Chromatography Clamp Assembly for Torque-Free Fluid Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluidic fittings in chromatography systems require skilled labor and torque to establish fluid-tight connections, leading to inefficiencies and potential leaks, especially under high pressures and with reduced internal fluid volumes.

Innovation Solution

A clamp assembly with a rail and carriage system that allows for fluid-tight seals without the need for torque, using a compliant seal that mates with tapered conduits without ferrules or threaded compression screws, enabling quick and repeatable connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional threaded or bayonet fittings are used to connect chromatography components, then fluid-tight connections can be established, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and requires skilled labor to apply adequate torque and avoid leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid-tight connectionVSAvoidconnection process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical connection system with a compression fitting system that uses a ferrule and compression mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for torque application and threading operations, allowing connections to be made by simply pushing components together and tightening a compression mechanism, thereby reducing the skill level required and connection time while maintaining fluid-tight reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a ferrule as an intermediary component between the tubing and the fitting body. This ferrule acts as a mediator that enables the compression mechanism to create a reliable seal without requiring direct threading or complex mechanical engagement between the tubing and fitting, simplifying the connection process while ensuring fluid-tight connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple turns of threading are required to establish secure fittings, then fluid-tight connections are achieved, but the connection process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid-tight connectionVSAvoidconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the multi-turn threading mechanical system with a compression-based system that achieves fluid-tight connections in a single motion. The compression fitting mechanism allows the operator to tighten the connection by simply rotating a single component a short distance, eliminating the need for multiple turns and significantly reducing connection time while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stress or pressure

If conventional fittings are used in high pressure systems with reduced internal fluid volumes, then connections can be made, but dead volume and sensitivity to assembler skill become impediments to chromatographic quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem pressureVSAvoidchromatographic quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional threaded fittings with compression fittings that create seals through radial compression rather than axial threading. This substitution reduces the dead volume at connection points and eliminates the sensitivity to assembler skill that plagues threaded connections, thereby improving chromatographic quality while maintaining high pressure capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible sealing elements such as O-rings or elastomeric seals within the compression fitting mechanism. These flexible components conform to the mating surfaces and create reliable seals under high pressure without requiring precise assembly, reducing dead volume and improving chromatographic quality by eliminating gaps and voids that would otherwise exist in rigid threaded connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 ensures reliable, repeatable, and easy fluid connections that do not require skilled operators, reducing mechanical force and minimizing dead volume, while maintaining high pressure integrity up to 20,000 pounds per square inch.

Implementation Method 1

a compliant seal that mates with tapered conduits without ferrules or threaded compression screws

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11428674B2Establishing fluidic connections between chromatography components

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 WATERS TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

A clamp assembly includes a rail configured to receive a first fluidic assembly, and a carriage slidably mounted to the rail and configured to receive a second fluidic assembly. The carriage is operable to establish a first fluid tight seal between the first fluidic assembly and a chromatography column received within the claim assembly, and to establish a second fluid tight seal between the second fluidic assembly and the chromatography column.