Fluid Conduit Union With Midpoint Adhesive Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Joining fluid conduits can be difficult as some conduits are not weldable or difficult to join, posing challenges in maintaining an aseptic environment for biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A union design with a body having adhesive channels and an injection port for aseptic connection of fluid conduits, utilizing expansion elements to accommodate conduits of varying diameters and surface treatments for secure bonding without welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to join fluid conduits, then the connection strength is improved, but the ability to maintain aseptic environment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welding (thermal/mechanical process) with a mechanical compression system. The union body compresses the conduit ends together using a compression element that applies radial force, creating a secure connection without heat or contamination risk. This substitution maintains connection strength while eliminating the harmful effects of welding in aseptic environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The union body acts as an intermediary component between two conduits. It provides a controlled interface where conduits are compressed and bonded together through adhesive channels, rather than directly welding the conduits themselves. This intermediary structure enables strong connections while maintaining aseptic conditions throughout the process.
2Reliability
If adhesive channels are added to the union body, then the bonding reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the union body structure. The compression element, adhesive delivery system, and conduit positioning features are integrated into a single component. The adhesive channels are formed as integral features of the union body rather than separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining bonding reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the adhesive delivery system. The injection port allows adhesive to be introduced at controlled pressure and volume, and the adhesive channels are designed with specific geometries to ensure uniform distribution. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves reliable bonding without requiring overly complex structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the union body is designed to accommodate various conduit diameters, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic compression system where the compression element can adapt to different conduit diameters. Rather than requiring precise pre-set dimensions for each conduit size, the system allows for adjustment during assembly. The compression force is applied radially and can accommodate variations in conduit outer diameter while maintaining adequate bonding pressure through the adhesive channels.
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 aseptic connections of fluid conduits with secure bonding, ensuring a sterile environment and efficient fluid transfer in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The body defining an injection port position at a midpoint of the body. The injection port in fluid communication with the first adhesive channel and the second adhesive channel and is configured to deliver adhesive into the first adhesive channel and the second adhesive channel
Data Source
AI summary
A union for connecting a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit includes a body. The body defines a central passage about a central longitudinal axis of the body with the body having a first side and a second side. The body is configured to define a first adhesive channel between a first fluid conduit and the first side of the body and to define a second adhesive channel between a second fluid conduit and the second side of the body. The body defining an injection port position at a midpoint of the body. The injection port in fluid communication with the first adhesive channel and the second adhesive channel and is configured to deliver adhesive into the first adhesive channel and the second adhesive channel.