Multiport Aseptic Fluid Interconnect with Snap-Fit Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aseptic fluid connectors are inefficient for making multiple connections in parallel and are prone to operator error, with a large form factor and the need for multiple sealing materials and clamps, which complicates the process of achieving rapid, multiport aseptic fluid interconnects in a compact form.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an integral clamping mechanism and elastomeric fluid sealing gasket that provides an initial and final fluid tight seal using snap-fit locks and a hinge coupling, eliminating the need for sealing tape tabs and reducing operator error, allowing for multiple aseptic connections in a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple single aseptic connectors are used to make many aseptic connections in parallel, then the number of connections increases, but the physical size and footprint of the system significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual aseptic connectors into a single integrated multiport connector assembly. The first and second multiport connectors are joined together with their gaskets pressed against each other, creating a compact unit that provides multiple aseptic connection ports (e.g., 8 ports per connector) in a single physical footprint, eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors and reducing overall system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiport connector assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides numerous aseptic connection ports for parallel fluid connections, maintains sterile barriers through integrated sealing mechanisms, and enables rapid connection/disconnection of multiple fluid lines. The single use nature of the connector allows it to perform all these functions in one disposable unit, improving efficiency while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Reliability
If manual pressure and dexterity are required to apply spring clamps and form initial seals, then the sealing process can be completed, but operator error increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly features self-sealing mechanisms that reduce reliance on operator skill. The elastomeric gaskets are designed to automatically form seals when the connectors are joined, and the snap-fit latches automatically engage to maintain sealing pressure. The system serves itself by using elastic recovery of the gaskets and mechanical advantage of the latch mechanism to ensure reliable sealing without requiring precise manual pressure application or dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of applying spring clamps and maintaining pressure with an automated snap-fit latch mechanism. The latch provides mechanical advantage to automatically apply and maintain the necessary sealing force on the gaskets, substituting complex manual mechanical operations with a simpler, more reliable mechanical system that is less prone to operator error.
3Reliability
If sealing tape tabs and separate clamps are used to protect and seal gasket surfaces, then sterility is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective sealing tape function with the gasket sealing surface itself. Instead of using separate tape tabs that need to be applied and removed, the elastomeric gasket is designed with integrated sterile barriers that are permanently attached to the connector body. The gasket serves both as the sealing element and the protected sterile surface, eliminating the need for separate protective tapes and reducing component complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed as a single-use disposable device that maintains sterility through its integrated gasket design. The elastomeric gasket with its sterile barrier is discarded with the connector after one use, eliminating the need for complex reusable sealing mechanisms, protective tapes, and multiple clamps. This disposable approach simplifies the device structure while ensuring sterility is maintained throughout the connection process.
4Productivity
If individual aseptic connectors are used for each connection, then each connection can be made independently, but the time required to make multiple connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiport connector combines multiple connection ports into a single integrated unit that can establish multiple aseptic connections simultaneously. When the first and second multiport connectors are joined together, all corresponding ports on both connectors form seals at the same time through the pressed-together gaskets, allowing 8 or more connections to be made in one action rather than sequentially, dramatically reducing the time required for multiple connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector ports are pre-configured and pre-aligned in the multiport assembly, with gaskets pre-positioned to seal against corresponding ports on the mating connector. This preliminary arrangement of all sealing surfaces and alignment features allows all connections to be established simultaneously when the connectors are joined, eliminating the need for sequential connection steps and improving connection speed.
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
Enables rapid, multiport aseptic fluid interconnects with improved ease of use and reduced operator error, maintaining sterility while minimizing the overall size of the microfluidic system.
Implementation Method 1
the gasket is compressed between the first and second tubing carriers such that the seal prevents fluid from leaking
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric gasket that provides an initial and final fluid tight seal
Implementation Method 3
The clamping mechanism comprises a hinge coupling and a first set of snap-fit locks to maintain the initial fluid tight seal and a second set of snap-fit locks to maintain the final fluid tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for making multiple aseptic fluid interconnections in parallel with an integral clamping mechanism and elastomeric fluid sealing gasket to provide an initial fluid tight seal while removing sealing tape tabs and a final fluid tight seal after sealing tape tabs are removed. The clamping mechanism comprises a hinge coupling and a first set of snap-fit locks to maintain the initial fluid tight seal and a second set of snap-fit locks to maintain the final fluid tight seal.