Elastic Adapter Cone for Leak-Tight Capillary Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual replacement of capillaries in cell biology and medical applications is laborious, prone to errors, and limits automation due to lack of suitable fastening methods for leak-tight and precise connection to pump systems, especially in sterile environments where contamination risk is high.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly with a resilient adapter cone and a counter cone of different elasticity materials, allowing for high lateral force absorption and leak-tight sealing, enabling precise positioning and automated capillary exchange, using materials like polypropylene and V2A steel for the cones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass capillaries are clamped by sealing rings, fittings or ferrules to connect to pump system, then connection is achieved, but leak-tightness is insufficient and automatic replacement is not suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection methods (sealing rings, fittings, ferrules) with a cone-based mechanical interference fit system. The adapter cone with conical outer surface engages with the counter cone's conical inner surface, creating a self-centering, leak-tight connection that can be automatically exchanged without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter from threaded or clamped interfaces to conical geometric interfaces with specific angle relationships. The conical outer surface of the adapter cone and conical inner surface of the counter cone create a deterministic mechanical engagement that ensures both leak-tightness and positional accuracy for automated operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual replacement of capillaries is performed, then capillary exchange is possible, but process is laborious and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The conical interface design enables self-centering and self-alignment of the adapter cone within the counter cone, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments. The geometric constraint automatically ensures proper orientation and sealing, making the replacement process simple and error-proof for automated systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional fastening methods are used for capillaries, then connection is achieved, but position accuracy is insufficient for high precision work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conical surfaces (curved geometric forms) for both the adapter cone's outer surface and the counter cone's inner surface. This curved geometric interface provides self-centering action and distributes contact forces evenly, achieving high position accuracy and repeatable positioning without complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 adapter assembly ensures high leak-tightness and position accuracy, reducing the risk of contamination and increasing automation throughput by securely connecting capillaries to pump systems, even with small volumes and sensitive particles.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one section being made of a second material having a second elasticity greater than the first elasticity
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly for receiving a capillary includes a passage, into which the capillary is or can be received. The adapter assembly has an adapter cone which is configured for being received in or on a correspondingly configured counter cone. The adapter cone, at least over a section for bringing the adapter cone into contact with the counter cone, includes an elastic material that is more elastic than the material of the counter cone. The invention further relates to a counterpart for connecting to the adapter, to an apparatus and to a method for automatically exchanging capillaries.