Connector Valve Arrangement Prevents Filter Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector devices for fluid containers, particularly those handling cytotoxic or radio-labelled substances, face issues with filter clogging due to pressure fluctuations, which can lead to hazardous leakage and contamination risks during fluid transfer.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a valve arrangement that includes a first and second check valve, allowing fluid flow in both directions, with customizable cracking pressures to prevent filter clogging and manage pressure normalization, featuring a pressure normalization channel with a barrier filter and an expandable bladder to collect gas and minimize exposure to the environment.
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 fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
A valve arrangement is introduced as an intermediary component between the filter and the flexible container. This valve arrangement includes a valve body with a valve seat and a valve element that can open or close the flow path. The valve acts as a mediator that prevents pressure fluctuations from reaching the flexible container when the filter is blocked, while still allowing normal fluid flow when the filter is clear.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve arrangement is positioned upstream of the flexible container to cushion against pressure fluctuations before they can affect the container. By placing the valve in this location, potential pressure spikes caused by filter blockage are absorbed and regulated before reaching the flexible container, preventing damage and leakage.
2Ease of operation
If a check valve with low cracking pressure is used, then fluid flow is facilitated, but the filter is more susceptible to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The valve arrangement serves as an intermediary protective barrier for the filter. It monitors the pressure conditions and closes the flow path when abnormal pressure fluctuations occur due to filter clogging, thereby protecting the filter while not interfering with normal low-pressure fluid flow operations.
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 effectively reduces the risk of filter clogging and maintains safe pressure conditions during fluid transfer, preventing leakage and contamination while allowing easy handling and fluid administration.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one pressure normalization channel has an outlet opening, an inlet opening, a barrier filter
Implementation Method 2
the at least one valve arrangement is arranged to permit fluid to flow in a first and a second direction wherein the first direction is in a direction from the inlet opening towards the outlet opening and the second direction is from the outlet opening towards the inlet opening. Furthermore, the at least one valve arrangement has a cracking pressure in the first direction
Implementation Method 3
featuring a pressure normalization channel with a barrier filter and an expandable bladder to collect gas
Data Source
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.