Sterile Fluid Coupling With Removable Sleeve Valve Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling devices lack efficient and cost-effective solutions for establishing sterile connections in fluid systems, often requiring sterile rooms or environments, and do not provide a convenient method for selectively opening fluid flow paths.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling device with a housing, valve member, and removable sleeve that retains the valve member in a closed position, allowing for easy conversion to an open position by disengaging the sleeve, enabling aseptic fluid flow paths and eliminating the need for specific male and female couplings, with a robust latching system to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fluid coupling devices are used to establish sterile connections, then sterile fluid conveyance can be achieved, but sterile rooms or controlled environments are required which increases system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
A removable sterile barrier (sterile drape or adhesive barrier) is introduced as an intermediary between the coupling components. This barrier maintains sterile conditions during connection establishment, allowing sterile couplings to be performed outside of sterile rooms while preventing contamination until the barrier is intentionally removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling components are pre-packaged in sterile condition with integrated sterile barriers already in place. This preliminary preparation of sterile components allows the connection to be made in non-sterile environments while maintaining sterility throughout the connection process, eliminating the need for sterile rooms.
2Ease of operation
If existing fluid coupling devices are used, then fluid flow paths can be established, but they lack convenient methods for selectively opening fluid flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism and valve function are merged into a single integrated component. The valve member is built into the coupling device itself, allowing the user to control fluid flow by simply manipulating the coupling connection. When components are connected, the valve automatically opens; when disconnected, it automatically closes, combining two functions into one operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member automatically responds to the connection state of the coupling components without requiring separate control actions. The valve opens automatically when the coupling is connected and closes automatically when disconnected, providing self-service flow control that simplifies operation while maintaining precise flow management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coupling methods are used, then connections can be established, but they require specific male and female couplings which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed with universal compatibility features that allow a single coupling type to interface with multiple different components and configurations. The standardized coupling interface can connect various fluid handling components without requiring different male/female coupling variants, reducing the number of unique parts needed while maintaining broad adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes fluid coupling devices for fluid systems and methods of using the fluid coupling devices. Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for the purpose of providing a sterile connection. Such a sterile connection can be useful for the delivery and/or processing of therapeutic agents, or ingredients thereof, and other purposes.