Microfluidic Tube Connector with Ferrule Sealing Under High Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting microfluidic devices via tubes are prone to liquid leakage due to insufficient sealing and lack of individual pressure adjustment, especially when high pressure is applied, and require significant spacing between devices, limiting compact system design and precise temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a ferrule with a tapered surface, a cylindrical pressing member, and a sealing member, such as an O-ring, is used to securely connect fluidic devices and tubes at their side surfaces, allowing for individual pressure adjustment and enhanced sealing to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single connector is used to collectively connect multiple tubes to a microfluidic device, then the connection process is simplified, but individual adjustment of pressing force at each connection portion becomes impossible, leading to insufficient sealing under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The single connector is divided into multiple independent connectors, each responsible for sealing one tube individually. This segmentation allows each connector to apply pressing force independently to its corresponding tube, ensuring reliable sealing even under high pressure conditions while maintaining the simplified connection process.
2Ease of operation
If the connector is designed with simple structure for easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing performance under high pressure deteriorates due to insufficient pressing force
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a pressing member that can dynamically adjust the pressing force applied to each tube individually. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the connector to maintain simple structure for easy connection while ensuring sufficient pressing force is applied to achieve reliable sealing under high pressure conditions.
3Device complexity
If multiple tubes are connected with a single connector, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to individually adjust pressing force is lost, causing liquid leakage under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple independent connectors, each handling one tube separately. This segmentation enables individual adjustment of pressing force for each tube, preventing liquid leakage under high pressure while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each connector is designed with local quality features including a tapered ferrule surface and positioning structures that provide customized pressing force distribution specific to each tube's requirements. This local optimization ensures reliable sealing at each connection point without requiring complex global control mechanisms.
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 connector system effectively prevents liquid leakage and allows for compact, high-density arrangement of fluidic devices, enabling precise temperature control and efficient fluid transport.
Implementation Method 1
the ferrule is deformed due to the pressing force applied to the second surface, thereby clamping and fixing the tube
Implementation Method 2
the pressing member is configured so that the opening and the tip portion are connected by the pressing member pressing the ferrule toward the fluidic device
Implementation Method 3
a sealing member disposed between the first surface of the ferrule and the side surface of the fluidic device, through which the tube is inserted
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector of the present disclosure connects a tip portion of a tube to an opening of a flow channel provided on a side surface of a fluidic device having a flow channel formed therein. The connector includes a ferrule, a pressing member, and a sealing member. The ferrule has a first surface facing the side surface of the fluidic device at a first end along the through hole through which the tube is inserted, and a tapered second surface at a second end. The pressing member is a cylindrical member having a through hole formed therein through which the tube is inserted, and has a recess that can come into contact with the second surface of the ferrule. The sealing member is disposed between the first surface of the ferrule and the side surface of the fluidic device, and the tube is inserted through the sealing member. The pressing member presses the ferrule toward the fluidic device, thereby connecting the opening of the flow channel and the tip portion of the tube.