Aseptic Fluid Transfer Device With Displaceable Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer devices fail to maintain aseptic conditions during the transfer of fluids with high particulate content or viscosity, often leading to clogging and damage to sensitive media solutions like those containing cells or proteins, and they lack aseptic pathways to prevent contamination.
Innovation Solution
A disposable fluid transfer device with a longitudinally displaceable shaft and diaphragm mechanism that creates a sealed, aseptic pathway for fluid transfer, minimizing shear forces and accommodating high particulate or viscous fluids, and can be pre-sterilized for safe use in industrial settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a cannula or hypodermic needle is used for fluid transfer, then the device structure is simple, but particles or high viscosity media cause clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the fluid transfer opening, making it larger and more accommodating to particles and viscous media compared to traditional cannula or hypodermic needle designs. This parameter change allows the device to handle high particulate content fluids without clogging while maintaining operational reliability.
2Reliability
If a larger opening is used to accommodate particulates, then clogging is reduced, but the device loses aseptic capability
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the fluid transfer pathway into distinct zones: an aseptic chamber that remains closed and sterile, and a transfer opening that interfaces with the external environment. This segmentation allows the larger opening to accommodate particles while the aseptic chamber maintains sterility through its sealed design and controlled access.
Solution Approach 2:
The aseptic chamber acts as an intermediary between the sterile fluid source and the external environment. It provides a controlled transition zone where fluid can be transferred through the larger opening while maintaining aseptic conditions within the chamber, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of large opening and sterility.
3Device complexity
If traditional transfer devices are used, then device construction is simple, but shear forces damage sensitive media like cells or proteins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the fluid pathway, including enlarged opening dimensions and optimized flow channel design, to reduce flow velocity and shear forces. These parameter changes protect sensitive media such as cells or proteins from mechanical damage while maintaining relatively simple device construction.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If sterilization is performed on sampling equipment, then aseptic transfer is achieved, but the device is damaged and rendered useless
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable fluid transfer device that is designed to be pre-sterilized and then discarded after single use. This approach eliminates the conflict between sterilization and device durability by making the device inherently disposable, ensuring aseptic transfer capability while avoiding the problem of sterilization damage to reusable equipment.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed aseptic chamber is implemented, then contamination is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses segmentation to create a sealed aseptic chamber that is structurally distinct from other components. This segmented design isolates the sterile fluid pathway, preventing contamination while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure through clear functional separation of components.
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 device ensures aseptic fluid transfer without clogging, protects sensitive media from damage, and maintains a sterile environment, making it suitable for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical applications while being cost-effective and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
A diaphragm seals the passage at a location intermediate the plug and the distal end of the passage
Implementation Method 2
When actuated, the shaft moves longitudinally within the passage and moves between a first and second position
Implementation Method 3
a fluid transfer device for transferring fluid into or from a fluid receptacle, such as a tank, in a substantially aseptic manner
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer device for transferring fluid into or out of a fluid vessel, such as a tank, and is particularly useful in transferring fluids with particulates or high viscosity in a substantially aseptic, hygienic, or sterile manner. The device has a body with an elongate passage extending through the body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. A longitudinally displaceable shaft is disposed in and extends along the passage in the body. A plug sealing the passage is at a first location. A diaphragm sealing the passage is at a second location intermediate the plug and the distal end of the passage. The shaft extends through and is secured to the diaphragm. A fluid transfer opening is located in the passage between the diaphragm and the plug. Longitudinal displacement of the shaft causes the fluid transfer opening to be in fluid communication with a fluid vessel, the diaphragm stretching to accommodate the displacement of the shaft while maintaining an aseptic seal of the passage.