Overmolded Multi-Port Fluid Coupling for Sanitary Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transport couplings require separate connections for each fluid conduit, which can lead to increased contamination risks in sanitary environments, such as pharmaceutical and food production, due to multiple points of potential leakage and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port fluid transport coupling system that uses a single overmolding step to form a secure fluid connection between multiple fluid conduits, employing a composite connector element with a support element and a connector element made from flexible materials like elastomeric polymers, ensuring a watertight and sanitary connection without individual seams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connections are used for each fluid conduit, then individual connection stability is maintained, but the number of connection points increases leading to higher contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connector elements into a single integrated connector body that simultaneously connects multiple fluid conduits. This single connector body with multiple ports eliminates the need for multiple separate connections, thereby reducing the number of potential leakage points and contamination risks while maintaining secure fluid transport connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate connectors are used, then each connection can be optimized individually, but the overall system complexity and number of potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs multiple connection functions. It includes multiple ports adapted to receive different fluid conduits and provides multiple fitting types (e.g., bayonet fittings, threaded fittings) within a single integrated structure, allowing optimized connections for each conduit while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If individual seams are present in each connector, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but leakage risks increase due to multiple potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple connection functions into a single molded connector body, eliminating the need for multiple separate components that would require multiple seams or joints. The single-piece construction reduces the number of potential leakage points while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through techniques like overmolding that allow different materials and fitting types to be integrated in one manufacturing step.
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitary fluid transport coupling can include a plurality of fluid conduits, each fluid conduit having a distal end and a proximal end, a support element adapted to secure a spaced relationship between the plurality of second conduits at the distal end of the plurality of fluid conduits, and an overmolded element disposed adjacent the support element. The overmolded element can form a fitting that can form a fluid connection with another fluid conduit, fluid container, or isolated environment.