HPLC Filter Assembly With Torque-Limiting Leak-Tight Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems face challenges in maintaining fluid-tight seals at high pressures without requiring significant pre-flow tightening, and there is a need for tools-free assembly and disassembly of filter components.

Innovation Solution

The development of filter assemblies with radially symmetric gaskets and housings that form a fluid-tight seal at high pressures (up to 1,300 bar) using beveled surfaces and complementary stop shoulders, along with torque-limiting and torque-indicating fittings that allow tool-free assembly and disassembly, utilizing a resilient member to control torque and a two-color depth indicator for proper assembly verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional filters are used in HPLC systems operating at high pressures (excess of 50 bar), then fluid-tight sealing is required, but significant pre-flow tightening is needed which complicates assembly and requires tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid-tight sealVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly employs a dynamic sealing mechanism where the seal is formed under operating pressure rather than requiring pre-tightening. The housing and filter element are designed to engage and create a fluid-tight seal automatically when pressurized fluid flows through the system, eliminating the need for tool-based tightening operations during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly is designed to self-seal under operating conditions. The complementary surfaces and geometric features of the housing and filter element work together to create a fluid-tight seal automatically when subjected to system pressure, without requiring external tightening tools or complex pre-assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If filters are designed for high-pressure operation with direct access to filter face, then sealing performance improves, but assembly and disassembly becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidassembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The open filter design allows direct access of pressurized fluid to the filter face, which improves sealing performance. The dynamic sealing mechanism engages automatically under operating pressure, and the filter assembly can be easily assembled and disassembled by simply inserting or removing the filter element without requiring complex tightening or tooling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If minimal pre-tightening force is applied, then assembly becomes simpler and tool-free, but maintaining fluid-tight seals at high pressures becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidfluid-tight seal at high pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly creates a fluid-tight seal dynamically under operating pressure rather than relying on pre-tightening force. The housing and filter element features are designed to engage and seal automatically when pressurized fluid flows through the system, allowing simple tool-free assembly while maintaining reliable sealing at high pressures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing mechanism is self-activating under operating conditions. The complementary geometric features of the housing and filter element work together to create a fluid-tight seal automatically when subjected to system pressure, eliminating the need for pre-tightening operations while ensuring reliable sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 fluid-tight seals at high pressures with minimal pre-tightening force, facilitates tool-free assembly and disassembly, and provides visual confirmation of proper assembly, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a resilient member to control torque

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

radially symmetric gaskets and housings that form a fluid-tight seal at high pressures (up to 1,300 bar) using beveled surfaces and complementary stop shoulders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure distribution: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12529685B2Filter assemblies, depth indicators, torque-limiting fittings, torque-indicating fittings, and systems incorporating the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

In some examples, a filter assembly may include a filter including a first gasket having a first channel adjacent to a first side of the filter and a second gasket having a second channel adjacent to a second side of the filter. The first gasket and the second gasket may include a beveled surface adjacent to the filter. The first channel and the second channel may include a diameter of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.5 mm. A finger tightening system may securely hold the filter without any leaks.