Transfer Port Hose Retraction via Elastic Spring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transfer ports face issues with the reliable stowage and closure of transfer hoses, often resulting in jamming during the closure of port covers, especially when used in sterile environments.

Innovation Solution

A transfer port system with an elastic spring element mechanically connected to the transfer hose, allowing the hose to be pulled out for fluid transfer and automatically retracting into a stowed position, arranged in a spiral, helical, or meandering manner within the passage plane, ensuring secure closure and preventing jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the transfer hose is pulled out for manipulation outside the passage, then the outlet end can be manipulated in the removal position and fluid transfer is enabled, but the transfer hose may become trapped inside the port cover when closed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanipulation of outlet endVSAvoidreliable closure of port cover

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer hose is divided into two functional segments: a stowed portion within the passage and a removable outlet end portion. This segmentation allows the outlet end to be manipulated externally while the main body remains confined, preventing jamming during closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic spring element applies a preliminary retraction force to the transfer hose, creating a counteracting force that prevents the hose from becoming trapped during port cover closure. This preliminary anti-action ensures the hose is pulled back into the passage before closure occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If the transfer hose is spring-loaded to enable automatic retraction, then the port cover can be reliably closed without jamming, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure of port coverVSAvoidstructure of transfer port

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer hose incorporates an self-contained elastic spring element that automatically provides retraction force without requiring external mechanisms. The hose serves itself by using the spring element to return to its stowed position, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the transfer hose is arranged in a spiral or helical manner within the passage, then the hose can be compactly stowed and automatically retracted, but the passage volume requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic retraction of transfer hoseVSAvoidpassage volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer hose is arranged in a nested spiral or helical configuration within the passage, allowing the hose to be compactly stowed in a coiled manner. This nesting arrangement enables automatic retraction while minimizing the volume occupied within the passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 elastic spring element ensures the transfer hose is automatically retracted into the stowed position, preventing jamming and enabling reliable and trouble-free closure of the port cover, maintaining sterility and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The transfer hose elastically pretensions the elastic spring element in the removal position and the elastic spring element is at least partially relaxed in the stowed position so that the elastic spring element causes the transfer hose to be retracted from the removal position into the stowed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic energy storage and release: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250091777A1Transfer port for transferring a fluid, and transfer system

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 ATEC PHARMATECHN

AI summary

A transfer port includes a passage, a transfer hose arranged within the passage to guide a fluid, and an elastic spring element mechanically connected to the transfer hose. The transfer hose has an outlet end which can be removed from the passage so that it can be manipulated outside the passage and the fluid transferred through the passage via the outlet end. The transfer hose elastically pretensions the elastic spring element in this removal position and the elastic spring element is at least partially relaxed in a stowed position so that, via the elastic spring element, the transfer hose is pulled back from the removal position into the stowed position when the transfer hose, and thus the outlet end, is arranged within the passage. The transfer hose, in the stowed position, is arranged in the passage in a spiral, a helical, and/or a meandering manner via the elastic spring element.