Fluid Connector Locking Ring Design for Aseptic Biopharma Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic connectors in biopharmaceutical applications face challenges in achieving secure, aseptic connections that cannot be inadvertently uncoupled, with known solutions often being complex and lacking in radial and axial compactness.
Innovation Solution
A female connector design featuring a deformable locking ring with specific arcuate portions and a housing that ensures a definitive locking mechanism, preventing removal by manipulation or pressure, and allowing for easy assembly and automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known locking solutions (intermediate locking piece or flexible tabs) are used, then the male connector can be locked into the female connector, but the device complexity increases and radial/axial compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a flexible locking element with radially protruding locking portions that can elastically deform. These flexible portions engage with corresponding grooves in the male and female connectors to provide reliable locking while maintaining a compact structure. The flexibility allows the locking element to be inserted axially and then lock radially, solving both reliability and compactness requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from axial to radial dimension for the actual locking action. The locking element is inserted axially through the female connector, but the locking portions protrude radially to engage with the male connector. This dimensional transition allows compact axial footprint while achieving reliable radial locking.
2Reliability
If known locking solutions are used, then the connector can be locked, but the radial and axial compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from axial to radial dimension for the actual locking action. The locking element is inserted axially through the female connector, but the locking portions protrude radially to engage with the male connector. This dimensional transition allows compact axial footprint while achieving reliable radial locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a flexible locking element with radially protruding locking portions that can elastically deform. These flexible portions engage with corresponding grooves in the male and female connectors to provide reliable locking while maintaining a compact structure. The flexibility allows the locking element to be inserted axially and then lock radially, solving both reliability and compactness requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the locking ring is made accessible for manipulation, then the connection can be unlocked, but the sterility cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is segmented into distinct functional portions: insertion portions that pass through the female connector axially, and locking portions that protrude radially to engage the male connector. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be inaccessible from the outside, preventing manipulation while maintaining sterility. The locking portions are trapped between the female connector walls and the male connector, making them unreachable for intentional or accidental unlocking.
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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and secure fluidic connection that maintains sterility by preventing unintentional unlocking, even under shock or impact, with visible evidence of tampering.
Implementation Method 1
the locking ring comprising two first concave arched portions viewed from the axis X, diametrically opposed, and two second arched portions, with reversed curvature, namely convex viewed from the axis X, diametrically opposed and each interposed between two first arched portions, the second arched portions being able to flex outwards upon insertion of the male connector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7A~7B
AI summary
A female connector (1) capable of and intended for receiving a male connector (2), having an annular exterior retaining rim (24), the female connector comprising a body (10), and a transverse slide (4) forming a housing, the housing (4) comprising two lateral grooves (41,42), the female connector comprising a separate deformable locking ring (3) capable of being inserted in the housing and of locking the male connector in the coupling position, the locking ring comprising two first concave arched portions (31), as viewed from the axis, and two second arched portions (32), with inverse curvature, i.e. convex when viewed from the axis, the second arched portions being capable of flexing towards the exterior during insertion of the male connector and capable of abutting on the external annular retaining rim and preventing withdrawal of the male connector, whereby after locking of the male connector in the female connector a definitive locking is obtained.