularly in bioprocessing systems, and often require sterile environments for operation.
Innovation Solution
The development of single-use, aseptic disconnection fluid coupling devices with irreversible blockage of fluid paths after disconnection, featuring a male and female connector system with shuttle valve members and a locking sleeve that provides audible and tactile feedback, ensuring aseptic disconnection and preventing reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fluid coupling devices are used for disconnection, then operation simplicity is maintained, but fluid spillage and biological contamination occur during disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttle valve members are pre-positioned within the coupling bodies and automatically move to block fluid paths when the coupling halves are separated. This preliminary positioning ensures that as soon as disconnection begins, the fluid paths are already sealed, preventing spillage and contamination without requiring additional manual sealing actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device performs its own sealing function automatically through the shuttle valve mechanism. When the coupling halves are pulled apart, the shuttle valves self-actuate to close the fluid paths, eliminating the need for external sealing devices or manual intervention to prevent contamination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coupling devices allow reconnection after disconnection, then device versatility is maintained, but aseptic conditions cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed as a single-use component that is discarded after one connection and disconnection cycle. The irreversible blockage mechanism ensures that once disconnected, the coupling cannot be reconnected, guaranteeing aseptic conditions for the fluid path while eliminating the need for complex reusable sealing mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sterile environments are required for operation, then biological contamination is prevented, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device autonomously maintains aseptic conditions through its internal shuttle valve mechanism that automatically seals fluid paths upon disconnection. This self-sealing capability allows the device to function reliably without requiring external sterile environments, complex laminar flow hoods, or specialized cleanroom facilities.
4Reliability
If fluid paths are blocked after disconnection, then biological contamination is prevented, but device reusability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed as a disposable component with irreversible blockage mechanism. The low cost of the single-use coupling allows it to be discarded after one use, ensuring contamination prevention through permanent sealing while eliminating the complexity and reliability issues associated with attempting to reuse or reset the device.
Data Source
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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.