Automated Frangible Cannula Breaker Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frangible cannulas in fluid flow systems require manual manipulation to open, which can compromise sterility and does not provide a fully open flow path, necessitating an automated solution for efficient and sterile operation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with two stations that are movable relative to each other, featuring elongated fingers or wings that rotate to bend and separate the cannula portions, ensuring the breakable junction is opened and the flow path is fully opened, with a detector to confirm the cannula is broken.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual manipulation is used to open frangible cannulas, then the operation is simple and device complexity is low, but sterility is compromised and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into two separate stations: a first station for receiving and positioning the frangible cannula, and a second station with rotatable fingers for applying breaking force. This segmentation allows each station to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining sterility through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second station acts as an intermediary mechanism between the automated control system and the frangible cannula. The rotatable fingers with slot between spaced surfaces provide a controlled interface that applies precise breaking force without requiring direct manual manipulation, thus maintaining sterility while enabling automation.
2Productivity
If manual breaking is used, then device complexity is low, but the flow path is not fully opened and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second station is designed with rotatable fingers that can dynamically adjust their position and apply force during the breaking process. The rotation capability allows the fingers to follow the arc of the cannula breaking motion, ensuring complete separation and full opening of the flow path while maintaining controlled, automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first station positions and pre-orientes the frangible cannula in the correct configuration before the breaking action occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the second station applies force, the cannula breaks cleanly and the flow path opens completely, maximizing productivity without requiring complex real-time adjustments during breaking.
3Shape
If fingers are oriented perpendicular to cannula longitudinal direction, then breaking action is applied, but flow path is not fully opened
Solution Approach 1:
The second station fingers are designed to move along an arc rather than in straight lines. This curved motion path matches the natural bending geometry of the frangible cannula during breaking, allowing the fingers to maintain optimal contact and apply force effectively throughout the breaking process, ensuring complete flow path opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot between the spaced surfaces of the second station fingers is positioned asymmetrically to engage specific portions of the frangible cannula. This asymmetric engagement ensures that force is applied at the optimal location to initiate and complete the breaking action, while the finger orientation evolves from perpendicular to parallel with the cannula longitudinal direction to fully open the flow path.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and method are disclosed for opening a frangible internal cannula located in flexible fluid flow path. The frangible cannula has first and second portions joined by a frangible junction and the apparatus and method cause bending of one portion of the cannula relative to the other portion that results in breaking of the frangible junction and opening of the flow path to fluid flow therethrough.