Single-Use Aseptic Fluid Coupling for Non-Spill Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling devices in bioprocessing systems face challenges in aseptic disconnection, leading to potential biological contamination and fluid spillage during disconnection, which requires sterile environments and can result in contamination risks from reconnection.
Innovation Solution
The development of single-use aseptic fluid coupling devices with a specific disconnection sequence that involves a removable sleeve, rotational and translational steps, and latching mechanisms to ensure irreversible blocking of fluid paths, preventing reconnection and minimizing spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fluid coupling devices are used for connection and disconnection, then operational flexibility is improved, but biological contamination risk increases and sterile environment requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate coupling halves, each with its own fluid path blocking mechanism. This segmentation allows independent control of each coupling half's fluid path, enabling aseptic disconnection where fluid paths are blocked before separation, thus preventing contamination while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnection sequence requires preliminary blocking of fluid paths using valve members and seals before the coupling halves are separated. This preliminary action prevents fluid leakage and contamination during disconnection, eliminating the need for sterile environments while maintaining operational flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coupling devices allow reconnection after disconnection, then adaptability is improved, but contamination risk from reconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed as a single-use system where the coupling halves are discarded after one connection and disconnection cycle. This eliminates the risk of contamination from reconnection while maintaining adaptability during the initial connection phase through the removable sleeve mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed as a disposable single-use component. After one connection and disconnection cycle, the entire coupling assembly is discarded rather than reconnected. This eliminates contamination risks from reconnection while maintaining full adaptability during the initial use through the removable sleeve and latching mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If disconnection allows fluid flow path to remain open, then ease of reconnection is improved, but fluid spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Before the coupling halves are separated during disconnection, the valve members are actuated to block the fluid paths and seals engage to seal the fluid passages. This preliminary blocking action prevents fluid spillage during separation while the blocked fluid paths can subsequently be unblocked for easy reconnection or disposal
4Object-affected harmful factors
If aseptic disconnection is implemented with sequential blocking mechanisms, then contamination prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking of fluid paths and the mechanical separation of coupling halves are merged into a single integrated disconnection sequence. The valve members, seals, and latching mechanisms work together in a coordinated manner so that fluid paths are blocked and sealed as the coupling halves separate, preventing contamination without requiring complex independent control systems
Data Source
AI summary
Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for purposes of providing a single-use, aseptic disconnection functionality that substantially prevents fluid spillage when being disconnected. In some embodiments, the coupling portions cannot be functionally reconnected to each other after being disconnected from each other.