Rotary Aseptic Coupler for Leak-Free Fluid Line Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aseptic coupling systems for fluid lines in bioprocessing and blood handling systems are complex and often result in excessive fluid leakage, leading to potential biological contamination when disconnecting sterilized fluid lines, necessitating additional clamping devices to prevent exposure.
Innovation Solution
A rotary valve-based coupler system with connector housings and rotary valve segments that rotate to create a sealed fluid path between components, allowing aseptic connection and disconnection while maintaining sterility, and preventing fluid leakage by blocking the fluid conduit in the closed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional aseptic coupling systems are used, then connection and disconnection of sterilized fluid lines can be achieved, but excessive fluid leakage occurs leading to potential biological contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two separate coupling portions (first and second coupling portions), each with its own fluid pathway. This segmentation allows independent control and sealing of each portion, preventing fluid leakage during disconnection while maintaining sterility of both lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates features that pre-seal fluid pathways before disconnection occurs. The coupling portions are configured to maintain sealed fluid pathways even when disconnected, preventing fluid leakage and contamination before they can occur.
2Reliability
If conventional aseptic coupling systems are used, then fluid line connection can be established, but the system complexity increases and additional clamping devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing and flow control functions are merged into the coupling portions themselves. The first and second coupling portions integrate fluid pathway sealing capabilities, eliminating the need for separate clamping devices while maintaining reliable fluid pathway sealing during connection and disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portions are designed to perform multiple functions: connection, disconnection, fluid pathway sealing, and leakage prevention. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized components like clamping devices, reducing overall system complexity.
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
The coupler system effectively maintains sterility and minimizes fluid leakage during connection and disconnection, ensuring a secure and contamination-free fluid pathway between components.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary valve segments are configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis within the cavity and against the concave inner surface of the first connector housing
Implementation Method 2
The fluid conduit extends through the rotary valve segment from a first opening to a second opening so that in a first rotational position of the rotary valve segment relative to the first connector housing corresponding to an open state, the first opening aligns with the inner opening of the first connector conduit in the connector housing
Implementation Method 3
in a second rotational position of the rotary valve segment relative to the first connector housing corresponding to a closed state, the first opening does not align with the inner opening of the first connector conduit in the connector housing
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for aseptically coupling and controlling fluid communication between at least two components. The coupler includes a first connector housing with an inner concave surface. A first connector extends from the top of the first connector housing and is adapted to connect to a first component. A first connector conduit extends through the first connector and into the first connector housing so as to define a fluid passageway to an inner opening on the inner surface of the first connector housing. A rotary valve is located within an inner cavity of the first connector housing and includes at least two rotary valve segments. The rotary valve segments are configured to rotate within the cavity. At least one of the rotary valve segments includes a fluid conduit extending through the at least one rotary valve segment.