Ceramic Flow-Through Connector With Separate Threaded Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and difficulty of machining complex shapes, such as internal screw threads, in inert ceramic materials like zirconia and alumina, make it impractical for forming flow-through connections suitable for high-pressure liquid chromatography and other biochemical applications, where an inert flow path is required without the need for a separate non-metallic insert.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece flow-through connector is developed, comprising a ceramic body with a flow path and separate non-ceramic bodies that include attachment features like threads, allowing for easier and cheaper manufacturing by using materials like metal or plastic for the non-ceramic components, which are easily machined or molded, while the ceramic body provides the inert flow path with integrated pressure sensing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex shapes like internal screw threads are machined in inert ceramic materials, then the flow path is inert and suitable for biochemical applications, but the manufacturing cost and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate parts: a ceramic body that provides the inert flow path and a non-ceramic body that provides the attachment features. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured using the most suitable process for its material, avoiding the need to machine complex threads in expensive ceramic material.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment features (screw threads) are extracted from the ceramic material and placed in a separate non-ceramic body. This extraction eliminates the need to machine threads in the ceramic flow path, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and difficulty while maintaining the inertness of the flow path.
2Ease of manufacture
If a multi-piece connector is used to reduce manufacturing cost, then ease of manufacture improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ceramic body and non-ceramic body are merged into a single integrated connector assembly that functions as one unit. The flow path and attachment features work together seamlessly, reducing the operational complexity despite the multi-piece construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design provides multiple functions in a single assembly: the ceramic body provides both the inert flow path and structural support, while the non-ceramic body provides both attachment features and sealing surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensing is integrated into the ceramic body, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ceramic body itself serves as the pressure sensing element through its deformable pressure window. The ceramic material's natural deformation under pressure provides the measurement mechanism, eliminating the need for separate pressure sensing components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure window in the ceramic body deforms in response to pressure changes, creating a visible or measurable change in the ceramic structure. This deformation can be detected by the pressure sensor to provide accurate pressure measurements.
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 approach reduces manufacturing costs and complexity by separating the formation of the inert flow path from the attachment features, enabling efficient and precise pressure measurement within a connector with minimal dead volume and flow disruptions, suitable for applications like ion chromatography.
Implementation Method 1
attaching a pressure sensing device to a portion of the ceramic body that deforms due to pressure within the flow path to sense the pressure within the flow path
Data Source
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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.