Bayonet Aseptic Connector With Sequenced Leak-Preventing Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors in biopharmaceutical applications face issues with aseptic disconnection, as fluid can leak when connectors are separated, and there is a need for improved user-friendly and aseptic operation during connection and disconnection processes.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a tubular body with a movable plug, a sleeve for controlling plug position, and a flange with a latching mechanism, allowing aseptic attachment and disconnection through a combination of manual actuations using a sleeve and an external actuator, ensuring secure sealing and easy disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connectors are designed to allow easy disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve plug is moved to the closing position before disconnection to preemptively prevent fluid leakage. The actuation blocker prevents external actuator operation until the valve is closed, ensuring that disconnection actions are only possible when the valve is in a sealed state, thus preventing harmful fluid leakage before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions in a specific sequence: first closing the valve by rotating the sleeve to move the plug, then removing the actuation blocker to enable disconnection. This preliminary closing action ensures the fluid path is sealed before the connector is separated, eliminating leakage risk while maintaining easy disconnection capability.
2Reliability
If a latching mechanism is added to secure connection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is merged with the existing bayonet coupling structure. The same rotational movement that establishes the bayonet connection also engages the latching means, combining two functions (connection and locking) into a single mechanical action. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet coupling structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection between connectors, enables the rotational actuation for valve control, and engages the latching means for secure locking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing device complexity while improving connection reliability.
3Reliability
If manual actuation steps are required for aseptic disconnection, then aseptic conditions are maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnection process uses periodic sequential actions: first rotate the sleeve to close the valve, then push the external actuator to release the latch, then pull the connectors apart. This structured periodic sequence ensures aseptic conditions are maintained at each stage while providing clear, simple operational steps that are easy to follow and execute.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The connector (1) has a valve assembly with a tubular body (2), a plug (15) movable inside the body and a sleeve (20) to control plug position. A flange (3) on the body (2) delimits a recess where a latch (10) can interact with an inserting male part of a complementary connector or analogous structure. The connector comprises an aseptic attachment interface (5) at a front open end (2b) with a removable membrane (M). For aseptic fluid management in a connection involving two connectors, the connector (1) is configured to allow a disconnection after two successive steps, which are: moving the plug (15) in a closing position by a first manual actuation using the sleeve, and then displacing the latch by a second manual actuation using an external actuator (12) partly covering the flange and which is released by moving an blocker (14) in response to the first actuation.