Overmolded Multi-Conduit Coupling for Sanitary Fluid Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection systems for multiple conduits require separate connections, which can lead to contamination risks and seam vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
A single overmolding step forms a fluid connection between multiple conduits using a composite fluid connector, ensuring a sanitary and watertight connection without seams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connections are used for each fluid conduit, then individual connection flexibility is maintained, but contamination risk and seam vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fluid conduit connections into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector includes a body with multiple ports and sealing elements that simultaneously seal multiple conduits in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate connection points and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sanitary conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different fluid conduits simultaneously. The single connector assembly performs the function of multiple individual connectors, providing a multi-functional solution that reduces contamination risk by minimizing the number of separate connection points while handling diverse conduit types.
2Reliability
If multiple separate connectors are used, then each connection can be optimized individually, but the number of seam vulnerabilities and leak points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple connection functions into a single molded connector body. The connector is manufactured as one integrated piece with multiple sealing elements embedded within, eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate connectors. This reduces leak points by creating continuous sealed pathways while simplifying the manufacturing process through single-step molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes composite construction with a molded body and integrated sealing elements. The combination of the connector body material and sealing material creates a unified structure that ensures watertight connections across multiple conduits simultaneously, reducing manufacturing steps while maintaining connection integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate fluid connections are formed for each conduit, then connection flexibility is maintained, but contamination risk increases due to multiple exposure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple conduit connections into a single enclosed connector assembly. By integrating multiple sealing elements within one unified structure, the design reduces the number of external exposure points where contamination could occur. The single connector body provides a protected environment for all connection points, minimizing contamination risk while managing multiple conduits efficiently.
Data Source
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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.