Genderless Aseptic Fluid Couplings With Sterile Membrane Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling devices for bioprocessing and blood handling systems often fail to provide aseptic connections that prevent biological contamination, especially in environments where sterility is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The development of single-use, aseptic fluid coupling devices with mechanical locking mechanisms and genderless designs, featuring a main body with a longitudinal axis, a seal member, and a flexible membrane to prevent contamination and ensure sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluid coupling devices are used, then connection is achieved, but biological contamination cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate halves (first and second coupling halves) that are connected during use. Each half maintains its own sterile barrier independently, and only the necessary connection interface is exposed, preventing contamination while enabling fluid transfer between systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile barrier (membrane) acts as an intermediary between the internal fluid pathway and the external environment. This barrier allows selective passage (e.g., gas exchange) while blocking biological contaminants, maintaining sterility during the coupling process.
2Reliability
If coupling devices are designed for reuse, then cost is reduced, but sterility cannot be maintained after disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed as a single-use disposable item. After connection and use, the entire assembly is discarded, ensuring sterility is maintained without the need for complex sterilization protocols or mechanisms required for reusable devices.
3Reliability
If mechanical locking mechanisms are added to prevent uncoupling, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling halves incorporate self-latching mechanisms that automatically engage when the halves are brought together. The connection secures itself without requiring additional manual locking steps or complex mechanical components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring secure attachment.
4Manufacturing precision
If alignment features are incorporated, then connection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling halves feature asymmetric alignment elements (such as tapered surfaces or keyed interfaces) that guide proper orientation during connection. This asymmetric design provides inherent alignment guidance without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or precision machining on multiple surfaces.
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
These devices provide secure, aseptic connections that maintain sterility and prevent biological contamination, offering audible, visual, and tactile feedback during connection, and can be sterilized using gamma irradiation.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane may be porous such that air can pass through the membrane
Implementation Method 2
can be sterilized using gamma irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
An aseptic fluid coupling includes a main body, a front face, a termination that is at an opposite end of the main body in comparison to the front face, an alignment post extending from a portion of the front face, and an alignment guide defining internal space configured to slidably receive an alignment post of another aseptic fluid coupling when two of the aseptic fluid couplings are mated together.