Integrated Reducer Seal Assembly for Sanitary Leak-Proof Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioprocessing systems face challenges in creating sanitary and leak-proof flow connections due to cumbersome assembly processes of tri-Clover style fittings, which are prone to user errors leading to leaks and non-hygienic unions.
Innovation Solution
A bioprocessing flow connection system is designed with a single component that incorporates a sanitary gasket, featuring alignment ribs and overmolded channels to simplify the alignment and sealing process, reducing the number of components to handle and ensuring a secure, leak-proof connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tri-Clover style fittings are used for sanitary connections, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly complexity increases and user errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gasket and ferrule into a single integrated component called a 'ferrule-gasket assembly'. This merging eliminates the need for separate gasket installation steps, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the sealing reliability that tri-Clover fittings provide. The integrated assembly ensures proper positioning and eliminates user errors associated with separate component assembly.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for flow connections, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule-gasket assembly merges multiple components into one, making assembly easier by reducing the number of parts to handle while maintaining sealing reliability through the integrated design that ensures proper gasket positioning and compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated ferrule-gasket assembly is designed to self-align and self-seal during assembly. The geometry of the assembly ensures proper positioning without requiring additional alignment steps or tools, making the connection process easier while maintaining reliable sealing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fittings are used, then adaptability is improved, but productivity decreases due to cumbersome assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated ferrule-gasket assembly maintains adaptability to work with various pipe sizes and configurations while significantly improving assembly speed by eliminating multiple assembly steps. The single-component design allows for faster installation without sacrificing the versatility needed for different bioprocessing applications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to bioprocessing devices, systems, and methods, and particularly to sanitary connections for bioprocessing. The devices, systems, and methods described herein can relate to the sanitary connection of flow fittings, such as reducers, with considerations for ease of assembly and sealing. In some embodiments, the system may include a flow reducer, a ferrule and a gasket. The flow reducer may include a gasket channel, an overmold channel within the gasket channel, and one or more cavities within the overmold channel. The gasket may be overmolded within the gasket channel and extending within the one or more cavities.