Sterile Fluid Coupling Valve for Faster Bioprocess Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bioprocessing systems face complexity and inefficiency in fluid coupling procedures, particularly in sterilized environments, due to cumbersome laminar flow hoods and complex valve assemblies, which hinder the development and production of specific biomaterials and drugs.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluid coupling devices with a main body, guide sleeve, valve member, seal, and open cylindrical rotary driver, featuring reconfigurable valve configurations and seal mechanisms, which simplify the coupling process, minimize the need for multiple steam traps, and maintain sterility, allowing for easy connection and exchange between bioprocessing equipment and media sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex valve assemblies and multiple steam traps are used in bioprocessing systems, then sterility can be maintained, but the system complexity and coupling time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate functional modules: a main body with connection ports, a valve member with sealing elements, and a guide sleeve with wall slots. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall assembly and maintenance of sterility through modular sterilization procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is extracted as a separate, movable component that can be independently sterilized and replaced. The sealing function is extracted through dedicated seal elements (O-rings, gaskets) that can be sterilized separately from the main coupling body, reducing the complexity of sterilizing the entire system as one unit.
2Reliability
If multiple steam traps and flow hoods are incorporated to sterilize the system, then contamination is prevented, but the coupling procedure becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device components (main body, valve member, guide sleeve, seals) are pre-sterilized separately before use. This preliminary sterilization of individual components eliminates the need for time-consuming sterilization procedures during the coupling operation itself, allowing rapid assembly in the sterile field without compromising contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed as a single-use, disposable component that can be pre-sterilized and then used once to maintain sterility. After use, the entire coupling assembly is discarded rather than re-sterilized, eliminating the time loss associated with repeated sterilization cycles while maintaining reliable contamination prevention throughout the operational lifespan of the device.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If reusable stainless steel components are used in bioprocessing assemblies, then durability is improved, but the coupling procedure requires complex and time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed with dynamic, movable characteristics that allow it to be easily positioned between different connection locations (first and second fluid conduit connections) through simple rotation or translation along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic design enables rapid reconfiguration between different bioprocessing components without complex manual procedures, while the overall coupling device can still be reused multiple times through simple sterilization cycles.
4Reliability
If a valve member with radially extending projections and spiral grooves is used, then fluid flow control is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radially extending projections and spiral grooves in the valve member are designed to work with fluid pressure differentials to control flow between connection locations. The spiral grooves create controlled fluid paths that leverage hydraulic principles for reliable flow regulation. These features can be manufactured using standard machining or injection molding techniques, balancing manufacturing ease with reliable fluid control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid coupling devices described herein can used in a bioprocessing facility, for example. In some cases, the fluid coupling devices can be used to couple bioprocessing equipment to a media source in a sterilized environment. The fluid coupling devices can include a two-position valve that is manually actuatable and reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration.