Aseptic Manifold Probe Assembly Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bioprocess monitoring systems face challenges with labor-intensive installation, risk of overheating and warping during welding, damaged threads, and difficulty in sterilization and visual inspection due to inclined fittings and O-ring seals.

Innovation Solution

A manifold with conically inclined beveled gaskets and double-angled seating surfaces for tighter sealing, combined with adapter sleeves and thrust washers for controlled compression and protection, allowing for easier installation, maintenance, and visual inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If inclined fittings with O-ring seals are used, then probe installation is enabled, but sterilization becomes difficult and visual inspection of seal areas is almost impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe installationVSAvoidsterilization and visual inspection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a vertical port orientation instead of inclined fittings, and by making the sealing surface accessible rather than hidden. The seal area is positioned at the bottom of a vertical port, allowing it to be visually inspected and sterilized just like any other surface, while still providing effective sealing for the probe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from inclined (angular) positioning to vertical (dimensional) positioning of the port. This dimensional change allows the sealing surface to be oriented downward, making it accessible for inspection and sterilization operations while maintaining the functional requirements of probe installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If welding operations are performed to install fittings, then probe mounting is achieved, but the vessel wall and fittings can overheat and warp, and threads can be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe mountingVSAvoidvessel wall integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process with a mechanical expansion system. A mandrel is inserted into the port, and a hydraulic or pneumatic expander is used to expand the mandrel, which in turn expands the fitting to create a secure mechanical bond with the vessel wall. This eliminates the need for welding, preventing overheating and warping of the vessel wall and protecting threads from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If O-ring seals are used in inclined fittings, then sealing is provided, but the gasket seats are set in such a way that sterilization is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesealingVSAvoidsterilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional sealed cavity design by making the seal area open and accessible at the bottom of a vertical port. Instead of hiding the seal within an inclined fitting, the seal is positioned where it can be easily accessed for sterilization while still providing effective sealing when the probe is installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enables efficient and secure monitoring of multiple parameters with improved sealing integrity, reduced labor, and enhanced sterilization and inspection capabilities, facilitating routine maintenance and probe replacement.

Implementation Method 1

gaskets having generally annular bodies with conically inclined beveled faces mounted on the end portions of the probes, and seats in the ports with conically inclined surfaces engaged by the beveled faces, with the gaskets being axially compressed and radially expanded into sealing engagement with the probes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

thrust washers between the distal ends of the sleeves and the gaskets for protecting the gaskets while the sleeves are being connected to the ports and the gaskets are being compressed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical support: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8250937B2Aseptic manifold and probe assembly

Publication Date: 2012.08.28 WATSON MARLOW AMERICA MANUFACTURING INC

AI summary

Manifold and probe assembly for use a bioprocessing vessel. The manifold has a chamber which communicates with the interior of the vessel and a plurality of ports which communicate with the chamber. Elongated sensing probes are threadedly connected to the ports with end portions of the probes extending into the chamber. Gaskets having generally annular bodies with conically inclined beveled faces are mounted on the end portions of the probes, with the beveled faces engaging conically inclined surfaces of seats in the ports and the gaskets being axially compressed and radially expanded into sealing engagement with the probes. The seating surfaces have inner and outer sections with different angles of inclination which produce greater radial expansion and tighter sealing with the probes. The probes are carried by adapter sleeves which are threadedly connected to the ports, with thrust washers between the distal ends of the sleeves and the gaskets for protecting the gaskets while the sleeves are being connected to the ports and the gaskets are being compressed. Stops limit the travel of the sleeves and control the degree to which the gaskets are compressed.