Chromatography Connector Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for fluid chromatography, such as gas and liquid chromatography, face challenges in achieving reliable and homogeneous sealing under high pressures, particularly in nanoflow and high-flow HPLC applications, where consistent axial pressurization is difficult to maintain without additional force-conveying means.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a female assembly with a receiving member and a male assembly that includes a force-transmitting member with a stepped configuration, a capillary conduit, and a sealing gasket, where the force-transmitting member directly presses against the sealing gasket to ensure homogeneous axial pressurization, enhancing the sealing effect without additional tools, and a jacket provides axial guidance and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional force-conveying means are used to maintain axial pressurization, then sealing reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force-transmitting member integrates multiple functions: it transmits axial pressurization force directly to the sealing gasket, provides structural support, and ensures homogeneous force distribution. By combining these functions into a single component rather than using separate force-conveying means, the patent achieves reliable sealing while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The force-transmitting member is designed to automatically maintain axial pressurization on the sealing gasket through its own structural configuration and the natural flow of chroma tography fluid. The system uses the fluid pressure itself to reinforce the sealing force, reducing the need for additional external force-conveying mechanisms
2Reliability
If homogeneous axial pressurization is achieved, then sealing effectiveness improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The force-transmitting member features a specifically designed contact surface with homogeneous pressure distribution characteristics. This localized geometric feature ensures that axial force is evenly distributed across the sealing gasket's contact area, achieving effective sealing while using conventional manufacturing tolerances for the overall component
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surface between the force-transmitting member and sealing gasket is designed to distribute axial force uniformly across the sealing interface. This homogeneous force distribution prevents stress concentrations and ensures consistent sealing performance without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing, as the geometry itself promotes even load bearing
3Device complexity
If direct pressurization without additional means is used, then device complexity reduces, but sealing reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The force-transmitting member serves multiple purposes: it transmits axial pressurization, provides structural support for the capillary conduit, guides assembly alignment, and distributes sealing force homogeneously. This multi-functionality allows direct pressurization without additional components while maintaining sealing reliability through the integrated design
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 design achieves a strong and reliable seal in high-pressure applications, such as nanoflow and high-flow HPLC, by ensuring homogeneous pressurization around the capillary conduit, reducing dead volume, and simplifying the connection process through finger tightening, thus improving handling and performance.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing gasket having a rearward facing surface located such as to directly contact a forward facing surface of the force-transmitting member for being subjected to axial pressurization thereby
Implementation Method 2
a capillary conduit reaching slidably through a passage in the force-transmitting member for transmitting chromatography fluid
Implementation Method 3
a jacket surrounding the sealing gasket for providing axial guidance and alignment thereto
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to a connector for fluid chromatography, such as gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, having a female assembly including a receiving member being designed and configured to receive, and releasably interlock with, a male assembly. The connector is particularly suited for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) applications.