Capillary Tube Sealing Plug for Low-Dead-Volume HPLC Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capillary tube connection systems in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) face issues with dead volume creation due to axial tolerance differences and the risk of sealing element deformation or detachment, especially when using thinner capillary tubes with smaller diameters and varying receptacle opening depths, leading to unreliable connections and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A capillary tube connection system that includes a plug with a sealing element having a convex first end section and a larger second end section, along with a pressure piece that exerts axial force to ensure secure alignment and sealing, allowing for easy assembly and replacement, and featuring radial grooves and ridges for stable fixation, which can handle varying diameters and tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing elements are pressed into conical receptacle openings with high axial force to ensure tight sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but the sealing elements deform and become permanently fixed to capillary tubes, preventing easy replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed with elastic properties to be dynamically compressible during assembly, allowing it to deform under axial force to fill receptacle opening irregularities and ensure tight sealing, while maintaining enough elastic recovery to be removed without permanent deformation or damage to the capillary tube
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element's physical state is temporarily changed during assembly through controlled elastic deformation under axial load, enabling it to adapt to tolerances and create reliable sealing, while its elastic nature allows it to return to original shape for easy removal and replacement
2Adaptability or versatility
If capillary tubes with varying axial tolerances are used to accommodate different components, then adaptability is improved, but dead volume increases due to offset sealing positions
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sealing element automatically adjusts its compression position based on the actual depth and tolerances of the receptacle opening, self-regulating the sealing location to minimize dead volume without requiring precise pre-positioning or complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic elastic nature of the sealing element allows it to compress to the optimal sealing position regardless of axial tolerance variations, automatically compensating for depth differences and maintaining minimal dead volume across different components
3Productivity
If thinner capillary tubes with smaller diameters are used to improve system performance, then productivity is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to increased sensitivity to tolerances and deformation risks
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sealing element acts as a flexible component that compensates for the fragility and tolerance sensitivity of thin capillary tubes, providing reliable sealing through controlled elastic deformation that adapts to the smaller diameter and tighter tolerances of high-performance capillary tubes
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element's elastic properties enable it to undergo controlled parameter changes in shape and size during compression, allowing it to reliably seal around thinner capillary tubes with smaller diameters and tighter tolerances without causing damage or creating leaks
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
This solution provides a compact, reliable, and easy-to-assemble sealing system that minimizes dead volume, ensures secure connections, and prevents sealing element detachment, accommodating different capillary tube diameters and axial tolerances, thus enhancing the reliability and durability of HPLC connections.
Implementation Method 1
Through the high pressure deformation of the sealing element and the capillary tube can be generated
Implementation Method 2
an extremely high, radially inward pressure is exerted by means of an attachment screw onto the front region of the sealing element
Implementation Method 3
the sealing position is realized in the plane of the end surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the capillary tube
Implementation Method 4
the sealing element is pressed into the receptacle opening, wherein the sealing position is realized
Data Source
AI summary
A plug for connecting capillaries includes at least one capillary tube, at least one sealing, and at least one pressure piece. The capillary tube includes a first inner diameter and an open end section. The sealing includes a second inner diameter, a first end section and a shape adapted to seal the open end section of the capillary tube when connected. The pressure piece is adapted to exert at least axial pressure and/or force to at least a part of the sealing. The pressure piece is also adapted to host the first end section of the sealing in abutment with the open end section of the capillary tube so that the capillary tube and the sealing are aligned.