Aseptic Fluid Coupling With Sequential Valve Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling devices in bioprocessing systems face challenges in achieving aseptic disconnection without biological contamination and fluid spillage, often requiring sterile environments and allowing for potential reuse and contamination.
Innovation Solution
The development of single-use, aseptic disconnection fluid coupling devices with irreversible blocking mechanisms to prevent reconnection and spillage, utilizing thermoplastic materials and sequential valve closure to ensure aseptic and non-spill disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fluid coupling devices are used for disconnection, then the system allows for potential reuse and flexibility, but biological contamination and fluid spillage occur during disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device performs preliminary actions by automatically closing the first valve before separating the coupling halves, and closing the second valve during separation. This sequential valve closure prevents fluid spillage and biological contamination before they can occur, ensuring aseptic disconnection without requiring sterile environments
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is divided into two separable coupling halves with independent valve mechanisms. This segmentation allows each half to be controlled independently during disconnection, enabling the fluid path to be sealed off in a controlled manner before physical separation, thus preventing contamination and spillage
2Reliability
If sterile environments are used to prevent contamination, then biological contamination is reduced, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device performs its own aseptic function through automatic sequential valve closure mechanisms that are activated during the disconnection process. The device self-seals the fluid path without requiring external sterile environments or additional protective equipment, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining aseptic disconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed as a single-use disposable component that can be discarded after one use. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization procedures and sterile environment maintenance, as each new coupling half is provided in a sterile state and ensures aseptic disconnection through its built-in valve mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coupling devices are used, then reconnection and reuse are possible, but fluid spillage and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed as a single-use disposable component where the two coupling halves cannot be reconnected after separation. This deliberate design choice eliminates the risk of fluid spillage and contamination associated with reconnection attempts, while the low cost of the disposable component makes the approach economically viable
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. Some fluid coupling device embodiments described herein include a fluid flow path that is a metallic-free. Moreover, some embodiments of the fluid coupling devices provided herein include no metal whatsoever. That is, the fluid coupling devices are entirely metal-free.