Barbed Fluid Transfer Assembly With 360° Compression Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical fluid transfer processes face challenges in maintaining aseptic environments and preventing contamination due to leaks and contamination risks during fluid transfer between separate containers and conduits.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer assembly featuring a fitting with a barb, a flexible conduit, a deformable sleeve, and an elastomeric liner that applies 360-degree radial pressure to create a sealingly compressed connection, and a crimpable metallic collar with an elastomeric liner to securely attach the conduit to the fitting, eliminating leaks and accommodating surface irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate containers and conduits are used for fluid transfer, then fluid transfer between manufacturing steps is enabled, but leakage and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the container and conduit into a single integrated assembly where the conduit is directly connected to the container closure. This eliminates separate connection interfaces between containers and conduits, removing potential leakage points and contamination risks while maintaining fluid transfer capability throughout the manufacturing process
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional fittings without surface conformality are used, then assembly is simpler, but sealing effectiveness decreases due to air gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting incorporates a specific sealing surface geometry with a beveled edge and complementary mating surface that locally adapts to surface irregularities. This localized geometric design ensures conformal contact between the fitting and conduit, eliminating air gaps and ensuring reliable sealing without compromising assembly simplicity
3Ease of operation
If the conduit is not securely attached to the fitting, then assembly is easier, but leakage occurs under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting design incorporates a pre-configured sealing surface and barb structure that automatically engages with the conduit upon insertion. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures secure attachment and sealing is achieved automatically during the insertion process, preventing leakage under pressure without requiring additional assembly steps
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 ensures a fluid-tight connection up to the burst pressure of the conduit, minimizing contamination risks and maintaining aseptic conditions by eliminating air gaps and conforming to surface irregularities, thus enhancing the reliability of fluid transfer in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric liner disposed between the sleeve and the conduit. The elastomeric liner applies substantially 360 degree radial pressure to the conduit such that the conduit is sealingly compressed around the at least one barb of the fitting
Implementation Method 2
a collar for sealing a flexible conduit to a fluid transfer fitting that has at least one barb and a surface irregularity. The collar comprises a metallic sleeve configured to be permanently deformably crimped around a location of overlap between the flexible conduit and the fitting
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer assembly is described that includes a fitting comprising a lumen having an opening, and at least one barb, the at least one barb extending circumferentially around the lumen proximate to the opening. The assembly also includes a flexible conduit, a deformable sleeve, and an elastomeric liner disposed between the sleeve and the conduit. The fitting extends at least partially into the conduit such that the conduit extends over the at least one barb. The elastomeric liner applies substantially 360 degree radial pressure to the conduit such that the conduit is sealingly compressed around the at least one barb of the fitting. The assembly is fluid tight up to a burst pressure of the conduit.