Molded Plastic Functional Element for Fluid Conduit Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting and sealing conduits, particularly in microfluidic and optical applications, face challenges in achieving precise connections and maintaining dimensional stability on fragile and small-sized components, often resulting in inadequate sealing and mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a forming tool that shapes and attaches a pre-formed plastic part to the conduit, allowing for precise shaping, sealing, and positioning, utilizing thermal expansion and shrinkage to create a homogenous force distribution and chemical bonding for secure connections, which can include additional materials like gold or ceramic for enhanced durability and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connecting methods are used on fragile and small-sized conduits, then the conduits can be connected, but the sealing is inadequate and mechanical stress is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling temperature and detention time within the forming tool during the molding process. By adjusting these parameters, the plastic material achieves optimal flow and bonding characteristics, resulting in improved sealing quality while distributing mechanical stress evenly across the conduit connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the plastic material, transforming it from a solid pre-formed part to a molten state within the forming tool, and then back to solid upon cooling. This phase change enables the material to conform precisely to the conduit surface, ensuring adequate sealing and reducing mechanical stress through homogeneous force distribution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If common connecting techniques are used, then the process is simple, but they fail on microfluidic conduits and small-sized components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the plastic part before the actual connection process. This pre-formed part is specifically designed to fit microfluidic conduits and small-sized components, enabling the technique to handle fragile and small components effectively while maintaining a relatively simple overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical connecting techniques with a thermal molding process. Instead of using mechanical fasteners or adhesives that fail on small components, the process uses controlled heating and molding to create secure connections, significantly improving adaptability to microfluidic conduits while keeping the manufacturing process straightforward.
3Ease of operation
If the plastic material is heated above softening temperature, then it becomes soft and pliable for forming, but requires precise temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback control by precisely monitoring and adjusting the temperature within the forming tool during the molding process. This feedback mechanism ensures the plastic material reaches the optimal softening point for formability while preventing excessive heating, thereby maintaining high manufacturing precision and enabling easy operation.
4Productivity
If a reusable forming tool is used, then production efficiency increases, but the tool design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a reusable forming tool that can accommodate multiple conduit types and sizes through interchangeable molds or adjustable configurations. This multi-functional approach increases production efficiency while managing device complexity by using standardized components and modular design principles.
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
This approach enables reliable fluid-tight sealing and precise alignment of conduits with improved dimensional consistency and reduced mechanical stress, facilitating the connection of various conduit types, including capillaries and light guides, while allowing for cost-effective production and versatile tool usage.
Implementation Method 1
The pre-formed part can be plastified by heating the plastic material above or beyond the softening temperature and bringing it in its softening range for making it soft and pliable
Implementation Method 2
The plastic material can be heated within the forming tool close to or above the melting temperature for bringing the plastic material to the softening range
Implementation Method 3
The plastic material can be shrunk on the outer surface of the conduit by cooling the plastic material down to ambient temperature
Implementation Method 4
For this purpose, the outer surface can comprise a roughening. After forming, the forming tool can be opened. Possibly, the tool can be opened before cooling down the already formed functional element
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing a conduit (5, 7, 49, 51 93, 129, 131, 151, 231, 233, 259) adapted for conducting a medium, with a functional element. The functional element is adapted for at least one of: coupling, connecting, sealing, fixing, adjusting, aligning, receiving, protecting, and positioning the conduit. A part, comprising a plastic material, is plastified and molded within a forming tool for shaping the form of the functional element and for attaching the functional element to the conduit.