Multi-Port Connector Assembly With Fluid Isolation Adapter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sampling systems often require replacement of entire assemblies when tubes or ports are damaged, and they fail to prevent exposure of process fluids to the atmosphere, which can be hazardous or moisture-sensitive.
Innovation Solution
A multiple port connecting assembly with a connector body and a removably assembled fluid isolation adapter, featuring sealed passages and seat portions to isolate fluid connections, allowing for replacement of individual tubes without replacing the entire assembly and preventing atmospheric exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fluid sampling systems are used, then sampling can be performed, but the entire assembly must be replaced when tubes or ports are damaged, and process fluids may be exposed to the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separate functional components: a connector body with multiple ports, removable adapters for each port, and individual tubes. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced without replacing the entire assembly, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sample integrity and avoiding complete assembly replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Removable adapters serve as intermediary components between the connector body and tubes. These adapters can be independently replaced when damaged, preventing the need to replace the entire connector assembly while maintaining the sealed connection and sample integrity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional fluid sampling systems are used, then sampling can be performed, but process fluids may be exposed to the atmosphere causing safety hazards or moisture contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly maintains sealed fluid passages that prevent process fluids from contacting the atmosphere. The removable adapters with sealing surfaces create a protected environment for fluid sampling, eliminating atmospheric exposure hazards while allowing sampling operations to proceed.
3Ease of repair
If removable adapters are implemented, then individual tube replacement is enabled, but additional sealing components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the removable adapters themselves, which incorporate sealing surfaces that mate with the connector body. This integration allows individual adapter replacement for ease of repair while the sealing mechanism remains part of the standard adapter component, avoiding excessive complexity.
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
Enables safe and efficient sampling by isolating fluid connections, reducing the need for complete assembly replacement and ensuring sample integrity by preventing exposure to the atmosphere.
Implementation Method 1
a first seal portion sealing against the first seat portion to isolate the first connection from the second connection
Implementation Method 2
a second seal portion sealing against the second seat portion to seal the second connection against external leakage
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple port connecting assembly includes a connector body and a fluid isolation adapter. The connector body includes a first fluid passage extending from an adapter port to a first connector port, a second fluid passage extending from the adapter port to a second connector port, a first seat portion disposed between the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage, and a second seat portion disposed between the second fluid passage and an open end portion of the adapter port. The fluid isolation adapter is removably assembled with the adapter port and includes an adapter body defining a first end passage that connects with the first fluid passage, a second end passage that connects with the second fluid passage, a first seal portion sealing against the first seat portion, and a second seal portion sealing against the second seat portion.