Multi-Piece Flow-Through Connector With Ceramic Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and impracticality of machining complex shapes from inert ceramic materials for flow-through connections in high-pressure liquid chromatography and related applications, where forming connections with an inert material-lined flow path without a separate non-metallic insert is desirable, but machining ceramics is cost-prohibitive and difficult, especially for achieving optimal thread tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece flow-through connector comprising a ceramic body with a flow path and at least one non-ceramic body attached, where the ceramic body is made from inert materials like zirconia or alumina, and the non-ceramic body includes attachment features such as threads, allowing for easier and cheaper manufacturing by utilizing materials like metals or plastics that are easily machined or molded, and incorporating pressure sensors for pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex shapes are machined from inert ceramic materials for flow-through connections, then the flow path is inert and corrosion-resistant, but the manufacturing cost and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate parts: a ceramic body providing the inert flow path and a non-ceramic body providing attachment features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using optimal materials and processes for its specific function, avoiding the high cost of machining complex shapes from ceramic.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceramic body and non-ceramic body are joined together to form an integrated connector assembly. The ceramic body provides corrosion resistance while the non-ceramic body provides machinable attachment features, combining the advantages of both materials in a single functional unit.
2Reliability
If complex shapes are machined from inert ceramic materials for flow-through connections, then the flow path is inert, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a ceramic body for the flow path and a non-ceramic body for attachment features. This reduces manufacturing complexity by allowing the non-ceramic body to be formed using simpler processes like molding or machining, while the ceramic body is manufactured using standard ceramic forming techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the connector have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The ceramic body provides inertness where it contacts the fluid, while the non-ceramic body provides machinability for attachment features, applying local quality to different regions of the connector.
3Device complexity
If threads are machined in ceramic materials for attachment features, then the connector is monolithic and simple in design, but achieving optimal thread tolerances is difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment features with threads are placed in the non-ceramic body rather than the ceramic body. This segmentation allows threads to be machined in the non-ceramic material where achieving precise tolerances is far easier and more cost-effective, while the ceramic body maintains its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-ceramic body acts as an intermediary that provides the attachment features between the ceramic body and external components. This intermediary allows precise threading to be achieved in a machinable material while still connecting to the ceramic flow path.
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 enables the creation of connectors with inert flow paths and attachment features in more affordable materials, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while maintaining the benefits of inert materials, such as corrosion resistance and minimizing dead volume and flow disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure window deforms due to pressure in the flow path. Additionally, a pressure sensor is disposed in the pressure window.
Data Source
AI summary
Flow through connectors and pressure sensing devices as well as their methods of use are described. In some instances a pressuring sensing device may include a ceramic body with a flow path extending through the ceramic body and at least one non-ceramic body attached to the ceramic body. The at least one non-ceramic body may include one or more attachment features formed therein and the flow path extends through the at least one non-ceramic body as well.