Quick-Connect Fluidic Connector Assembly for Leak-Proof Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluidic connections in analytical instrument systems, such as liquid chromatography, are prone to leaks, require tools for assembly and disassembly, and lack a reliable method to ensure proper sealing without torque or rotation, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination in biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic connection assembly featuring a body with latch portions and hinges that allow for hand-operated connection and disconnection without tools, utilizing a spring mechanism to maintain axial force and ensure a leak-proof seal across various pressures, including biocompatible materials for compatibility with biological samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fluidic connections are used, then connections can be made, but they require tools for assembly and disassembly and are prone to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic latch mechanism with movable arms that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The arms are biased by springs and can be actuated by manual force to engage or disengage from the port, enabling tool-free operation while maintaining a secure, leak-proof connection when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses self-latching arms that automatically engage with the port upon insertion and maintain the connection without requiring additional tools. The spring-biased arms provide automatic locking action, and the connection can be released by simple manual actuation, making the system self-sufficient for both connection and disconnection operations.
2Ease of operation
If conventional connections are used, then connections can be made, but they require rotation or torque application
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into functional segments: a body housing, multiple independent latch arms, hinge mechanisms, and spring elements. Each latch arm operates independently with its own hinge and spring, allowing the complex function of tool-free latching to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a single complex mechanism.
3Productivity
If quick connect/disconnect is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but ensuring reliable sealing across high pressures becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs curved or rounded sealing surfaces at the interface between the tube and port. The tubular protrusion and corresponding recess feature curved geometry that allows for uniform contact and sealing under pressure. The rounded contours distribute the sealing force evenly, maintaining a reliable seal even when the connector is quickly connected or disconnected under high-pressure conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick, tool-free connections and disconnections with a reliable seal across high pressures, reducing the risk of contamination and improving operational efficiency in analytical instrument systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a spring mechanism to maintain axial force and ensure a leak-proof seal across various pressures
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4B
Figure 5
AI summary
A fluidic connection assembly and methods for quickly connecting or disconnecting a tube to a port by hand and without the use of tools. A body is adapted to receive a tube therethrough, and may have at least two sides which are hinged. Each of the hinged sides has corresponding latching portions or projections located near a lower end of the body. These projections are adapted to fit into a port or other fitting and be securely held in place. The assembly may include a tube extending through a body and through a spring located between the end of the body and the end of the tube, whereby the spring exerts a force directly or indirectly against the end of the tube and against the body, thus holding the tubing securely and sealingly engaged in the port when the assembly is connected. The body may further comprise an additional body or an adapter, and/or a cap and latch. A second spring may be used to push a projecting member into a groove or notch of an adapter when an end of the adapter is inserted into one end of the latch or the body. The fluidic connection assembly is useful in analytical instrument systems, such as for in vitro applications and/or in high pressure applications, among other things, and may be used in methods for connecting, or disconnecting, tubing or a fluidic connection assembly from a port or other fitting or connection.