Closed Fluid Transfer Coupling With Reversible Self-Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for closed fluid transfer systems face challenges in ensuring safe fluid transfer and minimizing environmental contamination, particularly due to fluid residues and complex disinfection processes, with issues such as poorly aligned flow gaps and difficult-to-access coupling surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system with a coupling element and counter-coupling element featuring elastic sealing elements and an activation mechanism that reversibly opens and closes fluid channels, ensuring a secure fluid transfer in the connected state and preventing contamination in the disconnected state through elastic deformation and secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coupling systems use recessed coupling surfaces for sealing, then sealing capability is improved, but disinfection becomes difficult due to hard-to-access surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional recessed coupling surface design by providing a protruding coupling surface on the first coupling partner instead. This allows the sealing surface to be accessible for disinfection while maintaining effective sealing contact with the second coupling partner's recessed surface.
2Reliability
If Luer lock coupling is used to create small flow gap, then fluid transfer safety is improved, but fluid residues increase on elastomer surfaces due to poorly aligned flow gap geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically designing the flow gap geometry in the coupling region to be optimally aligned, rather than uniformly across the entire coupling system. This localized optimization reduces fluid residues on elastomer surfaces while maintaining the safety benefits of the Luer lock mechanism.
3Reliability
If elastic sealing elements are used for reversible opening and closing, then automatic self-sealing capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to activation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the activation element to be automatically actuated by the coupling and uncoupling actions themselves. The elastic sealing elements respond automatically to the mechanical interactions during connection and disconnection, eliminating the need for separate control systems or complex actuation mechanisms.
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 system ensures safe and reliable fluid transfer with minimized environmental contamination by maintaining a sealed state during disconnection, reducing the risk of fluid residues and simplifying disinfection processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one region adjoining and encompassing the coupling element sealing element opening, in particular the entire coupling element sealing element, is formed from an elastic material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling system (300) for a closed fluid transfer system, comprising at least one coupling element (100) and at least one counter coupling element (200), wherein the coupling element (100) comprises a coupling element sealing element (20), wherein the coupling element sealing element (20) has at least one reversibly openable and closeable coupling element sealing element opening (21) in the region of a cover of a fluid channel opening facing the coupling side (13), and at least one activation element (30) which grips on the coupling element sealing element (20), and wherein the counter coupling element (200) comprises a counter coupling element sealing element (50) for coupling to the coupling element (100), wherein the counter coupling element sealing element (50) has a reversibly openable and closeable counter coupling element sealing element opening (51) in the region of the counter-coupling-side end face and is configured in such a way that, when coupling, it moves the activation element (30) into a position with a minimal distance from a fluid connection (12), and wherein the reversibly openable and closeable counter coupling element sealing element opening (51) is opened by the coupling element sealing element (20) in a connected state.