Aseptic Coupling Locking Ring for Clamp-Free Sterile Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aseptic coupling devices require complex dry-to-dry connections and clamping mechanisms, which can be cumbersome and may compromise sterility during fluid transfer between processing equipment.
Innovation Solution
The aseptic coupling device design includes an inner member with a seal member and membrane, along with a locking ring that compresses to form a sterile fluid pathway when membranes are removed and the locking ring is turned, allowing for a secure and sterile connection between two devices without the need for clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dry-to-dry connection with clamping devices is used, then sterility can be maintained during connection, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clamping devices from the system entirely. Instead of using external clamps to maintain dry connections, the invention uses self-contained seal members integrated into the coupling devices themselves. The seal members are activated by removing protective membranes and allowing automatic sealing when the coupling halves are joined, eliminating the need for separate clamping mechanisms while maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling devices are designed to be self-sealing through integrated seal members that automatically engage when the coupling halves are joined. The seal members are held in a protected state by membranes during assembly and automatically activate upon connection, allowing the system to maintain sterility without external intervention or complex clamping operations.
2Reliability
If clamping devices are used to maintain dry connection, then sterility is preserved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates clamping devices from the connection procedure. The simplified process involves only joining the two coupling halves together, which automatically activates the seal members through membrane removal and engagement. This reduces the operational steps from multiple clamping and securing actions to a single joining motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the sealing function automatically upon connection. The seal members are designed to activate themselves when the coupling halves are joined, with the mechanical action of joining directly causing membrane removal and seal engagement, eliminating the need for separate clamping operations.
3Reliability
If traditional aseptic coupling devices are used, then sterile connection can be achieved, but the time required for connection increases due to complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
By removing clamping devices and complex securing mechanisms, the patent reduces the connection procedure to a single joining action. The seal members activate automatically upon connection, eliminating the need for multiple time-consuming steps such as clamping, securing, and verifying traditional aseptic couplings.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal members are pre-positioned and pre-protected within the coupling devices during manufacturing. The membranes are pre-applied to protect the seal members until the moment of connection. This preliminary preparation allows the sealing function to activate instantly upon joining, minimizing connection time while ensuring sterile conditions.
4Ease of operation
If simplified connection without clamping is used, then ease of operation improves, but the risk of contamination may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs protective membranes that cover the seal members before connection. These membranes act as a barrier against contamination during the assembly and connection process. The membranes are designed to be removed or breached in a controlled manner during the simplifying joining action, ensuring that the seal members are protected until the moment they need to engage, thus maintaining sterility despite the simplified procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The membranes serve as an intermediary protective layer between the external environment and the sterile seal members. During the simplified connection process, the membranes maintain the sterile barrier until the coupling halves join, at which point the membranes are automatically removed or breached in a controlled fashion, allowing the seal members to engage without contamination risk.
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
This design simplifies the connection process, maintains sterility, and ensures a reliable sterile fluid pathway for efficient fluid transfer between equipment, reducing the risk of contamination and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
upon turning of the locking ring, the seal member and the second seal member are compressed to form a coupled state in which a sterile flow path is created
Data Source
AI summary
Formation of a sterile connection includes inserting a first aseptic coupling device into a second aseptic coupling device, removing a first membrane from the first aseptic coupling device and a second membrane from the second aseptic coupling device, and rotating a locking clip on the first aseptic coupling device to compress a first seal member of the first aseptic coupling device with a second seal member of the second aseptic coupling device to form a sterile fluid passageway.