Multiport Microtube Coupling With Gasket Alignment for Fast Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The service and maintenance of microfluidic devices are challenging due to the need for hours of downtime to disconnect and reconnect electronic circuitry and fluidic tubing, with existing connectors prone to misalignment and leakage, leading to inefficient and cumbersome processes.
Innovation Solution
A multiport coupling device with a single gasket and retention mechanisms that securely connect and disconnect microtubes, utilizing a key-notch feature for alignment and multiple points of contact to prevent rotation and ensure fluidic coupling, allowing rapid reconfiguration of microfluidic devices without sacrificing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used for microfluidic devices, then the device can be assembled and disassembled, but the process requires hours of downtime and is prone to misalignment and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate components: a first connector that remains attached to the microfluidic device and a second connector that is detached during maintenance. This segmentation allows the fluidic pathways to remain intact while enabling rapid access to internal components for maintenance without requiring complete disassembly of all connections.
Solution Approach 2:
A gasket serves as an intermediary sealing element between the first connector and the microtubes. The gasket provides a reliable seal that prevents leakage during connection and disconnection operations, while the retention mechanism acts as an intermediary locking feature that ensures proper alignment and secure attachment of the connectors.
2Ease of operation
If traditional connectors are used, then basic connection is possible, but misalignment and leakage occur during connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The first connector and second connector are designed with asymmetric geometries that include specific alignment features such as protrusions and recesses. These asymmetric features guide the connectors into proper alignment during the connection process, preventing misalignment and ensuring that the gasket seals correctly against the microtubes, thereby maintaining seal integrity.
3Productivity
If multiple microtubes are connected individually, then fluidic pathways can be established, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple microtube connections are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. The first connector simultaneously accommodates multiple microtubes through multiple bores, and the second connector provides a corresponding multi-port interface. This merging allows all fluidic connections to be established or disconnected in a single operation rather than requiring individual connection of each tube, significantly improving maintenance efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design provides multi-functionality by serving as both a sealing mechanism (through the gasket) and a retention mechanism (through the retention features). The same connector structure simultaneously achieves multiple objectives: sealing multiple fluidic pathways, maintaining alignment, and providing secure attachment, thereby reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly is configured to fluidly and removably connect a first set of microtubes to a second set of microtubes of a microfluidic device. The connector assembly provides multiple points of contact to the microtubes to provide a secure connection between the connector assembly and the microtubes. A single gasket provides a securely aligned connection between microtubes.