Membrane-Flange Coupling for Aseptic Pressure Sensor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connection systems for disposable pressure sensors and metal measuring heads in biopharmaceutical applications are complex, prone to incorrect operation, and require significant time for installation and removal, leading to inaccurate measurements and contamination risks in sterile environments.
Innovation Solution
A connection system featuring a disk-shaped holding element and a releasable connecting element that allows for a robust, defined mechanical coupling between a disposable component and a reusable sensor or between two disposable components, enabling simple and safe assembly, including the use of a fluid-tight membrane for pressure force transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If auxiliary devices such as cover and locking pins are used to achieve firm compression fit, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover and locking pin functions into an integrated locking mechanism where the cover itself incorporates the locking function through a snap-fit design with resilient arms that engage with corresponding features on the sensor housing, eliminating the need for separate locking pins and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock and unlock through simple user actions - the cover springs into place and locks automatically upon assembly, and can be released by pressing a single release feature, allowing the system to self-regulate its own securing without requiring complex auxiliary devices or specialized操作 skills
2Measurement precision
If auxiliary devices such as cover and locking pins are used to achieve firm compression fit, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time required for installation and deinstallation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components - the disposable sensor with integrated cover and the reusable housing - allowing for rapid assembly by simply snapping the cover onto the housing and quick disassembly by pressing the release feature, dramatically reducing installation and deinstallation time while maintaining secure connection for accurate measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates resilient arms that provide dynamic locking - the arms flex during assembly to engage with the housing features and maintain constant securing force, and can be quickly released by overcoming the spring force with a simple push, enabling fast connection and disconnection cycles without compromising measurement accuracy
3Strength
If complex auxiliary devices are used for connection, then connection firmness is improved, but risk of incorrect operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-explanatory and self-regulating - the cover naturally aligns and snaps into place through its own elastic deformation, and the single release feature provides an obvious unlocking mechanism, eliminating the need for complex multi-step procedures or specialized knowledge, thereby reducing the risk of incorrect operation while maintaining secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex locking pin mechanism and replaces it with an integrated snap-fit design where the locking function is built into the cover structure itself through resilient arms that engage with features on the housing, simplifying the user interaction to a simple snap-and-release action while maintaining connection firmness
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
Facilitates secure and reliable assembly of disposable pressure sensors with metal measuring heads, ensuring accurate measurements while maintaining aseptic conditions by simplifying the connection process and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-tight membrane (1) arranged between the first body (5) and the second body (3)... the membrane (1) enables a transfer of pressure forces
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection system for releasably coupling a first body (5) with a flange (25) to a fluid-conducting system in a force-fitting manner, and the invention also relates to a connection system for releasably coupling the interior of a first fluid-conducting body (5) to the interior of a second fluid-conducting body (3) in a force-fitting manner. The second body (3) has a second end with a circumferential wall (22), a membrane contact portion (9) which can be found on the wall, and an opening (43). A retaining element (2) has a passage (35) and a peripheral outer edge (24). One side and/or the passage (35) of the retaining element (2) is coupled to the membrane (1), and an annular wall (26) is arranged on the same side, said annular wall being connected to the circumferential wall (22) of the second body (3). The other side is designed to contact the surface of the flange (25) of the first body (5). The retaining element (2) can also be integrated into the second body (3) when the first body (5) is fluid-conductive. The releasable connection element (4) is designed to at least partly surround the peripheral outer edge (24) of the retaining element (2) and the flange (25) of the first body (5).