Genderless Aseptic Fluid Couplings With Secure Sterile Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid systems, particularly in bioprocessing and blood handling, require aseptic fluid coupling devices that prevent biological contamination and maintain sterility, but existing solutions often fail to ensure secure, contamination-free connections and are cumbersome due to gendered designs and the need for sterile environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of single-use, aseptic fluid coupling devices with mechanical locking mechanisms and genderless designs, featuring a main body with a fluid flow path, seal members, and flexible membranes to prevent contamination, providing audible, visual, and tactile feedback, and suitable for gamma sterilization, thus enhancing sterility and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluid coupling devices are used, then fluid transfer can be achieved, but biological contamination risk increases and sterility cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs single-use fluid coupling devices that are discarded after one use, eliminating the risk of contamination from repeated use. The coupling device includes a disposable body with integrated seals and membranes that maintain sterility throughout the fluid transfer process and are then discarded, ensuring no biological contamination risk for subsequent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device creates a sterile barrier environment through integrated seals and flexible membranes that prevent biological contamination. The design includes contamination barriers that maintain an inert, sterile atmosphere during connection and fluid transfer, protecting the fluid path from environmental contaminants.
2Reliability
If mechanical locking mechanisms are added to prevent uncoupling, then connection security improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism with the main body of the coupling device, integrating the lock into the structural design rather than adding it as a separate component. The lock is formed as part of the molded body, reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining the secure locking function that prevents accidental uncoupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device features self-locking capabilities where the mechanical lock automatically engages when the coupling is assembled. The design includes self-actuating locking elements that secure the connection without requiring additional operational steps or complex control mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while ensuring secure attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If genderless coupling design is implemented, then inventory management simplifies, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a genderless coupling design where the same coupling body type can connect to any other identical coupling body, eliminating the need for male/female distinctions. This universal design simplifies inventory management as only one type of coupling needs to be stocked, while integrated alignment features and seals ensure reliable, leak-free connections regardless of orientation or pairing.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall coupling design is genderless for versatility, the patent incorporates asymmetric alignment posts and guide features that ensure proper orientation during connection. These asymmetric elements guide the coupling bodies into correct alignment, preventing misconnection while maintaining the universal compatibility that simplifies inventory management.
4Manufacturing precision
If alignment mechanisms are added to ensure proper mating, then connection precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alignment function into separate, simple elements: alignment posts on one coupling body and corresponding alignment guides on the mating coupling body. This segmentation of the alignment function into discrete, simple geometric features achieves precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with simple geometric alignment features built into the molded coupling bodies. Instead of using adjustable mechanical alignment devices, the design incorporates fixed alignment posts and guides that provide automatic, precise alignment through their geometric configuration alone, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining alignment accuracy.
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 ensure secure, contamination-free connections, reduce the need for sterile environments, simplify inventory management, and enhance operational efficiency by providing a cost-effective solution for maintaining sterility in fluid transfer processes.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane including a portion attached to the front face around the seal member to block contaminants from entering the fluid flow path
Implementation Method 2
a seal member including a portion disposed within the bore and a portion extending from the front face around the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 3
an alignment post; and an alignment guide defining internal space configured to slidably receive an alignment post of another aseptic fluid coupling
Implementation Method 4
such single-use coupling devices are equipped with one or more mechanical components that operate like locks to maintain the two portions of the coupling in the coupled state
Data Source
AI summary
Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems. For example, some embodiments described in this document are single-use, aseptic fluid coupling devices that can be coupled to create a sterile flow path therethrough. Some such aseptic couplings are genderless couplings such that two identical aseptic couplings can be coupled together.