Aseptic Fluid Transfer Assembly With Stretch-Formed Flow Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid transfer assemblies are not adequately customizable, aseptic, or cost-effective for distributing fluids from large manufacturing vessels to multiple smaller vessels, particularly in pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications, where safety, reliability, and efficiency are critical.

Innovation Solution

A fluid transfer assembly is formed by engaging protrusions from a mandrel with conduits, positioning them in a mold, introducing a polymeric material to surround the mandrel and conduits, solidifying it, and then stretching and relaxing the assembly to create a body with a fluid channel, allowing for customizable and aseptic fluid transfer with a high elongation to break ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fluid transfer assembly is designed to be customizable with variety of materials and conduit configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecustomizabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid transfer assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion made from elastomeric material, multiple conduits for fluid transfer, and a mandrel for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for specific functions while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric body portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural housing, creates fluid-tight seals around the mandrel and conduits, and enables the stretching mechanism for mandrel removal. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the body portion is stretched into an elongated state to remove the mandrel, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemandrel removalVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric material's physical parameters are exploited during manufacturing: when stretched, the material becomes more compliant allowing mandrel removal, and when relaxed, it returns to its original configuration providing structural integrity. This parameter change is reversible and controlled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric material inherently provides cushioning and stress distribution during the stretching process. The material's elasticity absorbs the mechanical stresses of elongation, preventing permanent damage or structural compromise when the mandrel is removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a single-use pre-sterilized assembly is used, then reliability and safety are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaseptic transferVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are combined into a single integrated assembly: the body portion, conduits, and mandrel are manufactured together as one unit. This merging enables pre-sterilization of the complete assembly and eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures that would compromise sterility, making single-use design cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid transfer assembly is designed as a disposable single-use component made from cost-effective elastomeric materials. The simplicity of the design, with few parts and a straightforward manufacturing process, keeps production costs low while ensuring reliable aseptic transfer for each use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The solution provides a customizable, aseptic, and cost-effective fluid transfer assembly that efficiently distributes fluids between vessels of varying sizes, ensuring safety and reliability while minimizing manufacturing complexity and costs.

Implementation Method 1

stretching the body portion into an elongated state; relaxing the fluid transfer assembly into an unelongated state from the elongated state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11173635B2Fluid transfer assembly, a fluid transfer system, and a related method

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 SARTORIUS STEDIM NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Fluid transfer assemblies for transferring fluid into or out of a single vessel and distributing the fluid to multiple other vessels are provided. The fluid transfer assemblies are customizable, substantially aseptic, and single-use. The fluid transfer assemblies may be manufactured by solidifying polymeric materials to form a body around a mandrel with protrusions engaged to fluid conduits and leaving recesses in the solidified polymeric material to stretch the resultant body and remove the mandrel with protrusions. The resultant fluid transfer assembly may be surrounded by a rigid housing and valves may be engaged with the conduits and/or body to control the fluid flow within the fluid transfer assembly.