Aseptic Coupling Covers for Sterile Membrane Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aseptic coupling devices require complex dry-to-dry connections and clamping mechanisms, which can be cumbersome and may compromise sterility during fluid transfer between processing equipment.
Innovation Solution
The design of aseptic coupling devices with rotatable protective covers that expose membranes for simultaneous or near-simultaneous removal, allowing for a sterile fluid passageway establishment by aligning and connecting similar devices with interchangeable connectors and sealing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dry-to-dry connection with clamping devices is used, then sterility is maintained during connection, but the operational complexity and time required for connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is pre-installed on the coupling device and protected by a cover before use. The protective cover is pre-attached to the coupling device, and the membrane is pre-positioned to cover the sealing member. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid sterile connection without requiring complex clamping devices during the connection process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is extracted as a separate removable component from the sealing system. Instead of using complex clamping devices to maintain sterility, the patent extracts the sterile barrier function into a separate membrane that can be easily removed after connection, simplifying the overall connection process while maintaining sterility.
2Reliability
If membrane removal is performed sequentially, then sterility is maintained, but the connection time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The protective covers of two coupling devices are connected together, merging the protection and membrane removal functions into a single unified action. When the connected covers are removed, both membranes are removed simultaneously, enabling rapid establishment of sterile connection between two devices without sequential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover acts as an intermediary that connects two coupling devices together. This intermediary element allows the membranes of both devices to be removed simultaneously by a single action, improving productivity while maintaining sterility through the protected pre-connection state.
3Reliability
If complex clamping mechanisms are used to maintain sterility, then sterility is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane serves as a disposable sterile barrier that is pre-attached to the coupling device. Instead of using complex, reusable clamping mechanisms to maintain sterility, the patent employs a simple disposable membrane that is discarded after use, dramatically simplifying the device design while ensuring sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin flexible membrane as the sterile barrier instead of rigid clamping mechanisms. This thin film approach simplifies the device structure, making the coupling device less complex while maintaining sterility through the membrane barrier that is removed after connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An aseptic coupling arrangement can include a first coupling device and a second aseptic coupling device. In one embodiment, the first and second coupling devices are substantially similar, each having a main body defining a front face and a fluid passageway therethrough. A first connecting feature disposed on the main body of each coupling device may be provided for aligning and coupling the aseptic devices together. Each coupling device may also include a sealing member received in the main body and a membrane removably coupled to the main body front face to cover the sealing member. The first aseptic coupling device may also include a rotatable protective cover that is removably attached to the main body and connected to the membrane. In one embodiment, the removal of the protective covers away from two coupled main bodies, in a direction parallel to the front faces, causes removal of the membranes.