Chromatography Column Adapters With Face Seals for Clamping Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluidic connections for liquid chromatography columns rely on threaded connectors, which are not compatible with clamping fluidic connectors that use face seals, limiting the use of existing chromatography columns with clamping connectors.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an adapter that allows liquid chromatography columns with threaded end fittings to be connected using face seals, enabling compatibility with clamping fluidic connectors by incorporating a lock nut with threads that bear the load, thereby protecting the column end fittings from excessive pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If threaded connectors are used for fluidic connections, then existing chromatography columns can be connected, but they are not compatible with clamping fluidic connectors that use face seals
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the threaded column end fitting and the clamping fluidic connector. The adapter includes a distal end with a face seal that interfaces with the clamping connector, and a proximal end with threads that mate with the column end fitting. This intermediary device enables compatibility between otherwise incompatible connection types without modifying the original column or connector designs.
2Reliability
If direct threaded connection is used, then the connection is simple, but the column end fittings are subject to excessive pressure and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into three distinct components: the column end fitting, the adapter, and the clamping fluidic connector. The adapter acts as a separate segment that absorbs the mechanical stress and wear from the clamping connector's face seal, protecting the valuable column end fitting. This segmentation allows the column to remain unchanged while providing enhanced protection through the intermediate adapter component.
3Reliability
If face seals are used with clamping connectors, then better sealing is achieved, but the column end fittings cannot be directly connected
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with multi-functionality to bridge two different connection systems. The distal end of the adapter provides a face seal surface compatible with clamping connectors, while the proximal end provides threaded engagement compatible with standard column end fittings. This universal design allows a single adapter component to enable connections between systems that would otherwise be incompatible, maintaining versatility across different connector types.
Data Source
AI summary
Threaded conventional column end fittings for liquid chromatography columns do not have face seals that enable them to be used with clamping fluidic connectors. The exemplary embodiments may provide adapters that interface with conventional threaded column end fittings so that the column assembly may now be used with the clamping fluidic connectors. The adapters of the exemplary embodiments may include lock nuts for securing the adapters to column end fittings of a liquid chromatography columns. The lock nuts may include threads that bear the load of the adapter rather than the column end fitting of the chromatography column. The threads of the lock nut become the load bearing surfaces, and the load is distributed over the surfaces where the threads of the adapter engage with the threads of the lock nut.