Fluid Connector Snap-Fit Collar and Flexible Tab Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In biopharmaceutical fluid connections, existing quick connection systems risk damaging seals during assembly due to interference between flexible tabs and seals, and require a compact radial footprint, while ensuring fluid-tightness and secure locking.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-connection device with a male connector featuring a snap-fitting collar and flexible tabs, where the flexible tabs' free ends are positioned at a greater radial distance than the seal, preventing damage and allowing for optimal sealing, combined with a secondary locking mechanism and anti-rotation features for enhanced security and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible tabs are used for locking connection, then secure locking is achieved, but the free end of the flexible tab can interfere with and damage the seal during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the flexible tabs in the angular dimension at 45 degrees relative to the insertion direction, rather than having them extend radially outward. This angular orientation changes the spatial relationship between the tabs and seal, allowing the tabs to engage the locking collar effectively while their free ends clear the seal's radial path during insertion, thus preventing seal damage while maintaining locking security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the flexible tabs with equal angular spacing (45 degrees) and symmetric geometry relative to the insertion axis, creating a balanced configuration where both tabs simultaneously engage the locking collar. This symmetric arrangement ensures uniform force distribution and predictable engagement behavior, preventing any single tab from interfering with the seal while both contribute to secure locking
2Ease of manufacture
If snap-fitting means are integrated in the female connector, then manufacturing is simplified, but the radial footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible tabs made of elastomeric material that can dynamically deform during insertion and locking. The tabs bend outward to engage the locking collar's engagement surfaces, then spring back to maintain continuous contact pressure. This dynamic behavior allows the locking mechanism to function effectively within a compact radial space, as the flexibility compensates for the limited engagement distance available in the radial direction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the elastomeric material to change the physical state of the flexible tabs during operation. The tabs transition from a relaxed state to an engaged state through elastic deformation, allowing them to store and release mechanical energy. This parameter change (elastic strain) enables the locking mechanism to achieve secure engagement without requiring large radial dimensions, thus reducing the overall radial footprint while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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 solution ensures the seal is protected from damage during insertion, maintains fluid-tightness, and provides a compact, secure, and easily unlockable connection, with visible indicators for attempted disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
a first connector... comprising at least one seal... a second connector comprising at least one flexible tab
Implementation Method 2
the second connector comprising at least one flexible tab with at least one free end against which the locking collar abuts
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fluid-connection device for connecting a first wall defining a first fluid space, for example a flexible pipe, to a second wall defining a second fluid space, in the form of a flexible pipe or enclosure, including a first male connector, the first connector including a seal and a snap-fitting collar, the seal extending radially prior to coupling from the axis until a first radial distance R1, a second female connector capable of receiving the first connector, the second connector including at least one flexible tab with one end against which the locking collar abuts in coupling position, in order to prevent retraction from the coupling position, the flexible tab being defined relative to the axis between a second radial distance R2 and a third radial distance R3, which is greater than the second radial distance R2, wherein R2>R1.