Magnetic Fluid Connector With Dual Capping for Remote Sealed Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors require time-consuming threaded connections, are physically demanding, and often need direct user interaction, which can be impractical due to environmental hazards or shipping requirements, especially for source vessels containing radioactive materials.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic fluid connector system with a dual capping mechanism that uses magnets to quickly assemble and disassemble, allowing remote operation and meeting U.S. Department of Transportation Type A shipping requirements, featuring a primary and secondary cap that can be installed and removed together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded connection is used to assemble fluid connector, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time increases and operation becomes physically demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical connection system with a magnetic field-based connection system. Magnets embedded in the connector components create magnetic attraction forces that join the components together, eliminating the need for threading operations. This substitution of mechanical threading with magnetic attraction resolves the contradiction by providing strong connections without time-consuming assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of connection from mechanical interlocking (threads) to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic field strength as the connection mechanism, the system achieves both strong connection force and rapid assembly, as the magnetic attraction can be engaged simply by bringing components into proximity without rotational manipulation.
2Strength
If threaded connection is used to assemble fluid connector, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to physical demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical system with a magnetic field-based system that requires no manual rotation or torque application. The magnetic attraction automatically engages when components are brought into proximity, making assembly trivial even for users with limited physical capability, while maintaining strong connection strength through the magnetic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connection system is self-actuating in that the magnetic attraction automatically joins the components when they approach each other, without requiring the user to perform complex manipulation. The system serves itself by using the inherent magnetic properties to create the connection, eliminating the need for user-applied torque or rotational force.
3Manufacturing precision
If direct user contact is required for assembly, then assembly precision is improved, but safety deteriorates due to environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for direct user contact and manual threading with a magnetic field-based assembly system. The magnetic attraction guides the components into proper alignment and secures them automatically when brought into proximity, maintaining assembly precision while allowing users to operate from a distance and avoid exposure to hazardous environments such as radioactive, high-temperature, or high-pressure conditions.
4Reliability
If separate primary and secondary caps are used, then shipping requirements are met, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate primary and secondary cap components into a single integrated magnetic cap assembly. The magnetic connection mechanism allows both closure functions to be combined in one component that attaches to the vessel opening, maintaining the required dual-closure protection for shipping while reducing the assembly process to a single attachment action, thereby eliminating the time required to install separate caps sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic cap assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both the primary and secondary closure requirements for shipping compliance, creates a hermetic seal, and secures itself through magnetic attraction. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for different cap types, reducing overall assembly time while meeting all regulatory requirements.
5Reliability
If separate primary and secondary caps are used, then shipping requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cap functions into a single magnetic cap assembly that integrates both primary and secondary closure features. This unified design reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate cap components, multiple sealing mechanisms, and complex installation procedures, while still meeting the dual-closure shipping requirements through the integrated magnetic attachment system.
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 magnetic fluid connector system facilitates fast, easy assembly and disassembly without direct user contact, reducing exposure risks and meeting shipping requirements, while ensuring hermetic seals and preventing fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet provided within the cap and having a magnetic force that attracts the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector can include a first connector having a first passageway and a second passageway; and a second connector having a third passageway and a fourth passageway. The first connector can be attracted to the second connector through a magnetic force, thereby forming the fluid connector. Moreover, when the first connector abuts the second connector, the first passageway together with the third passageway can form a first fluid path, and the second passageway together with the fourth passageway can form a second fluid path that is different from the first fluid path.