Sterile Coupling Bend for Parenteral Liquid Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for removing low-germ liquids from conduit systems are prone to microbial contamination due to the need for manual sterilization, which can be careless and strain the removal point, making automation difficult.

Innovation Solution

A removal device with a coupling bend that allows for sterilization of the tube end with pure steam, preventing contamination and enabling automated sterilization, reducing the risk of germ entry into the conduit system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual sterilization is used to remove low-germ liquids, then the removal process can be performed, but microbial contamination risk increases and automation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterility of liquid removalVSAvoidautomatability of sterilization process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

A removable coupling bend is introduced as an intermediary component between the conduit system and the removal point. This coupling bend can be detached and sterilized separately, allowing the main system to remain closed and sterile while enabling manual sterilization of the removable part without contaminating the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The removal device is divided into separable components: a fixed connection piece integrated into the conduit system and a removable coupling bend. This segmentation allows the removable part to be sterilized manually or automatically while the fixed part remains protected, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sterility and enabling automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If manual sterilization is performed on the removal point, then sterilization can be achieved, but the removal point experiences strain and human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidoperational simplicity and safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling bend acts as a sacrificial intermediary that absorbs the strain of repeated manual sterilization operations. By concentrating wear and sterilization efforts on this removable component rather than the integrated removal point, the system maintains reliability while improving ease of operation through standardized, repeatable procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling bend is designed as a replaceable component that can be sterilized repeatedly or replaced when worn. This disposable/servicable design protects the permanent removal point from strain while providing a cost-effective solution for maintaining sterility through simple, error-resistant operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If the tube end is exposed during liquid removal, then liquid can be removed, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid removal efficiencyVSAvoidmicrobial contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling bend is pre-sterilized before being attached to the removal connection piece. This preliminary sterilization action ensures that when the tube end is exposed for liquid removal, it is already in a sterile state, preventing contamination while maintaining productivity through efficient, pre-prepared components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling bend serves as a protective intermediary barrier between the sterile conduit system and the external environment. During liquid removal, this intermediary component shields the internal system from contamination while allowing efficient liquid extraction through its designed opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively prevents microbial contamination of the conduit system by automating the sterilization process, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring a sterile environment for low-germ liquid removal.

Implementation Method 1

at least one tube end of the removal connection piece protruding into the removal connection piece can be sterilized in the coupling bend on its inner face, its outer face and its end face by pure steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteam sterilization: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11534507B2Removal device by which liquids for producing parenteral drugs are removed from a conduit system

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 F HOFFMANN LA ROCHE INC

AI summary

A removal device for removing at least one low-germ liquid from a conduit system is disclosed. The removal device comprises at least one removal connection piece. The removal device further comprises at least one coupling bend, which is detachably connected to the removal connection piece. At least one tube end of the removal connection piece protrudes into an interior of the coupling bend and is sterilizable with pure steam on its inner face, its outer face and its end face within the coupling bend.