Biocompatible Connector with Reinforced Insert for High-Pressure Chromatography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors in liquid chromatography systems lack biocompatibility and structural reinforcement, leading to potential leaks under high pressures and interference with biological samples, especially in ion chromatography, where stainless steel components can contaminate samples and provide erroneous results.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a structurally reinforced insert and a biocompatible molding that covers the reinforcement insert, providing both strength and compatibility, capable of withstanding pressures above 82.7 MPa, using materials like PEEK for the molding to ensure chemical inertness and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional stainless steel connectors are used, then structural strength is provided, but biocompatibility is compromised and sample contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a composite structure combining stainless steel reinforcement insert (for strength) with biocompatible polymer molding (for chemical inertness). This composite approach allows the connector to simultaneously achieve high structural strength and biocompatibility, preventing sample contamination while withstanding operating pressures.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional connectors without reinforcement are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but reliability under high pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two functional segments: a stainless steel reinforcement insert (machined for strength and pressure resistance) and a biocompatible polymer molding (injected for sealing and chemical compatibility). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through sequential production steps.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If biocompatible materials alone are used, then sample compatibility is improved, but structural strength and pressure resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The biocompatible polymer molding is nested over the stainless steel reinforcement insert, creating a layered structure where the inner steel component provides structural strength and pressure resistance, while the outer polymer layer provides biocompatibility and chemical inertness. This nested configuration allows both material properties to work together synergistically.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector with a biocompatible fluid passageway and method for manufacturing thereof is described. The biocompatible connector may be used in an analytical instrument (AI) system as a union, an adapter, a tee, a cross, a manifold, a valve, a column filter retainer, or for other fittings or components. The connector has a reinforcement insert and a biocompatible molding covering portions of the reinforcement insert. The reinforcement insert has a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion between the first portion and the second portion. The first and second portions have threaded sections and each have a plurality of non-threaded sections. For a given portion, the junction of the non-threaded sections forms a lip by which to prevent the molded material from flowing into the threaded sections. In certain embodiments, an interior web is used in the reinforcement insert to provide additional structural support.