Microfluidic Interconnect Reverse-Taper Port Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interconnects for microfluidic systems, particularly in liquid chromatography, face challenges such as leakage under high pressures, contamination from metallic materials, and difficulty in miniaturization, which affect the accuracy and reliability of fluid connections in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) systems.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic interconnect featuring a reverse-taper port and seal design, which includes a tapered inner surface and outer surface, allowing for secure and leak-free connections at high pressures, and is compatible with various materials, including biocompatible options to prevent contamination from metallic ions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional interconnects are used in microfluidic systems, then connections can be made easily, but leakage occurs under high pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional port geometry by using a reverse taper (larger diameter at the base, smaller at the opening) instead of a standard taper. This inverted geometry allows the seal to be compressed radially outward against the port walls under pressure, transforming the sealing mechanism from relying on thread tightness to relying on pressure-assisted radial compression, thereby achieving reliable sealing at high pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the port and seal by introducing a reverse taper angle (e.g., 15-45 degrees) and specifying dimensional relationships between the seal outer diameter, port inner diameter, and taper lengths. These parameter changes enable the seal to maintain contact pressure against the port walls under high pressure conditions, improving connection reliability.
2Strength
If metallic materials are used in interconnects, then structural strength is achieved, but contamination from metallic ions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction where the interconnect assembly combines a port (which can be metallic or non-metallic) with a seal made from chemically resistant materials such as PEEK, PTFE, or other polymers. This composite approach allows the structural components to provide strength while the chemically resistant seal materials prevent metallic ion contamination of the fluid stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the structural function by separating the port (providing structural support) from the seal (providing chemical resistance and sealing). This separation allows the seal material to be specifically chosen for chemical inertness, removing the source of metallic ion contamination while maintaining structural integrity through the port design.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional port designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but miniaturization is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the reverse taper geometry and standardized dimensional relationships across different size scales, allowing the same design principles to be applied from larger conventional interconnects down to microfluidic dimensions. The reverse taper angle and dimensional ratios remain consistent regardless of absolute size, enabling scalable miniaturization 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 reverse-taper port and seal design provides reliable, leak-free connections at high pressures, minimizes contamination, and is compatible with a range of materials, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of fluid connections in microfluidic systems.
Implementation Method 1
the seal has an outer surface with a tapered portion... the outer diameter of the second seal end is generally compressed when the seal is inserted into the port
Implementation Method 2
a frictional force between the seal and the tube exceeds an extrusion force of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic interconnect system and method for assembly thereof is described. The microfluidic interconnect has a port and a seal, with the port having a reverse taper. The port has a first port end, a second port end, and an inner port surface with a tapered portion. Each port end has an opening with a diameter, and in certain embodiments, the diameter of the first port end is smaller than the diameter of the second port end. The seal has a first end and a second end, and each seal end has a rim and an opening with an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The seal also has an inner surface and an outer surface, where in certain embodiments, each surface has a tapered portion. In certain embodiments, the inner diameter of the first seal end is equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the second seal end, the outer diameter of the first seal end is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the second seal end, and the outer diameter of the second seal end is larger than the outer diameter of each port end. In certain embodiments, a tube is slidably coupled to the inner surface of the seal, and the tube has an outer diameter that is equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the second seal end.