Connector Device Pressure Normalization via Dual Check Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector devices for fluid containers, particularly those handling cytotoxic or radio-labelled substances, face issues with filter clogging and pressure fluctuations, which can lead to hazardous leakage and contamination during fluid transfer.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a housing featuring a pierceable barrier member, a fluid transfer channel, and a pressure normalization channel equipped with a dual check valve arrangement that allows fluid flow in both directions, providing a cracking pressure to prevent filter clogging and normalize pressure, thereby reducing the risk of leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is used in the pressure normalization channel to prevent liquid passage, then the flexible container is protected from damage, but the filter can be blocked causing pressure increases or decreases that could lead to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the filter and the flexible container. This check valve allows pressure equalization when pressure differences are within normal ranges while preventing backflow that could damage the filter or cause leakage when pressure differences exceed safe limits. The check valve thus mediates between the filter's protection function and the pressure stabilization requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically by using a check valve with a specific cracking pressure threshold. When pressure difference exceeds this threshold, the valve opens to equalize pressure, thereby preventing dangerous pressure buildup. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by allowing normal pressure variations while blocking extreme conditions that would cause leakage.
2Ease of operation
If a check valve with low cracking pressure is used to enable one way fluid flow, then fluid transfer is facilitated, but the device is not flexible in terms of handling and provides no means to prevent filter obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed with dynamic characteristics - it remains closed during normal operation to prevent backflow, but automatically opens when pressure difference exceeds the cracking pressure threshold. This dynamic behavior provides both fluid transfer facilitation during normal use and automatic protection against filter obstruction and handling issues, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
3Reliability
If pressure normalization channel is used to normalize pressure in the second fluid container, then pressure-related hazards are reduced, but the channel requires a valve arrangement that allows two-way fluid flow with cracking pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The complex valve arrangement functionality is extracted and implemented using a simple check valve mechanism. Instead of using a complex two-way valve with multiple components, the invention uses a check valve that naturally provides the required functionality - allowing forward flow with cracking pressure for pressure normalization while preventing reverse flow. This extraction of essential function reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 dual check valve arrangement effectively protects the filter from clogging while enabling smooth fluid transfer, reducing the risk of pressure-related hazards and contamination, making the process safer and more reliable.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one valve arrangement has a cracking pressure in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
The gas channel includes a filter to prevent liquid passage into said flexible container
Implementation Method 3
a flexible container and a gas channel within the hollow needle for transporting gas from the bottle to the flexible container or vice versa in order to allow fluid to be transferred
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector device to connect a first and a second fluid container, directly or indirectly. The connector device exhibit a first and a second connection means, a pierceable barrier member, a piercing member, a fluid transfer channel and a pressure normalization channel. The pressure normalization channel is arranged to normalize an increasing pressure inside second fluid container. A valve arrangement permitting fluid to flow in a first and a second direction is arranged in the pressure normalization channel. The valve arrangement exhibit a cracking pressure in at least the first direction. The present invention provides for a connector device which reduces the risk of clogging the barrier filter.