U.S. patent application number 12/516372 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-08 for needle interface for fluid connections.
This patent application is currently assigned to KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.. Invention is credited to Arnold Aalders, Ronald Cornelis De Gier, Petrus Henricus Maria Timmermans, Adrianus WilheImus Dionisius Maria Van Den Bijgaart, Jozef Christiaan Mathieu Versleegers.
Application Number | 20100083776 12/516372 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39267910 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100083776 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aalders; Arnold ; et
al. |
April 8, 2010 |
NEEDLE INTERFACE FOR FLUID CONNECTIONS
Abstract
The invention relates to a coupling system that can particularly
be applied for interfacing a consumable component with a sample
chamber to a laboratory instrument for processing a sample fluid.
The coupling system comprises a female interface module (10)
integrated into the consumable component that has an elastic 5
sealing component (12) with a preformed channel (12a). Moreover, it
comprises a male interface module (20) integrated into the
instrument and comprising a hollow needle (23) fixed in a first
section (22a) of a bush (22), wherein the flexible free end of said
needle (23) is partially surrounded by a second section (22b) of
the bush that limits the lateral movement of the needle. The
diameter of the channel in the sealing 10 component (12) is
preferably smaller than the diameter (d) of the needle (23), thus
providing an airtight connection and a self-cleaning effect.
Inventors: |
Aalders; Arnold; (Waalwijk,
NL) ; Van Den Bijgaart; Adrianus WilheImus Dionisius
Maria; (Helvoirt, NL) ; Versleegers; Jozef Christiaan
Mathieu; (Bree, BE) ; De Gier; Ronald Cornelis;
(Eindhoven, NL) ; Timmermans; Petrus Henricus Maria;
(Teteringen, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PHILIPS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & STANDARDS
P.O. BOX 3001
BRIARCLIFF MANOR
NY
10510
US
|
Assignee: |
KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS
N.V.
EINDHOVEN
NL
|
Family ID: |
39267910 |
Appl. No.: |
12/516372 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
November 23, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB07/54762 |
371 Date: |
May 27, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
73/864.86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 2030/185 20130101;
G01N 30/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
73/864.86 |
International
Class: |
G01N 30/18 20060101
G01N030/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 1, 2006 |
EP |
06125200.3 |
Claims
1. A female interface module (10) for the reception of a needle
(23), comprising an elastic sealing component (12) with a preformed
channel (12a) through which the needle (23) can be pushed from an
exterior side to an interior side of the sealing component.
2. The interface module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in
that the sealing component (12) has a higher compliance in radial
direction of the channel than in axial direction.
3. The interface module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in
that the preformed channel (12a) is disposed at the end of a sleeve
(12b).
4. The interface module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in
that it comprises a funnel-shaped guiding element (13) on the
exterior side of the sealing component (12).
5. A male interface module (20) comprising a hollow needle (23) and
a bush (22), wherein: a first section of the needle (23) is firmly
embedded in a first section (22a) of the bush; the needle (23)
comprises a free end that is partially surrounded with an
intermediate space by a second section (22b) of the bush and that
is flexible in radial direction.
6. The interface module (20) according to claim 5, characterized in
that the radial movement of the needle (23) is limited by the
second section (22b) of the bush (22) to the range of elastic
deformation of the needle.
7. The interface module (20) according to claim 5, characterized in
that the tip of the free end of the needle (23) is blunt.
8. The interface module (20) according to claim 5, characterized in
that it comprises a tube connector (24) that is in fluid
communication with the interior of the needle (23).
9. A coupling system, comprising a female interface module (10) for
the reception of a needle (23), comprising an elastic sealing
component (12) with a preformed channel (12a) through which the
needle (23) can be pushed from an exterior side to an interior side
of the sealing component and a male interface module (20) according
to claim 5, wherein the diameter of the channel in the female
interface module (10) is smaller than the external diameter (d) of
the needle (23) in the male interface module (20).
10. A consumable component comprising a sample chamber in which a
sample fluid can be provided and a female interface module (10)
according to claim 1.
11. An instrument for processing a sample in an external sample
chamber, comprising a male interface module according to claim 5.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a female interface module and a
compatible male interface module for establishing a fluid
connection between two components, particularly between an
instrument and consumables. Moreover, it relates to a consumable
component and to an instrument comprising such interface
modules.
[0002] Interface modules that can establish a fluid connection
between two different components are particularly used in
laboratory environments when fluid samples have to be processed.
