Flexible Collet Grasper for Precise Fluidic Conduit Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of chromatographic columns in fluidic fittings is complicated by the need for precise axial alignment and sealing, which is difficult to achieve with conventional fluidic coupling devices due to variations in ferrule materials and column nut types, requiring skilled technicians and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A collet and conduit grasper system with flexible materials and toroidal shape for compressible engagement, allowing for secure and leak-free fluidic coupling by compressing the conduit grasper against the column, ensuring accurate axial positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluidic coupling devices (column nuts with ferrules) are used to install chromatographic columns, then fluidic sealing can be achieved, but the installation process becomes complicated and difficult to control for precise axial alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a collet body for structural support, a collet slot for access, and a conduit grasper for gripping the column. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit grasper acts as an intermediary between the column and the fluidic coupling device. It provides a controlled interface that enables precise axial positioning and secure gripping of the column without requiring complex manual manipulation of the column itself.
2Reliability
If conventional column nuts and ferrules are used, then fluidic coupling can be formed, but precise axial positioning of the column end is difficult to achieve and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit grasper is designed with localized gripping features within the collet slot that provide precise axial positioning control at the specific location where the column is inserted. This local quality enhancement ensures accurate positioning without affecting the overall simplicity of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible material of the conduit grasper allows for parameter changes in the form of elastic deformation, enabling the grasper to adapt to the column diameter and maintain precise axial positioning through controlled compression and recovery.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pre-swaging process is used to position ferrules on columns, then ferrule positioning can be achieved, but the process becomes delicate and prone to error requiring trained technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit grasper is designed to self-adjust and self-position the column through its flexible material properties. When inserted into the collet slot, the grasper automatically conforms to the column and secures it in the correct axial position without requiring external manipulation or skilled techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit grasper is made of flexible material that can deform and conform to the column surface, providing secure positioning without the need for rigid pre-swaging operations. This flexibility eliminates the delicate manual steps required with traditional ferrule installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of ferrule materials and column nut variations are used to accommodate different fluidic components, then adaptability is improved, but the installation process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit grasper is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different column types and sizes through its flexible material and standardized collet slot design. This multi-functionality allows a single device design to work with various fluidic components without requiring multiple specialized tools.
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
Facilitates easy and reliable installation of fluidic conduits with precise axial alignment, reducing the need for skilled labor and minimizing installation errors, thereby enhancing the performance and reliability of chromatographic instruments.
Implementation Method 1
The conduit grasper has a toroidal shape about the collet axis and is composed of a flexible material such that the conduit grasper is compressible in response to a force applied to the outer grasper surface
Data Source
AI summary
A collet includes a cap, a conduit grasper, a collet bore, and a collet slot. The grasper is composed of a flexible material such that the grasper is compressible in response to an applied force. A conduit such as a column is installed in a fluidic component by passing the conduit through the collet and into a fluidic coupling device. The collet is then coupled to the fluidic coupling device so as to compress the grasper against the column, thereby securing the column in the fluidic coupling device. The conduit may then be inserted into the fluidic component, and fluidic coupling device may be coupled to the fluidic component to complete the conduit installation. The collet or at least the cap may then be removed by moving the collet or at least the cap around the column via the collet slot. The grasper may be removed via a grasper slot.