Universal Fluid Coupling With Dry-Seal and Cleanable Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for closed fluid transfer systems face challenges such as poor accessibility for disinfection, fluid residue issues, high priming and residual volumes, and the need for multiple variants of coupling members.
Innovation Solution
A coupling member design featuring a housing with a fluid connection and a coupling side, incorporating a first fluid channel and an elastomer member that forms a second fluid channel, allowing for direct or indirect fluid communication. The design includes a sealing member that moves between sealing and exposing positions to facilitate fluid transfer while maintaining a dry seal when disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different coupling members are provided for male and female coupling sides, then coupling functionality is achieved, but device complexity and number of variants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed with a universal structure that can function as either male or female coupling side. The single coupling member includes a housing with a fluid channel and a sealing member that can be configured to provide either male or female coupling functionality, eliminating the need for separate coupling members for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the previously separate male and female coupling members into a single universal coupling member design. By integrating both coupling functionalities into one member type, the system reduces the number of variants while maintaining full coupling capability.
2Productivity
If coupling surfaces are located in the fluid channel, then fluid transfer is enabled, but fluid residue and poor disinfectability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member design segments the fluid channel from the coupling surface area. The coupling surfaces are positioned such that they can be accessed and disinfected separately from the fluid channel, allowing for effective disinfection while maintaining fluid transfer functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member acts as an intermediary element that bridges the fluid channel and the coupling interface. It enables fluid transfer while allowing the coupling surfaces to be positioned for optimal disinfection access, separating the fluid pathway from the coupling surface location.
3Reliability
If sealing member blocks fluid channel opening when disconnected, then dry seal is achieved, but fluid transfer is hindered when connected
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It automatically changes position based on the connection state: blocking the fluid channel opening when disconnected to provide a dry seal, and moving away to expose the opening when connected to enable fluid transfer. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between sealing and fluid transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is positioned in advance to block the fluid channel opening during the disconnected state, ensuring dry seal capability before connection occurs. Upon connection, the sealing member's position changes preliminarily to allow fluid transfer, preparing the system for efficient 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 proposed coupling member and system enable efficient fluid transfer with reduced variants, effective sealing to prevent leakage, and easy disinfection, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastomer member, which surrounds a fluid channel opening of the first fluid channel facing the coupling side or which forms a second fluid channel adjoining the first fluid channel
Implementation Method 2
a sealing member having a sealing surface facing the fluid channel opening of the first fluid channel facing the coupling side or the elastomer member opening of the second fluid channel facing the coupling side, wherein the sealing surface is movable along the longitudinal axis of the coupling member housing between a first position, in which the sealing surface seals the fluid channel opening
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling member for a closed fluid transfer system includes a housing having a fluid connection and a coupling side. A first channel extends from the fluid connection toward the coupling side for fluidly connecting the fluid connection and the coupling side. An elastomer member surrounds an opening of the first channel, or forms a second channel adjoining the first channel. An elastomer member opening of the second channel is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The sealing surface is formed between a first position, in which the sealing surface seals the opening or the elastomer member opening of the second channel, and a second position, in which the sealing surface exposes the opening of the first channel or the elastomer member opening of the second channel for fluid communication with the coupling side.