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,701 discloses in this respect a needle
interface between a sampler unit and a gas chromatograph, wherein
one of these instruments comprises a hole covered by a septum while
the other instrument comprises a tapered hollow needle. The needle
punctures the septum when a fluid connection between the
instruments is established.
[0003] Based on this background it was an object of the present
invention to provide an alternative needle interface that is
particularly suited for laboratory environments, wherein it is
desirable that a multitude of sample carriers can be coupled to an
instrument with minimal handling effort.
[0004] This object is achieved by a female interface module
according to claim 1, by a male interface module according to claim
5, by a coupling system according to claim 9, by a consumable
component according to claim 10, and by an instrument according to
claim 11. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the dependent
claims.
[0005] The female interface module according to the present
invention serves for the reception of a needle and comprises an
elastic sealing component with a preformed channel through which a
needle can be pushed from an exterior side to an interior side of
the sealing component. The preformed channel may in principle have
any cross section, though a circular cross section is usually
preferred. The cross section of the preformed channel may exactly
correspond to the cross section of the needle to be received;
preferably, the cross section of the channel is however smaller
than that of the associated needle (the diameter of a circular
cross section may for example be smaller than the diameter of a
cylindrical needle). The channel is widened in this case if the
needle is pushed through, thus providing a tight sealing of the
needle within the channel. The diameter of the cross section of the
preformed channel may even be zero when it contains no needle, i.e.
the channel may simply be a cut or puncture through the material of
the sealing component without removing such material.
[0006] The described female interface has the advantage that the
force with which a needle must be pushed through a sealing
component is reduced as the needle can follow a preformed channel
and must not cut its own path through the material. This eases the
handling for a user and relieves the stability requirements for the
needle. Moreover, the needle can have a blunt tip, which reduces
the risk of injury for the users.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the female interface module,
the sealing component has a higher compliance in radial direction
of its channel than in axial direction of the channel. The sealing
component can therefore comparatively easy follow lateral movements
of a needle in the preformed channel, while it is stiff in axial
direction. If a needle is pushed through the channel, the sealing
component will therefore not give away to the pressure in axial
direction but keep its position, thus assisting the advancement of
the needle.
[0008] According to a further development of the invention, the
sealing component of the female interface module comprises a
sleeve, wherein the preformed channel is disposed at (i.e. next to)
one end of the sleeve. The internal diameter of said sleeve is
preferably larger than the external diameter of the needle to allow
a free passage of the needle. The sleeve may optionally project to
the interior side of the sealing component. If there is a gas or
liquid under an overpressure at the interior side of the sealing
component, this will surround the sleeve and press it is against a
needle in the channel. The sleeve has therefore a self-sealing
effect.
[0009] The female interface module may further optionally comprise
a funnel-shaped guiding element on the exterior side of the sealing
component. The guiding element provides an entrance of a large
diameter for capturing the tip of a needle and guiding it to the
comparatively small entrance of the preformed channel. The guiding
element therefore eases the connection procedure and helps to avoid
a cumbersome threading of the needle.
[0010] The invention further relates to a male interface module
comprising a hollow needle and a bush, wherein [0011] a first
section of the needle is firmly embedded in a first section of the
bush, and [0012] the needle comprises a free end that is in axial
direction partially surrounded by a second section of the bush and
that is flexible in radial direction (said axial and radial
directions being by definition determined with respect to the axis
of the needle); moreover, there is an intermediate space between
the needle and the second section of the bush.
[0013] One advantage of this interface module is that the needle is
firmly mounted in a bush and that its free end is (partially)
protected by said bush. Furthermore, the radial or lateral
compliance of the needle is advantageous if the needle has to be
pushed through a hole, for example through the preformed channel in
a female interface module of the kind described above. The needle
can in this case be bent if it is not exactly aligned with the hole
and finds its way in a kind of self alignment. Moreover, the
lateral compliance of the needle reduces the risk of injuries.
[0014] In a preferred design of the aforementioned male interface
module, the radial movement of the needle is limited by the second
section of the bush to the range of elastic deformation of the
needle. This means that the second section of the bush, which
partially surrounds the free end of the needle, serves as a stop
for the radial movement of the needle. It therefore prevents the
needle from an excessive bending that would result in plastic
deformation. The required effect can be achieved by appropriate
dimensions of the needle and bush. Thus it is for example preferred
that the length L of the free end of the needle is at least twenty
times larger than the (external) diameter d of the needle, i.e.
