Bioinert Pipe Flange Structure for Durable LC Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bioinert pipes used in liquid chromatography systems face issues with durability and sealing performance due to load concentration on the flange portion during repeated attachment and detachment, leading to potential breakage and compromised sealing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bioinert pipe design featuring an end portion extension member made from a harder material than the resin tube, with a through hole having a chamfered edge, where the resin tube is inserted and bent to form a flange portion, distributing load and enhancing pressure resistance and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the resin tube is bent to form a flange portion by applying heat from the outside, then the flange portion can be formed to enable pipe connection, but the flange portion becomes vulnerable to breakage during repeated attachment and detachment due to load concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a resin tube and a metal sleeve. The metal sleeve is inserted into the resin tube to provide mechanical reinforcement specifically at the flange portion, creating a composite material structure that combines the chemical inertness of resin with the mechanical strength of metal, thereby preventing breakage during repeated connections while maintaining sealing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the pipe structure into distinct functional segments: the resin tube provides chemical inertness for sample flow, while the metal sleeve specifically reinforces the flange portion for mechanical strength. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromising the other
2Strength
If metal is used for the pipe to improve mechanical strength, then the pipe can withstand high pressure, but sample components interact with metal causing adsorption and detection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different material properties to different parts of the pipe: the resin tube material is used for the internal flow path where sample contact occurs to prevent adsorption, while metal is used locally only in the sleeve for mechanical reinforcement. This local quality differentiation ensures chemical inertness where needed while providing strength where required
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a nested structure where the metal sleeve is inserted inside the resin tube. The resin tube forms the outer layer that contacts the sample, while the metal sleeve is nested within it to provide structural support. This nesting arrangement allows the resin to protect the sample from metal interaction while the metal reinforces the overall structure
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 design effectively suppresses flange portion breakage and maintains required sealing performance by distributing load and providing improved pressure resistance, ensuring reliable liquid tightness even after multiple connections and disconnections.
Implementation Method 1
softening an end portion of the resin tube protruding from an end surface of the metal tube by applying heat from the outside
Data Source
AI summary
A bioinert pipe includes a flow path inside, an inner wall of the flow path is composed of a resin tube and an outer peripheral surface of the resin tube is covered with a metal tube. The bioinert pipe includes an end portion extension member attached to an end portion of the metal tube, and the end portion extension member is made from a material harder than the resin tube and has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is facing and in contact with an end surface of the metal tube and the second surface is directed opposite to the first surface. a through hole having an inner diameter substantially the same as an inner diameter of the metal tube is provided so as to pass from the first surface to the second surface in the end portion extension member. An edge of the through hole on the second surface of the end portion extension member has a chamfered shape, and the resin tube is inserted into the through hole. An end portion of the resin tube forms a flange portion by being by being bent outward in a radial direction of the flow path along the chamfered shape of the edge of the through hole.