Genderless Connector Assembly with Split Gasket for High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector technologies face challenges under high-pressure and aseptic conditions, prone to leakage and bacterial contamination due to gasket failure, and are often labor-intensive and costly, requiring multiple parts for assembly.
Innovation Solution
A two-part gasket system with genderless connectors, where each connector has an annular groove for a split gasket, allowing for efficient sealing with reduced susceptibility to failure, using materials like rigid polymers and elastomeric layers for enhanced sealing efficiency without the need for additional clamps or complex assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional gasket systems are used with multiple parts, then sealing capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gasket and connector into a single integrated component. The connector features an annular groove that directly receives and retains the gasket, eliminating the need for separate gasket retention mechanisms. This integration reduces the number of parts while maintaining effective sealing capability under high pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural connection element and as a gasket retention mechanism. The annular groove and associated features provide both connection and sealing functions in a single component, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If screw-type connectors with threaded connections are used, then strong and tight sealing is achieved, but labor intensity increases and reconnection quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: an interlocking feature for mechanical connection and an annular groove for gasket retention. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where components can be connected without complex threading operations, reducing labor intensity while maintaining sealing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is pre-positioned in the annular groove of the connector before final assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures proper sealing alignment is achieved automatically during connection, eliminating the need for complex adjustment operations and ensuring consistent reconnection quality.
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 provides a reliable, cost-effective seal under high-pressure and aseptic conditions, reducing the risk of leakage and bacterial contamination, while simplifying the assembly process with identical connector pieces and improved sealing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric components of the gasket, whether they comprise the entire gasket, or only a layer between a rigid gasket component and a flange, have 'stored' energy in elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
rotation occurs while elastomeric surfaces are in contact, and further rotation increases the pressure between the surfaces, increasing the frictional forces between them
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a means for efficiently completing a high pressure seal and a connector assembly comprising two sealing members, each comprising an annular groove, and two elastomeric gasket members, each disposed into and fittingly received by the annular grooves of one of said sealing members, each gasket additionally comprising a sealing face not received into the annular grooves, wherein the sealing faces are in mutual aligned pressurized contact.