Aseptic Sampling System With Nested Sheath and Gasket Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aseptic sampling systems face challenges in preventing contamination of fluid samples during collection, as they may introduce bacteria and contaminants from external surfaces or internal components, and fail to effectively isolate the sampling environment from external contaminants.
Innovation Solution
The proposed system includes a needle and sheath assembly with a gasket that seals the internal cavity, a bottle with a septum for fluid collection, and a movement system to position the gasket and needle for aseptic sampling, featuring antifouling surfaces and UV light sources to reduce contamination, and continuous rinsing with the sample fluid to maintain sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sampling device is used to collect fluid samples, then the sampling process can be completed, but the internal cavity and components may become contaminated with bacteria and contaminants from external surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is disposed within the sheath assembly, creating a nested structure where the internal cavity is defined by the needle and sheath assembly. This nested configuration protects the internal cavity from external contaminants while allowing fluid transfer, effectively isolating the sampling environment from external contamination sources
Solution Approach 2:
A gasket is configured to be placed in a closed position to fluidly seal the first end of the sheath assembly. This flexible sealing mechanism creates a barrier that prevents external contaminants from entering the internal cavity while maintaining the integrity of the sterile environment during sampling operations
2Productivity
If the system is opened for sampling, then fluid can be collected, but external contaminants may enter the internal cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle with internal cavity is positioned to receive the needle, creating a nested sampling configuration. The needle extends into the bottle's internal cavity through the septum, allowing fluid collection while maintaining isolation from external contaminants. This nested arrangement enables efficient sampling without exposing the internal cavity to bacterial contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a protected environment within the internal cavity defined by the needle and sheath assembly, and within the bottle with septum. This isolated environment acts as an inert barrier against external contaminants, allowing sampling operations to proceed without introducing bacterial contamination while maintaining productivity
3Quantity of substance
If fluid is collected in the bottle, then sampling is complete, but fluid may pool on external surfaces causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system is positioned at an angle rather than horizontally. This asymmetric positioning prevents fluid from pooling on external surfaces of the needle, sheath assembly, or bottle exterior. The angled configuration ensures that any fluid that escapes remains contained within the internal cavity or is directed away from external surfaces, eliminating contamination risks while maintaining complete sample collection
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 configuration effectively reduces contamination by positioning the system at an angle to prevent fluid from pooling on external surfaces, using antifouling materials and UV light to inhibit bacterial growth, and continuous rinsing to maintain the sterility of the internal cavity, ensuring cleaner fluid samples.
Implementation Method 1
The gasket is configured to be placed in the closed position to fluidly seal the first end of the sheath assembly
Implementation Method 2
The needle and the sheath assembly define an internal cavity between the needle and the sheath assembly
Implementation Method 3
The bottle includes a septum configured to fluidly seal an internal cavity of the bottle
Implementation Method 4
The movement system is configured to displace the gasket to the open position and displace the needle relative to the bottle and the sheath assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A system may include a needle and source providing fluid to the needle. The system may include a sheath defining an opening. The needle may be within the sheath. The needle and sheath may define a cavity. The system may include a gasket movable between open and closed positions. The gasket may fluidly seal an end of the sheath so that the fluid exits the needle into the cavity and exits via the opening. The system may include a bottle including a septum proximate the end of the sheath. The system may include a movement system that may displace the gasket to permit fluid to exit the cavity via the end of the sheath and displace the sheath or needle such that the needle extends beyond the sheath. The movement system may displace the needle or bottle such that the needle penetrates the septum and fluid exits into the bottle.