Overmolded Fluid Connectors for Cryogenic Leak-Free Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior fluid connection assemblies using rigid connectors create flow path restrictions, contamination risks, and leakage issues, especially at cryogenic temperatures, due to mechanical connectors and differential thermal expansion, leading to increased pressure and potential failures.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection assembly with flexible connectors and tubes continuously formed from thermoplastic polymers or thermoset elastomers, featuring conically tapered connector portions and strain relief structures like rib sections and segmented cores, eliminating mechanical connectors and ensuring uninterrupted flow paths even at cryogenic temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid connectors with mechanical connectors are used, then structural strength is improved, but flow path restrictions and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tube and connector into a single continuously formed piece, eliminating the mechanical connector interface. This integration removes the gap that causes flow restrictions and contamination while maintaining structural strength through the continuous material structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical connector from the system entirely. By eliminating this component, the source of flow path restrictions and contamination risks is removed, while the connector portion is directly formed onto the tube to maintain structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid connectors are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to cryogenic temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to flexible, allowing the connector to adapt to cryogenic temperature conditions. The flexible material can accommodate thermal contraction and expansion while maintaining the required geometric precision through controlled formulation and molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible materials that combine the properties of structural integrity with thermal adaptability. This composite approach allows the connector to maintain manufacturing precision while adapting to extreme temperature variations in cryogenic applications.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical connectors are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliability under pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tube and connector into one continuous structure, eliminating the mechanical interface that causes leakage. This merger maintains ease of assembly through simple attachment while dramatically improving reliability by removing the potential failure point at the connector interface.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connectors are used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility for positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameter from rigid to flexible, enabling the connector to be positioned and configured as needed while maintaining sufficient structural stability through material formulation and geometric design. The flexible connector can bend and adapt to different positions without compromising the overall structural integrity of the fluid transfer system.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connection assembly that includes a plurality of tubes having a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end and a plurality of connectors. Each of the connectors include at least two connector portions, in which each of the at least two connector portions extend from a center of the connector and have a first end connected to the center of the connector and a second end connected to the second open end of one of the plurality of tubes. The connector portions are continuously formed with the tube and the center of the connector and the connector portions are fluidly connected together.