Aseptic Fluid Transfer System for Sterile Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aseptic and sterile sampling systems face limitations in handling multiple samples due to size constraints, require excessive handling, and often create hold-up volumes when using manifolds, which adds complexity and cost to the sampling process.

Innovation Solution

A fluid transfer system comprising an interface device and a transfer device that allows for sterile fluid transfer, enabling multiple samples to be taken without pre-attachment of containers, eliminating the need for manifolds and reducing hold-up volumes, while maintaining sterility and process integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manifolds are used to attach multiple sampling containers to the vessel, then the number of samples that can be taken increases, but hold-up volume increases and process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of samplesVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the sampling process into separate sequential operations rather than requiring all containers to be attached simultaneously. The sampling probe can be detached and reattached multiple times to different containers, eliminating the need for a complex manifold structure that would require all containers to be pre-attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling probe is extracted from the manifold structure and made independently attachable to individual containers. This allows the probe to service multiple containers sequentially without requiring them to be pre-assembled in a manifold configuration, reducing hold-up volume and simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manifolds are used to attach multiple sampling containers to the vessel, then the number of samples that can be taken increases, but hold-up volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of samplesVSAvoidhold-up volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling system is segmented so that only one container needs to be connected at a time to the sampling probe. This eliminates the large hold-up volume inherent in manifold structures where multiple containers must be pre-attached, as each container is serviced individually in sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If all single-use sampling containers are pre-attached at once, then the sampling system is ready for operation, but excessive handling is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for operationVSAvoidhandling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling containers are prepared in advance (sterilized and ready for use), but are not pre-attached to the vessel. Instead, they are kept ready nearby and attached to the sampling probe only when needed, reducing excessive handling while maintaining readiness for operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a needle is used to pierce a septum for sampling, then sterile access to the vessel is achieved, but operator safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesterilityVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses disposable sampling probes with self-sealing piercing mechanisms that eliminate the need for operators to manually handle sharp needles. The probe maintains sterility through its design while eliminating safety hazards by containing the piercing action within a disposable, pre-configured device that does not require manual needle manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9920841B2Interface and fluid-transfer system

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 EMD MILLIPORE CORP

AI summary

A fluid transfer system (100) includes a transfer device (104) and an interface device (102). The transfer device (104) includes a fluid transfer member (164) and a transfer coupling member (125) to align the fluid transfer member (164) with the interface device (102). The interface device (102) includes a reservoir port (108), a fluid transfer member receptacle (144), an interface coupling member (124), and a reservoir valve (110). The interface coupling member (124) is configured to close the fluid transfer member receptacle (144) and to couple to the transfer coupling member (125) and open the fluid transfer member receptacle (144) to receive the fluid transfer member (164). The reservoir valve (110), e.g., a sliding seal, is configured to close the reservoir port (108) from the fluid transfer member receptacle (144) and to open the reservoir port (108) to the fluid transfer member (164) when the fluid transfer member (164) is positioned in the fluid transfer member receptacle (144). The fluid transfer member (164) can include a plunger assembly configured to open and close the reservoir port (108).