Aseptic Tube Coupling Locking to Prevent Uncoupling Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aseptic connection devices for sterile tubes in the pharmaceutical industry are prone to uncoupling, leading to potential contamination and loss of aseptic quality during the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A device with latching means, comprising a male and female plugging element with notched portions and elastically deformable retaining tabs, that prevents uncoupling until the protective drawer reaches its release position, ensuring secure and aseptic connection by engaging the tabs with corresponding notches, and includes audible and visual indicators for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking means are added to prevent uncoupling, then aseptic quality is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into modular components: male and female coupling elements with complementary notched portions, and elastically deformable retaining tabs. This segmentation allows the locking function to be integrated into the existing coupling structure without adding a separate complex locking system, thereby maintaining aseptic quality while minimizing increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining tabs are designed to be elastically deformable, enabling them to automatically engage with the notched portions through their own elastic deformation without requiring external actuation. The tabs deflect during insertion and then snap into the notches, providing self-locking functionality that prevents uncoupling while maintaining simplicity in the overall device design.
2Ease of operation
If the drawer is made movable to allow release, then connection can be interrupted, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism with retaining tabs and notched portions is activated in advance during the coupling process. As the male and female elements engage, the retaining tabs automatically deflect and lock into the notches before any potential uncoupling could occur. This preliminary locking action prevents the drawer from moving back and eliminates contamination risk by making uncoupling impossible once connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformability of the retaining tabs provides a cushioning effect during the coupling process. The tabs deflect elastically to accommodate the engagement of the notched portions, then maintain a secure locked position. This elastic cushioning ensures smooth operation while preventing any reverse movement that could expose sealing elements to contamination.
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 effectively prevents contamination by ensuring secure coupling and maintaining aseptic quality by locking the connection devices together until the drawer is fully released, providing audible and visual confirmation of the secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
elastically deformable retaining tabs, the notched portion and the retaining tab forming the latching means and being arranged to cooperate with respectively a retaining tab and a notched portion of the other connection device
Data Source
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AI summary
Aseptic tube connection device (10) for a tube (100, 200), comprising: - a body (20, 30, 40) having coupling means (20, 40) to another connection device (10) and a tubular nozzle (30) which is arranged to be engaged in the tube, a channel (31) extending longitudinally in the nozzle and opening into a housing formed in the body and open on a surface of said body opposite the nozzle, the housing receiving a sealing element (50); - a protective drawer (60) for the sealing element, mounted to slide in the body parallel to said surface between a housing closure position and a housing release position; and - snap-on means (24, 63) to the other connecting device, arranged to prevent, when coupling the connecting device with the other connecting device, a disconnection of said connecting device and said other connecting device.