Genderless Aseptic Fluid Couplings With Self-Latching Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid systems, such as bioprocessing and blood handling systems, require aseptic fluid couplings that can connect fluid flow paths without causing biological contamination, while also being single-use and genderless to maintain sterility and simplify usage.
Innovation Solution
The development of single-use, aseptic fluid coupling devices with mechanical locks and genderless designs that provide audible, visual, and tactile feedback, allowing for secure connections without the need for sterile environments, and are constructed without metal for enhanced sterilization and resistance to fatigue and corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fluid coupling designs with male and female halves are used, then connection versatility is achieved, but device complexity and inventory management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements genderless couplings where a single coupling design can connect to itself and other identical couplings, eliminating the need for separate male and female coupling halves. This universal design allows any coupling to serve as both male and female, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining connection versatility across different fluid system applications
2Ease of manufacture
If reusable fluid couplings are used, then cost efficiency improves, but sterility and contamination risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs single-use fluid couplings that are discarded after one connection cycle, eliminating the need for complex sterilization protocols and repeated cleaning processes. Each coupling is pre-sterilized and sealed, ensuring sterility while maintaining cost efficiency through simple disposal rather than expensive reprocessing
3Reliability
If mechanical locks are added to prevent uncoupling, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-latching mechanisms where the coupling automatically locks upon connection without requiring additional mechanical locks or manual intervention. The design uses inherent geometric features that engage and lock the couplings together automatically, maintaining connection stability while minimizing additional mechanical components
4Strength
If metal components are used in couplings, then structural strength improves, but sterilization capability and corrosion resistance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes advanced polymer composites and engineered plastics that provide structural strength comparable to metal while offering superior sterilization capability and corrosion resistance. These non-metallic composite materials can withstand autoclaving, chemical sterilization, and repeated cleaning cycles without degradation, eliminating the sterilization challenges associated with metal components
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