Elongated Fluid Transfer Assembly for Aseptic Multi-Vessel Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid transfer systems face challenges in efficiently and aseptically transferring fluids from a single manufacturing vessel to multiple storage or distribution vessels, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, where the need for customization, safety, and cost-effectiveness is critical.

Innovation Solution

A fluid transfer assembly is developed using a method that involves engaging protrusions on a mandrel with fluid conduits, positioning them in a mold, introducing a polymeric material to surround the mandrel and conduits, and solidifying it to form a body portion with conduits, allowing for elongation and removal of the mandrel, resulting in a customizable, aseptic, and cost-effective fluid transfer system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a fluid transfer assembly is designed to transfer fluid from a single manufacturing vessel to multiple storage or distribution vessels simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid transfer efficiencyVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid transfer assembly is segmented into multiple independent conduits, each leading to a separate storage or distribution vessel. This allows simultaneous fluid transfer to multiple vessels while maintaining simple, modular conduit structures that are easy to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly is designed with multiple conduits that can be configured for different vessel connections and fluid transfer paths. This multi-functional design enables a single assembly to handle various fluid transfer scenarios (different numbers of vessels, different flow rates) without requiring multiple specialized assemblies, thus improving productivity while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the fluid transfer pathway is designed to be substantially aseptic along the entire pathway, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaseptic transferVSAvoidsterilization requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly integrates multiple components (conduits, connectors, sealing elements) into a single pre-sterilized unit. By combining all fluid transfer components into one assembly that can be sterilized as a complete unit, the design ensures substantial aseptic along the entire pathway while avoiding the complexity of assembling and sterilizing multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly is pre-sterilized during manufacturing before use. This preliminary sterilization action ensures that the entire fluid transfer pathway is aseptic before the fluid transfer process begins, eliminating the need for complex on-site sterilization procedures and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the fluid transfer assembly is designed to be customizable for various fluid types and vessel configurations, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization optionsVSAvoidmanufacturing steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly allows for local customization of conduit materials, diameters, and connection types at specific locations while maintaining a standardized overall structure. This enables adaptation to various fluid types (by selecting appropriate materials for specific conduits) and vessel configurations without requiring complete redesign of the entire assembly, thus improving adaptability while preserving ease of manufacture through modular local modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If the fluid transfer assembly is designed as a single-use pre-sterilized unit, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaseptic guaranteeVSAvoidfluid waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is designed as a single-use disposable unit that can be easily disposed of after one use. This approach ensures reliable aseptic transfer by eliminating the risk of contamination from repeated use or improper sterilization, while the low cost and simple construction of the disposable assembly minimize the economic impact of fluid waste associated with single-use applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS12304116B2Fluid transfer assembly, a fluid transfer system, and a related method

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 SARTORIUS STEDIM NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

A fluid transfer assembly includes one or more fluid conduit and a body portion. The body portion defines a fluid channel within the body portion that is in fluid communication which each of the one or more fluid conduits when the body portion is in an elongated state. The body portion has an elongated stat in which the body portion is configured to elongate in a range of 150 percent to 1500 percent from the unelongated state without breaking to facilitate removal of a mandrel from the fluid conduit.