Genderless Aseptic Connector With Telescoping Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector systems require distinct male and female configurations, leading to increased production costs, labor, and contamination risks due to the need for separate parts and mating pairs, which can include inorganic and organic contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A genderless connector system with identical structure for both male and female fittings, featuring telescoping engagement and a locking disk to align apertures, allowing for fluid transmission connections while reducing contamination by maintaining fittings in a closed condition until aligned for mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional male and female connector configurations are used, then fluid transmission connection is achieved, but production costs and labor increase due to separate parts and inventory control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the traditionally separate male and female connector configurations into a single genderless connector design. Each connector housing contains both a male fitting and a female fitting, allowing any connector to mate with any other connector of the same type. This eliminates the need for separate male and female parts, reducing inventory complexity and production costs while maintaining fluid transmission functionality.
2Reliability
If conventional separate male and female connectors are used, then fluid connection is established, but contamination risks increase due to exposed fittings during handling and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective action by incorporating removable caps that cover the male and female fittings during storage, handling, and assembly. These caps prevent contamination of the fittings before mating occurs. The caps are removed only at the moment of connection, ensuring the fittings remain protected until the critical assembly step, thereby reducing contamination risks without complicating the overall assembly process.
3Productivity
If genderless connector design is implemented, then production efficiency improves and contamination is reduced, but new structure with telescoping engagement and locking disk must be developed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector into distinct functional modules: a housing containing the valve assembly and fittings, a telescoping engagement mechanism for alignment, a locking disk for securing the connection, and removable caps for protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes, improving production efficiency despite the enhanced overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the male fitting is inserted into the female fitting, and the telescoping housing provides an additional nested layer for protection and alignment. The locking disk rotates within the housing to engage with the telescoping mechanism, creating a compact integrated assembly that reduces the overall footprint while maintaining robust connection capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system including a plurality of connectors having substantially identical structure each defining a pair of fluid conduits wherein a first one of the pair of fluid conduits terminating in a male fitting and a second one of said pair fluid conduits terminating in a female fitting wherein the male fitting and the female fitting of a pair of connectors mate in a fluid transmission connection.