Single-Port Sterile Tubing Connection Without Fluid-Facing Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing port connections, particularly in isolation bags, require double-sided connections, which are time-consuming, expensive, and prone to failure, and often involve fluid-facing surfaces that complicate sterile connections.
Innovation Solution
A sterile seamless port connection assembly featuring a single port with engagement elements and an overmolded element that couples a tube extending through the port, eliminating fluid-facing surfaces and allowing for aseptic connections using various materials and optional compressive elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double-sided port connection is used in isolation bags, then fluid connection is achieved, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate connection operations into a single port structure. The single port design allows both the isolation bag and the fluid handling device to connect through one unified interface, eliminating the need for separate connection steps and reducing overall connection time while maintaining fluid connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single port structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the fluid pathway, maintains sterile barrier integrity, and enables mechanical connection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated connection mechanisms, streamlining the overall connection process.
2Reliability
If a double-sided port connection is used, then fluid connection is established, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the functions of multiple connection components into a single port structure, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-tested. This consolidation directly reduces production complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary fluid connection reliability.
3Reliability
If a double-sided port connection is used, then fluid connection is achieved, but points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by combining multiple connection elements into a single integrated port. Fewer separate components mean fewer potential failure points, fewer assembly steps, and simpler maintenance requirements, all while maintaining the necessary fluid connection functionality.
4Reliability
If fluid-facing surfaces are used in port connections, then fluid flow is enabled, but sterile connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid-facing surface function from the port connection structure itself and relocates it to the tubing or adapter components. This allows the port to focus solely on maintaining the sterile barrier and mechanical connection, while the fluid contact function is handled by components designed specifically for that purpose, simplifying the overall sterile connection design.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to connection assemblies providing a connection between a tubing a port. The port can be disposed within and particularly extending through a bore of the port. The port and tube are coupled to provide an aseptic connection.