Adhesive-Channel Union for Aseptic Fluid Conduit Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Joining fluid conduits is challenging, especially when they are not weldable or difficult to connect, which can lead to contamination risks in biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A union system with a body that secures two fluid conduits using adhesive channels and expansion mechanisms, allowing for aseptic connection through injection ports and expansion passages or pins/lugs/tubes, with optional adhesive or surface treatments for bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive channels and injection ports are added to enable bonding of non-weldable conduits, then joining capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The union body is segmented into multiple functional zones including adhesive channels, injection ports, and expansion mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the joining of non-weldable conduits while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The union body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adhesive bonding through channels and injection ports, mechanical expansion through passages or pins/lugs/tubes, and fluid communication between conduits. This multi-functionality improves joining capability for diverse conduit types while consolidating features into a single device
2Reliability
If expansion mechanisms are incorporated to secure conduits, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Expansion mechanisms are implemented locally within the union body through dedicated passages or pins/lugs/tubes rather than requiring complex overall structural changes. This localized approach secures conduits reliably at specific points while keeping the rest of the manufacturing process relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion mechanisms (passages or pins/lugs/tubes) are nested within the union body structure, with pins/lugs/tubes potentially housed within passages. This nesting consolidates multiple features into a compact configuration, improving connection reliability while simplifying manufacturing by reducing the number of separate components
3Strength
If adhesive channels are defined between body and conduits, then bonding strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive channels are defined as three-dimensional pathways within the union body rather than simple surface features. This dimensional approach allows adhesive to be distributed throughout the bonding interface, improving bonding strength while the channels themselves are integrated into the body geometry to minimize added complexity
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
Enables aseptic and secure connections between fluid conduits, maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring effective bonding without welding, suitable for biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The body defining an injection port position at a midpoint of the body. The injection port in fluid communication with the first adhesive channel and the second adhesive channel and is configured to deliver adhesive into the first adhesive channel and the second adhesive channel
Data Source
AI summary
A union for connecting a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit includes a body. The body defines a central passage about a central longitudinal axis of the body with the body having a first side and a second side. The body is configured to define a first adhesive channel between a first fluid conduit and the first side of the body and to define a second adhesive channel between a second fluid conduit and the second side of the body. The body defining an injection port position at a midpoint of the body. The injection port in fluid communication with the first adhesive channel and the second adhesive channel and is configured to deliver adhesive into the first adhesive channel and the second adhesive channel.