Female Fluid Connector Seal Geometry for Pressure-Reversal Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors with clamp-type nipples suffer from potential tilting and sealing issues due to pressure differentials, leading to leakage risks, especially when external pressure exceeds internal pressure.
Innovation Solution
A female connector element with a seal configuration featuring a base, lip, and circumferential notch, aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis, ensures effective sealing by pressing against the connector body and nipple, allowing for deformation under pressure differentials without increasing bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clamp-type nipple is held in position by locking members (balls) in a fluid connector element, then the connector can be assembled and disassembled, but tilting of the clamp may occur about a transversal axis even in the connected configuration, compromising sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a base portion that contacts the distal surface of the body and a lip portion that contacts the nipple. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific sealing function independently, with the base providing stable support and the lip providing flexible sealing contact with the nipple, thereby preventing tilting-related sealing failures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the seal have different geometric properties tailored to their specific functions: the base has a larger contact area with the distal surface for stability and load distribution, while the lip has a narrower profile for flexible contact with the nipple. This local differentiation of properties ensures reliable sealing under various pressure conditions without compromising against tilting.
2Reliability
If the seal is pressed against the connector body and nipple, then sealing is improved, but the seal may deform under pressure differentials (especially when external pressure exceeds internal pressure), leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The seal's geometric parameters are optimized to balance sealing pressure and deformation resistance. The base has sufficient thickness to resist deformation under external pressure, while the lip has appropriate flexibility to maintain contact with the nipple. The circumferential notch dimensions are specifically designed to allow controlled deformation without compromising the sealing function, enabling the seal to adapt to pressure differentials while maintaining integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential notch acts as a pre-designed deformation zone that absorbs and distributes stress from pressure differentials before they can cause harmful deformation or leakage. This notch provides a cushioning effect by allowing controlled local deformation, preventing the seal from failing under external pressure exceeding internal pressure.
3Reliability
If the seal has a long lip for effective sealing contact, then sealing reliability improves, but the longitudinal bulk of the seal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal concentrates its sealing function in the lip portion which has a tailored length and profile for effective contact with the nipple, while the base portion provides support with minimal additional longitudinal dimension. This local optimization ensures sufficient sealing contact length without unnecessarily increasing the overall seal length, maintaining compact dimensions while achieving reliable sealing.
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 seal design guarantees reliable sealing under varying pressure conditions, reduces connection force requirements, and prevents leakage by precise alignment and deformation of the lip, enhancing the connector's performance.
Implementation Method 1
the seal is configured to press backward against the proximal surface, in alignment with the free front edge of the lip, according to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A connector element comprising a body, a locking mechanism and a seal. The seal comprises a base arranged facing, backward to a proximal surface and facing, forward to a distal surface of the body, as well as a lip. The lip extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body and forward, protruding from the base and defining a free front edge. The seal presents a peripheral notch that is arranged, radially to the longitudinal axis, between the base and the lip, which opens to the front of the seal and a bottom of which is delimited on the rear by a joining portion of the seal connecting the base and the lip. The seal is configured to press backward against the proximal surface, in alignment with the free front edge of the lip, according to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.