L.gtoreq.20d. Thus a relatively long part of the needle projects
freely from the first section of the bush, thus providing a high
compliance in lateral direction. It should be noted, however, that
the compliance in lateral direction can alternatively or
additionally also be achieved by using a flexible bush and/or by
bearing the bush in a flexible way.
[0015] The tip of the free end of the needle is preferably blunt,
i.e. without any sharp edges or apices. Such a blunt tip reduces
the risk of injuries of a user and makes a particular protection of
the needle in its unused state, e.g. by a cap, obsolete.
[0016] According to a further development of the invention, the
male interface module comprises a tube connector that is in fluid
communication with the interior of the needle and to which (by
definition) a tube can be connected. The tube connector can for
example be directly fixed or integrated to the bush that bears the
needle.
[0017] The invention further relates to a coupling system that
comprises modules of the kind described above, i.e. a female
interface module with an elastic sealing component comprising a
preformed channel and a male interface module comprising a hollow
needle located in a bush having a laterally flexible free end.
Moreover, the (internal) diameter of the preformed channel in the
female interface module shall be smaller than the external diameter
of the needle in the male interface module, thus guaranteeing a
tight sealing of the needle when it is introduced into the
preformed channel and further providing a self-cleaning effect of
the exterior of the needle. It should be noted that, if the channel
and/or the needle do not have circular cross sections, their
"diameter" has to be defined appropriately, for example as the
maximal distance between two points on the circumference of the
cross section and/or the diameter of a circle having the same area
as the cross section.
[0018] The invention further relates to a consumable component
comprising a sample chamber in which a sample fluid can be provided
and a female interface module of the kind described above. The
consumable component can for example be used in laboratory
procedures for the investigation of biological fluids (blood,
saliva etc.). Due to the particular design of its interface module,
such a consumable component can readily be accessed with the help
of a needle.
[0019] The invention further relates to an instrument for
processing a sample in an external sample chamber, said instrument
comprising a male interface module of the kind described above. The
instrument may favorably be used in combination with the
aforementioned consumable component, as the preformed channel in
the female interface module and the lateral flexibility of the
hollow needle of the male interface module allow an easy coupling
between these two components.
[0020] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent
from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described
hereinafter. These embodiments will be described by way of example
with the help of the accompanying drawing.
[0021] The only FIGURE shows a section through a coupling system
according to the present invention comprising a consumable
component with a female interface module and an instrument with a
male interface module.
[0022] Though a coupling system according to the present invention
will in the following be described with respect to a particular
application in a laboratory environment, it can in principle be
used in many other applications, too, for example in industrial
production machines. The coupling system shown in the FIGURE
comprises a female interface module 10 and a male interface module
20. The female interface module 10 is integrated into a consumable
component 11, which is only partially depicted in the FIGURE as its
particular design is irrelevant for the present invention.
Similarly, the male interface module 20 is integrated into an
instrument from which only a frame 21 is indicated in the
FIGURE.
[0023] The consumable component is typically a disposable product
that is used to perform one test, while the instrument is provided
with all necessary equipment to perform the test. During the test
fluids provided in the consumable typically have to be mixed,
heated, cooled and transported. The transport of these fluids from
one part of the consumable to the other may be realized e.g. by
pressurized air. In order to apply pressure generated by the
instrument to the consumable, the consumable and the instrument
have to be equipped with air-interfaces. Furthermore, the transport
of the fluids can be validated by measuring a pressure build-up
with the instrument. For a good validation the aforementioned
air-interfaces therefore need to be airtight. In known airtight
interfaces between an instrument and a consumable component, a
needle is used to pierce a closed membrane or septum. One
disadvantage of this method is that the needle has to be sharp and
therefore needs to be shielded from creating a risk of injury.
Another disadvantage is that a membrane or septum is relatively
stiff for lateral movements while it has to withstand the force
needed to puncture it.
[0024] The coupling system shown in the FIGURE provides an improved
airtight interface that avoids the aforementioned problems. The
male interface module 20 of this system comprises a hollow needle
23 that is placed in a bush 22 in such a way that a first short
section of the needle 23 (here the lower end of the needle) is
fixed in a first section 22a of the bush, while the long residual
"free end" of the needle 23 is free to move laterally. The free end
is partially (preferably to more than 50% of its axial extension L)
surrounded by a second section 22b of the bush 22. The internal
diameter D of this second section 22b is larger than the external
diameter d of the needle such that an annular clearance is formed
around the needle. The end section of the needle 23 projects freely
from the bush 22.
