Resilient Compression Collar for Leak-Tight Tube Fittings
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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 to securely fit around the tube and tube fitting, providing a uniform compressive force and maintaining a seal, which can be achieved through various expansion methods such as prong insertion, bladder expansion, or mandrel advancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional friction fit connection is used between tubing and barbed port, then the system is simple to assemble, but the connection is prone to leaks and contamination under pressure and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the compression collar from rigid to resilient, allowing it to deform and apply continuous compressive force on the tubing. This parameter change enables the collar to maintain a reliable seal under pressure and handling while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression collar acts as an intermediary component between the tubing and the port assembly. It provides a mechanical constraint that supplements the friction fit connection, preventing tubing separation without requiring a completely different connection mechanism.
2Reliability
If cable ties are used to secure tubing to barbed port, then compression force is provided to prevent separation, but the compressive force is uneven and creates areas of weakness for leaking
Solution Approach 1:
The compression collar is designed as a resilient shell that conforms to the cylindrical shape of the tubing. This flexible shell structure distributes the compressive force uniformly around the entire circumference of the tubing, eliminating the localized pressure points created by cable ties and preventing leakage at weak spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar's curved, cylindrical geometry matches the shape of the tubing, allowing it to apply uniform radial compression. This curvature-based design ensures even force distribution around the entire perimeter, unlike the linear compression of cable ties.
3Strength
If cable ties are used to secure tubing, then connection strength is improved, but sharp corners from cutting the tail can puncture or damage polymeric bags
Solution Approach 1:
The compression collar is designed as a complete, self-contained component that does not require a separate tail section for securing. The entire collar serves its function without needing to be cut or modified, eliminating the creation of sharp edges that could damage equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the problematic tail section entirely from the design. By using a continuous collar that secures itself through its resilient properties rather than requiring a tied-off end, the design eliminates the source of sharp corners that could puncture bags or damage equipment.
4Ease of operation
If conventional cable ties are used, then installation is straightforward, but the amount of compressive force is difficult to control and varies between different cable ties
Solution Approach 1:
The compression collar is designed to be self-regulating. When installed, it automatically applies a consistent compressive force through its resilient material properties and geometric design. The collar's inherent elasticity ensures that each collar applies the same force without requiring manual adjustment or tensioning, achieving both ease of installation and force consistency.
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 secure, leak-proof connection between the tube and tube fitting, reducing the risk of contamination and equipment damage, with a consistent compressive force that maintains over time.
Implementation Method 1
the compression collar being comprised of a resilient material... allowing the tubular compression collar to resiliently rebound back towards the constricted state so that the compression collar pushes the tube against the tube fitting
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly includes: a tubular compression collar having a tubular body made of a resiliently flexible polymeric material and having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface; an end of a tube disposed within a throughway of the compression collar; and a tube fitting disposed within the passageway of the tube. The tube fitting includes: a tubular stem; a flange radially outwardly projecting from an exterior surface of the stem; and an annular barb encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the exterior surface of the stem, the annular barb including a frustoconical outside face that extends along and outwardly slopes away from the stem as the outside face extends toward the flange. The compression collar radially inwardly compresses the tube against the annular barb of the tube fitting so that a liquid tight seal is formed between the tube and the tube fitting.