Genderless Fluid Connector Axial Snap-Fit Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connection devices in biopharmaceutical applications require complex coupling mechanisms involving axial insertion followed by rotation, making verification of correct coupling difficult, and pose risks of damage to surrounding elements due to clamp edges.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection device using genderless connectors with axial translational movement and snap-fitting tabs that lock into place, providing visual, auditory, and haptic feedback for correct coupling, and a protective cover to prevent clamp damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If genderless connectors with axial insertion followed by rotation are used, then coupling versatility is improved, but verification of correct coupling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms including visual feedback through color-coded indicators that change position or appearance when proper coupling is achieved, and tactile feedback through detent positions that provide distinct mechanical stops during rotation. These feedback mechanisms allow operators to verify correct coupling position without complex instrumentation.
2Reliability
If pipe clamps with sharp edges are used to secure flexible pipes, then connection reliability is improved, but risk of damage to surrounding elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces protective elements as intermediaries between the pipe clamp and surrounding components. These protective elements include rounded protective bars or coatings that cover the sharp edges of the clamp, allowing the clamp to maintain its gripping function while preventing damage to adjacent flexible pipes or bag surfaces.
3Reliability
If complex coupling mechanisms with multiple movements are used, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the axial insertion movement and rotational locking movement into a single integrated coupling action. The connector design allows the insertion stroke to automatically trigger the rotation and engagement of locking elements, merging multiple steps into one seamless operation that maintains security without requiring separate manual actions.
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
Facilitates modular biopharmaceutical assemblies with simplified coupling verification and reduced risk of damage to surrounding elements by ensuring secure, robust connections without rotational movements and protecting clamp edges.
Implementation Method 1
N flexible snap-fitting tabs and N stop surfaces, N being a strictly positive integer, the flexible snap-fitting tabs projecting axially forwards relative to the mating plane
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid-connection device for connecting a flexible pipe defining a first fluid space to a second flexible pipe or a flexible fluid enclosure in a biopharmaceutical assembly, includes a first connector and a second connector equivalent thereto, the first connector and second connector adapted to be coupled together in a genderless manner, by an insertion movement that is essentially an axial translation, into a relative coupling position, which defines a mating plane, each of the connectors including, in an alternating manner along the circumferential direction, N flexible snap-fitting tabs and N stop surfaces, the flexible snap-fitting tabs projecting axially forwards relative to the mating plane, and the stop surfaces being set back from the mating plane so that, in the coupling position, the snap-fitting tabs of one connector clip into place on the stop surfaces of the other connector, such that the resulting position is locked by the snap-fitting tabs.