Planar Fluidic Connection With Lateral Sealing for High Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluidic connection technologies face challenges in achieving high-pressure sealing and easy handling for planar structures with integrated fluid channels in liquid chromatography applications, particularly in maintaining a leak-free and dead volume-free connection while accommodating high operational pressures.

Innovation Solution

A fluidic device comprising a planar structure with laminated layers and a female adapter piece that forms a fluid-tight connection with a male adapter piece, allowing for direct fluid communication at a lateral surface, which is compact, easy to operate, and capable of withstanding high pressures, with features such as integrally fixed connections and minimal components to reduce handling complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fluidic connection components are used for planar structures, then sealing performance can be achieved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidconnection component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the planar structure with the adapter piece by directly connecting the fluid channel outlet to the adapter, eliminating the need for separate connection components. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining sealing performance through the direct fluid-tight connection between the planar structure's fluid channel and the adapter's fluid conduit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter piece serves multiple functions: it provides sealing, connects to the planar structure, and interfaces with external fluidic systems. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while ensuring reliable sealing under high pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If high-pressure sealing is achieved through traditional fittings, then leak-free connection is possible, but dead volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak-free connectionVSAvoiddead volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components and sealing elements that traditionally increase dead volume. By directly connecting the fluid channel to the adapter piece with minimal intervention, the design removes excess material and space while maintaining leak-free connection through precise fluid-tight accommodation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional linear connection paths to a more compact three-dimensional arrangement where the fluid channel outlet directly interfaces with the adapter piece. This dimensional optimization reduces the flow path length and eliminates dead volume pockets while maintaining sealing integrity under high pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If planar structures with integrated fluid channels are used, then device compactness is improved, but connection and handling difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidconnection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter piece acts as an intermediary between the planar structure's fluid channel and external fluidic components. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies connection and handling while maintaining the compactness of the integrated planar design, making the device easier to operate without compromising space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stress or pressure

If high operational pressures are accommodated, then sealing requirements increase, but component simplicity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational pressure toleranceVSAvoidsealing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing function directly into the adapter piece's fluid-tight accommodation structure, eliminating the need for separate sealing mechanisms. This integration maintains component simplicity while accommodating high operational pressures through the direct, robust connection between the planar structure and adapter piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2962097B1Integrated fluidic connection of planar structures for sample separation devices
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP2962097B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2962097B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2962097B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A fluidic device (200), comprising a planar structure (202) constituted by a plurality of laminated layers (212) and accommodating a fluid channel (204) extending up to a surface of the planar structure (202), and a female adapter piece(206) configured for a fluid-tight accommodation of a male adapter piece(208) having a fluid conduit (210), wherein the female adapter piece (206) is connected or connectable with the planar structure (202) so that, when the male adapter piece (208) is accommodated in the female adapter piece (206), the fluid conduit (210) is brought in fluid-tight fluid communication with the fluid channel (204), wherein the fluid channel (204) is exposed to the female adapter piece(206) at a lateral surface of the planar structure (202) at which the laminated layers (212) are exposed.