Insert-Reinforced Tube Flanges for Sterilization Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polymer-based flanges in tri-clamp assemblies deform during high-temperature sterilization, leading to improper sealing and reduced structural integrity, and existing solutions require accessory sealing means or limit fluid compatibility, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A metallic or polymer insert is molded or secured into the flange, with features like perforations, eccentric cutouts, or surface structures to mechanically lock it in place, ensuring airtight seals and structural integrity without external sealing means, and preventing fluid contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polymer-based flanges are used in tri-clamp assemblies, then ease of manufacture and structural integrity are improved, but reliability during high-temperature sterilization deteriorates due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymer flange components with metallic reinforcement inserts. The polymer provides ease of manufacture and corrosion resistance, while the metallic insert maintains structural integrity during high-temperature sterilization. The insert is mechanically locked into the polymer flange through features like perforations, eccentric cutouts, or surface structures, creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both materials.
2Reliability
If metallic inserts are added to polymer flanges to prevent deformation, then reliability during sterilization is improved, but device complexity increases due to accessory components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the metallic reinforcement insert with the polymer flange into a single integrated component. The insert is mechanically locked into the polymer flange through features like perforations, eccentric cutouts, or surface structures, making it difficult to separate. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate accessory sealing means or multiple detachable components.
3Reliability
If accessory sealing means are used to prevent fluid leakage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from separate accessory components and integrates it directly into the flange structure. The mated flanges are pressed together with sufficient force through the metallic insert reinforcement to create an airtight seal without requiring additional sealing means. This eliminates accessory components and reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If metallic flanges are used instead of polymer flanges, then reliability during sterilization is improved, but adaptability to different fluids deteriorates due to material compatibility limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where the polymer flange provides chemical compatibility with various fluids while the metallic insert provides thermal stability during sterilization. This allows the assembly to maintain both reliability during high-temperature sterilization and adaptability to different fluid types, overcoming the limitations of using purely metallic flanges.
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved flanged tube assembly with insert-reinforced tube flanges to prevent tube flange deformation and leakage when subjected to high compressive forces as well as sustained high-temperature procedures. The flange inserts are configured to form the flange portion of a flanged tube, or configured to provide structural support to the portions of the flange integral to the associated tube. The inserts may be metallic or polymer based and formed with various structural features to create a mechanical lock between the insert and the material used to make the tube/flange assembly. The inserts can be incorporated into the tube flanges so as to provide the desired support without being exposed to any fluids and/or gases that may flow through the reinforced tube/flange assemblies.