Sterile Connection Device for Multiple Thermoplastic Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterile connection systems for hollow thermoplastic tubes in medical fluid administration or processing systems are limited in efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly when dealing with multiple pairs of tubes, as they often require complex and costly setups for forming heat or melt-bonded connections.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple receivers and clamping systems with associated heaters allows for the formation of sterile connections between multiple pairs of hollow thermoplastic tubes by rotating and laterally moving the receivers to bring clamped and heated tube ends into contact, forming integral bonds without the need for extensive user intervention or additional heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single pair of thermoplastic tubes is bonded using existing sterile connection systems, then sterile connections can be formed, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly when extending to multiple pairs of tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tube processing task into independent segments by providing multiple receivers (first receiver, second receiver, third receiver) that can independently receive and process different tubes. Each receiver has its own clamping system and heater, allowing parallel processing of multiple tube pairs simultaneously, thus increasing productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The receivers are designed with multi-functionality to handle different tube configurations. The second receiver can accommodate both second and third tubes, and the clamping systems can adapt to different tube positions and orientations. This universal design allows the same basic receiver structure to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each connection type
2Productivity
If multiple receivers and clamping systems are used to process multiple tube pairs, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges similar functions into unified components. Multiple receivers share common structural elements, and the clamping systems are designed with modular components that can be reused across different receivers. The heaters are integrated into the clamping systems, combining heating and clamping functions in a single unit, thus reducing the total number of separate components while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The receivers are designed to be relatively movable to one another, allowing dynamic repositioning during the connection process. This mobility enables the system to adapt to different tube configurations and connection sequences without requiring additional fixed positioning mechanisms, reducing structural complexity while maintaining operational flexibility
3Reliability
If heated tube ends are brought into contact to form integral bonds, then sterile connections are achieved, but user intervention is required for each connection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the connection process automatically without requiring manual intervention for each step. The clamping systems automatically clamp the tubes, the heaters automatically heat the tube ends, and the receivers automatically position and bond the tubes together. This self-service operation maintains sterility by eliminating manual handling during the critical bonding process while significantly reducing user involvement in the overall operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system efficiently forms multiple sterile connections between thermoplastic tubes with reduced user involvement and potential cost benefits, ensuring effective bonding and maintaining sterility while simplifying the connection process.
Implementation Method 1
a first clamping system including a tube heater associated with the first receiver; a second clamping system including a tube heater associated with the second receiver
Implementation Method 2
the ends are individually clamped into a closed position, preventing ambient contamination
Implementation Method 3
place clamped and heated ends of first and second tubes into contact to form an integral bond between them
Data Source
AI summary
System, method and apparatus for making a plurality of sterile connections between a plurality of pairs of thermoplastic tubes. A first receiver receives a first tube, a second receiver receives second and third tubes, and a third receiver receives a fourth tube. The first and second receivers are movable to place clamped and heated ends of first and second tubes into contact and the second and third receivers are movable to place clamped and heated ends of third and fourth tubes into contact.