Cryogenic Quick Coupler With Multi-Stage Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryosurgical systems face challenges in efficiently and quickly connecting cryogenic media sources to cryosurgical tools due to the limitations of traditional screw-in connectors, which are cumbersome and prone to cross-threading, and fail to maintain a secure seal across varying temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage sealing coupler with different thermal expansion coefficients for connectors, featuring a first and second sealing engagement that adapts to different temperature conditions, ensuring a fluid-tight connection through thermal contraction and expansion, facilitated by a resilient seal, and a clamp for alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional screw-in connectors are used, then the connection can be made, but the connection process is cumbersome and prone to cross-threading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-thread mechanical connection system with a bayonet-style quarter-turn coupling mechanism. This substitution eliminates the complex threading operation that causes cross-threading and cumbersomeness, while maintaining secure mechanical engagement through a simplified rotational locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the engagement parameter from multiple rotational cycles (screwing) to a single quarter-turn motion. This parameter change simplifies the connection process, reduces operational complexity, and eliminates the risk of cross-threading while maintaining connection reliability through the designed locking geometry.
2Reliability
If traditional connectors are used, then connection can be made, but they fail to maintain a secure seal across varying temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes differential thermal expansion between the male and female connector components to maintain seal reliability across temperature variations. The sealing surfaces are designed with specific thermal expansion coefficients that ensure continuous contact and sealing effectiveness from cryogenic to ambient temperatures, adapting to thermal conditions without compromising the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic sealing elements that can adjust and adapt to temperature-induced dimensional changes. The sealing mechanism is designed to maintain contact pressure and sealing integrity through thermal cycles, allowing the connectors to dynamically respond to varying temperature conditions while preserving seal reliability.
3Productivity
If quick-connect mechanisms are used, then connection speed is improved, but seal reliability across temperature ranges may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function into multiple independent sealing surfaces and mechanisms within the quick-connect assembly. This segmentation allows each sealing element to be optimized for specific temperature ranges while maintaining overall seal integrity, enabling quick connection without compromising reliability across the full temperature spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite sealing structures combining materials with different thermal properties to maintain seal integrity across temperature ranges. The composite design allows the quick-connect mechanism to achieve rapid engagement while the multi-material construction compensates for thermal expansion differences, preserving seal reliability from cryogenic to ambient temperatures.
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 coupler provides a reliable, quick, and secure connection that maintains a fluid-tight seal across a wide temperature range, including cryogenic temperatures, without the need for additional tools, reducing the risk of cross-threading and ensuring efficient cryomedia flow.
Implementation Method 1
The first connector can have a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and the second connector can have a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and method for multi-stage, reusable coupling. Such a coupler can have a formable flow path and can include a first sealing engagement and a second sealing engagement. The first sealing engagement can be configured to provide a first seal of the coupler at a first temperature condition. The second sealing engagement can be configured to provide a second seal of the coupler at a second temperature condition that is different from the first temperature condition.