Resilient Compression Collar Tube Coupling for Uniform Seal Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional friction fit connections between polymeric tubing and barbed ports in biopharmaceutical systems are prone to leaks and contamination due to pressure and handling issues, and cable ties provide uneven compressive force and can damage equipment.

Innovation Solution

A tubular compression collar made of resilient material that expands radially to secure the tube against the tube fitting, providing a consistent and secure seal, and can be rebounded to maintain compression over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cable ties are used to secure tubing to ports, then the connection reliability is improved, but the compressive force becomes uneven and creates areas of weakness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiduniformity of compressive force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compression collar is designed with a non-uniform cross-sectional geometry that creates different compression zones. The varying wall thickness or cross-sectional shape allows different portions of the collar to apply different amounts of compressive force to the tubing, compensating for gap formation and ensuring uniform sealing pressure around the entire circumference of the tube-port interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If cable ties are manually tightened, then the connection is secured, but the amount of compressive force varies between different cable ties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconsistency of compressive force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The compression collar is designed to automatically self-regulate and self-adjust during installation. As the collar is crimped or compressed onto the tubing, it naturally distributes the compressive force uniformly around the tube circumference through its specific geometric design, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or precise control during installation. The collar's geometry ensures consistent sealing pressure without requiring operator skill or calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If cable ties are used to provide compressive force, then sealed engagement is achieved, but the cable ties can damage polymeric bags when folded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealed engagementVSAvoiddamage to polymeric bags

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The compression collar is designed with a flexible, thin-walled construction that can conform to the shape of the tubing and surrounding components. This flexibility allows the collar to apply the necessary compressive force for sealing while distributing the pressure in a way that prevents concentrated stress points that could puncture or damage adjacent polymeric bags during folding or handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If cable ties are used to secure connections, then handling resistance is improved, but the cable ties can be difficult to attach and control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling resistanceVSAvoidease of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The complex adjustment and control mechanisms found in traditional cable tie systems are eliminated. The compression collar is designed as a simple, pre-formed component that requires only a single crimping or compression action for installation. The uniform cross-sectional geometry and material properties ensure that the compressive force is automatically distributed evenly, removing the need for operator judgment or adjustment during attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The tubular compression collar ensures a reliable, leak-proof seal and prevents contamination by applying uniform compressive force, reducing the risk of damage to equipment and simplifying attachment, while maintaining consistent pressure over time.

Implementation Method 1

radially outwardly expanding a tubular compression collar from a constricted state to an expanded state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Implementation Method 2

The compression collar provides a compressive force on the tubing that produces a sealed engagement between the tubing and the port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic compression: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

after a cable tie is tensioned, it will naturally relax over time, thereby decreasing compression on the port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress relaxation: Stress Relaxation

Data Source

PatentUS11821553B2Methods of using compression collars for coupling a tube to a tube fitting

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

A method for coupling a tube to a tube fitting includes radially outwardly expanding a tubular compression collar from a constricted state to an expanded state, the compression collar having a throughway extending there through and being made of a resiliently flexible material. An end of the tube is inserted within the throughway of the expanded compression collar, the tube bounding a passage. A tube fitting is inserted within the passage of the tube. The compression collar is allowed to resiliently rebound back towards the constricted state so that the compression collar pushes the tube against the tube fitting.