Fluid Coupling Valve with Peripheral Seal for Aseptic Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aseptic connectors face challenges in fluid transfer due to the prohibition of metals and limited polymer material options, leading to flow impediments and reduced fluid transfer rates.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluid couplings with an actuatable valve that provides an unobstructed flow path in the 'open' position and closes the flow path in the 'closed' position, utilizing a polymer-based design with a cartridge, collar, insert termination, and flexible bellow to maintain sterility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If O-ring seals are used as the seal of choice in aseptic connectors, then sterility and sealing are maintained, but the component at the center of the flow path impedes fluid flow and limits fluid transfer rate
Solution Approach 1:
The seal (O-ring) is extracted from the center of the flow path and relocated to the periphery, specifically to a groove in the collar that interfaces with the body termination. This removes the obstruction from the flow path while maintaining the sealing function, thereby resolving the contradiction between sterility and fluid transfer rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is moved from the longitudinal dimension (center of flow path) to the radial dimension (periphery of flow path). The collar rotates about the longitudinal axis, and the seal operates in a radial groove, effectively moving the sealing mechanism to another spatial dimension that does not obstruct fluid flow.
2Productivity
If ball valves and full flow path designs are used, then fluid flow is maximized, but metals or soft polymers are required which are prohibited or limited in aseptic applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameter from rotational movement (ball valve) to longitudinal translation of the insert termination. This linear motion allows the valve member to open and close the flow path without requiring metallic components or soft polymers, maintaining compatibility with aseptic application material constraints while achieving full flow path capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static polymer connector to a dynamic system where the insert termination can translate longitudinally within the body termination. This dynamic capability enables full flow path operation using only polymer materials, resolving the contradiction between fluid transfer rate and material compatibility.
3Reliability
If a valve component is placed at the center of the flow path to house the seal, then sealing is achieved, but flow is impeded and fluid transfer rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is extracted from the flow path center and positioned in the collar's peripheral groove. The collar rotates about the longitudinal axis, positioning the seal away from the flow path. This extraction eliminates the obstruction while preserving sealing functionality, resolving the contradiction between sealing and device complexity.
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
This solution enables unimpeded fluid flow while maintaining the practicality and cost-effectiveness of polymer-based connectors, addressing the limitations of traditional designs in aseptic applications.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible bellow located within the open internal space and comprising: (i) a first end attached to the cartridge and (ii) a second end attached to the insert termination
Implementation Method 2
a collar rotatably coupled to an outer diameter of the body termination, the collar comprising one or more protrusions
Data Source
AI summary
Some fluid couplings, as described in this document, have an actuatable valve. In some examples, the actuatable valves provide an unobstructed flow path when switched to the “open” position and a closed flow path when switched to the “closed” position.