Reinforced Tri-Clamp Filter Cartridge Flange for Sterile Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polymer-based flanges in tri-clamp assemblies deform during high-temperature sterilization procedures, leading to improper sealing and reduced structural integrity, and existing solutions require accessory sealing means or limit the selection of materials due to exposure to fluids and gases.
Innovation Solution
A metallic or polymer insert is molded or secured into the flange, with features such as perforations, eccentric cutouts, or surface structures to secure it mechanically within the tube material, preventing deformation and ensuring a tight seal without additional sealing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polymer-based flanges are used in tri-clamp assemblies, then ease of manufacture and structural integrity are improved, but reliability deteriorates during high-temperature sterilization due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymer material for the flange body with an embedded metallic insert that has higher heat resistance. The metallic insert contains a sealing surface that remains stable during autoclaving, while the polymer provides ease of manufacture and structural integrity. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by allowing the flange to be easily manufactured from polymer while gaining the thermal stability of metal for reliable sealing during sterilization.
2Reliability
If metallic inserts are added to polymer flanges to prevent deformation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to accessory sealing means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function directly into the metallic insert by providing a sealing surface on the insert itself. This eliminates the need for separate accessory sealing means such as gaskets or O-rings that would otherwise be required. The metallic insert serves dual purposes: preventing flange deformation during sterilization and providing the sealing interface, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If accessory sealing means are used to ensure proper sealing, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic insert with its integrated sealing surface serves the sealing function inherently through its own structure. The insert's sealing surface is formed as part of the insert itself, eliminating the need for additional sealing components. This self-service approach reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while ensuring reliable sealing during high-temperature sterilization procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter cartridge assembly (1400) comprising: a filter cartridge body (1402) defining a filter securing frame (1404); at least one filter in the filter securing frame; one tri-clamp flange adapter port at the filter cartridge body (1402) formed with a radially extending reinforced flange (1410) to prevent tube flange deformation and leakage when subjected to high compressive forces and sustained high-temperature procedures. The flange inserts reinforcements are configured to provide structural support to the flanges. The inserts (220) may be metallic or polymer based and formed with various structural features to create a mechanical lock between the insert and the material used to make the tube/flange assembly. The inserts are into the tube flanges so as to provide the desired support without being exposed to any fluids and/or gases that may flow through the reinforced tube/flange assemblies.