Slidable Fluid Connector for Sterile Multi-Path Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for fluid processing systems, particularly in pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, face challenges such as increased leak points and complexity due to multiple connections, requiring complex arrangements of connectors, conduits, and external hardware like valves and controllers.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first and second hollow connector body with a fluid transfer member allowing slidable movement between two fluid transfer positions, integrated locking mechanisms, and anti-actuation assemblies, reducing the need for multiple connections and external hardware by enabling multiple sterile connections without increasing leak points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connections are made using existing connectors, then fluid transfer capability is improved, but the number of leak points and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single connector body by incorporating a fluid transfer member with multiple fluid transfer apertures that can be selectively activated. This allows multiple fluid pathways to be integrated within one connector rather than requiring separate connectors for each pathway, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to perform multiple fluid transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality by including a fluid transfer member that can establish multiple independent fluid flow paths through different fluid transfer apertures. The locking mechanism can secure the fluid transfer member in various positions, enabling the single connector to perform multiple connection functions simultaneously or sequentially, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connections are made using existing connectors, then fluid transfer capability is improved, but the number of leak points increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple connection functions into a single connector body with integrated fluid transfer pathways, the patent reduces the total number of connection interfaces. Fewer interfaces mean fewer potential leak points, while the internal fluid transfer member maintains the capability to establish multiple independent fluid pathways through its multiple apertures and selective positioning mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If external hardware like valves and controllers is used, then fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid flow control function from external hardware (valves and controllers) and integrates it directly into the connector body through the fluid transfer member. The locking mechanism and slidable positioning system provide inherent control over fluid pathway activation without requiring separate external control devices, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining operational control.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A connector is provided comprising first and second hollow bodies with a fluid transfer member, slidably arranged between the first and second hollow connector bodies.