Barbed Microfluidic Channel Connector for Leak-Free Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection methods between micro- or milli-channels of fluidic elements face issues such as leakage, low pressure resistance, and contamination due to the use of adhesives, and are not compact enough for miniaturized devices.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with complementary barbed connectors on the outer surface of one fluidic element, which secures the connection without adhesives, ensuring hermetic sealing and resistance to pressure, and minimizes dead space for improved compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive is used to secure the connection between fluidic elements, then the connection is secured, but leakage risk increases and pressure resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the adhesive from the connection system entirely, replacing it with a mechanical barbed connector that secures fluidic elements through physical interlocking rather than chemical bonding. This extraction of the adhesive substance eliminates the harmful effects while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical fastening mechanism (barbed connector). The barbed structure engages with the receiving element through mechanical interlocking, providing both connection strength and leak resistance through physical constraints rather than chemical bonds.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If adhesive is used to secure the connection, then connection is maintained, but channel blockage risk increases and contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By completely removing the adhesive substance from the connection system, the invention eliminates the source of contamination that would otherwise be released into the flowing fluids. The mechanical barbed connector contains no such harmful substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical barbed connector system replaces chemical adhesion with physical interlocking, eliminating the need for adhesive materials that could contaminate the fluid stream. The connection is maintained through geometric constraints rather than chemical bonds.
3Reliability
If standard male or female connector is included in the design, then connection is secured, but device complexity increases and form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing a complete standard connector system throughout the device, the invention applies a localized barbed connector feature only where needed for the fluidic connection. This localized approach provides sufficient connection reliability without the complexity of full standard connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the connector geometry to use a barbed profile with specific angular parameters (angles between 30-120 degrees) that provide effective mechanical interlocking. This parameter optimization achieves reliable connection with minimal structural complexity.
4Reliability
If standard connector is used for connection, then connection is secured, but device compactness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a compact barbed connector design that provides full connection security in a minimized space. The local barbed feature requires minimal additional volume compared to standard connectors while maintaining equivalent or superior connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The barbed connector utilizes the radial dimension of the fluidic element to create mechanical interlocking, rather than requiring additional axial length. The bars extend radially from the central axis, providing connection security without increasing the overall length of the device.
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 solution provides a secure, leak-proof, and compact connection that prevents contamination and allows for sterile handling, particularly beneficial in the health and pharmaceutical industries, with enhanced resistance to pressure and ease of insertion and removal.
Implementation Method 1
complementary means for holding the device with a dedicated outer surface of one of the two fluidic elements... at least one continuous barbed connector located in a dedicated cavity of a fluidic element, said barbed connector bearing on the dedicated outer surface
Implementation Method 2
the connection between the micro-channels or the milli-channels of the two fluidic elements is hermetic with respect to the external environment of these fluidic elements... opposes the penetration of solids, liquids and/or gases from outside the fluidic elements
Implementation Method 3
the barbed shape makes it possible not only to facilitate the insertion of the fluidic element, but also to prevent the fluidic element from being easily removed, in particular in the event of a rise in pressure... ensure sealing and pressure resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device between two micro-channels or two milli-channels of two fluidic elements including a complementary arrangement for holding the device with at least one of the two fluidic elements. A micro-fluidic or milli-fluidic chip including a connection device between a micro-channel or a milli-channel of the chip and a micro-channel or a milli-channel of a fluidic element.