[0025] The fixation point of the needle 23 in the bush 22 is as far
away from the free tip of the needle 23 as possible. The length L
of the "free end" of the needle 23 is in the shown example more
than 30-times larger than the external diameter d of the needle 23.
This ensures that the needle 23 is flexible in lateral direction.
Moreover, the internal diameter D of the second section 22b of the
bush 22 is chosen such that it stops the lateral movement of the
needle just before it would lead to an irreversible plastic
deformation of the needle. At the upper end of the section 22b, the
needle cannot move more than a distance (D/2-d/2) to either
side.
[0026] The outside of the needle 23 has preferably a smooth
surface, while the tip of the needle 23 is blunt with its edges
being de-burred to ensure a smooth entry of the needle 23 into the
female interface module and to minimize the risk of injuries.
[0027] The needle 23 is for example glued or pressed into the first
section 22a of the bush 22 to make the connection between bush 22
and needle 23 airtight and to fixate the needle 23 into the bush
22. Furthermore, the bush 22 is provided with a tube interface 24
that makes it possible to connect a tube (not shown) for an
exchange of fluids with the interior of the needle 23. A typical
material of the bush is stainless steel or a plastic.
[0028] The second part of the coupling system is the female
interface module 10 in the consumable. This module 10 comprises a
sealing component 12 that can for example be made from rubber or a
similar elastic material and that comprises an open, preformed
channel 12a which fits around the needle 23 to make an airtight
interface. The diameter of the channel 12a in the sealing component
12 is (at rest) smaller than the external diameter d of the needle
23; it may for example have a value between 0% and 99% of the
diameter d, most preferably between 50% and 99%. The sealing
component 12 will thus have to stretch if the needle 23 is inserted
and create an airtight interface. A lateral flexibility of the
sealing component 12 makes sure that it can follow a side movement
of the needle 23 without loosing its airtight capabilities. In
axial direction of its channel, the sealing component 12 is however
provided with some stiffness to prevent a needle 23 from pushing
against instead of pushing through the sealing component 12.
[0029] The sealing component 12 optionally comprises a sleeve 12b
that projects upward into the interior of the consumable and that
carries the preformed channel 12a at its upper end. This sleeve 12b
ensures an extra air-tightness when overpressure is applied in the
interior of the consumable.
[0030] The female interface module 10 further comprises a guiding
element 13 located on the exterior side of the sealing component
12, i.e. facing the instrument. The guiding element 13 is shaped in
such a way (e.g. like a funnel) that the needle 23 can pre-align to
the sealing component 12 and that it can act as a stop that limits
the lateral movement of the needle 23 with respect to the sealing
component 12.
[0031] The needle 23 and the bush 22 are commonly carried by a
frame 21 of the instrument.
[0032] When a new interface is made between the instrument and the
consumable, the needle 23 is pushed through the sealing component
12. As soon as the sealing component 12 has its airtight fit around
the needle 23, it acts as a cleaner for the interface by pushing
dirt particles ahead.
[0033] The described coupling system can be modified in various
ways, for example: [0034] The needle 23 can additionally or
alternatively be made flexible in lateral directions by making the
bush 22 flexible. [0035] Instead of using a bush 22 to make the air
connection, the air connection can also be made with the frame. The
needle 23 can then be directly inserted into the frame, thus using
less parts. [0036] The shape of the sealing component 12 can be
different than shown, depending on the demands. Thus an o-ring
might for example act as sealing component.
[0037] The coupling system can favorably be used in all
instruments/products that need to make an airtight connection, for
example in laboratory instruments or production equipment. It
provides the following advantages: [0038] Due to the flexible
needle 23 and the flexible sealing component 12, the coupling
system can cope with movements between the instrument and the
consumable, e.g. movements caused by thermal expansion. [0039] Due
to the laterally flexible needle 23, the coupled components exert
relative low forces onto each other. [0040] After insertion of the
needle 23 through the sealing component 12, no forces are exerted
between the coupled parts in axial direction of the needle 23.
[0041] The interface is self-cleaning since dirt particles that may
stick to the needle 23 are automatically pushed off the needle 23
each time a new interface is made. [0042] The shape of the sealing
component 12 ensures extra air-tightness when overpressure is
applied. [0043] Since the needle 23 is inserted through the sealing
component 12, the length of the needle 23 does not need to be
accurate.
[0044] Finally it is pointed out that in the present application
the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps,
that "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and that a single
processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several means.
The invention resides in each and every novel characteristic
feature and each and every combination of characteristic features.
Moreover, reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as
limiting their scope.
* * * * *