Rotatable Tube Connector for Orientation-Independent Fluid Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for fluid processing systems, particularly in pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, lack efficient and orientation-independent fluid connection solutions, especially when dealing with large diameter conduits or stiff braiding, which can lead to difficulties in making fluid connections without rotating the connected devices.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a hollow connector body with resilient fingers and a rotatable hollow tube, where the tube is retained within the connector body's central aperture, allowing independent rotation of the tube without rotating the body, and includes a locking mechanism and anti-actuation assembly for secure fluid connections, enabling fluid transfer regardless of device orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the connector body and tube are rigidly connected, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to rotate independently is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two independent rotatable segments: the connector body and the tube. Each segment can rotate independently within its own aperture, allowing orientation adjustment without affecting the other component. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both structural stability through defined connection points and operational flexibility through independent rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube is nested within the connector body, with the tube aperture positioned within the body aperture. This nested configuration allows the inner tube to rotate independently while remaining contained within the outer body structure, maintaining overall structural stability while enabling independent rotational movement of the inner component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector allows independent rotation, then orientation independence is improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Resilient seals are pre-installed at the interfaces between the tube and connector body apertures. These seals are positioned in advance to automatically engage when the tube is inserted, ensuring fluid-tight connection is established before any rotation occurs. The preliminary placement of sealing elements guarantees connection reliability is maintained during and after independent rotation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs dynamic resilient seals that can deform and adapt during rotation. The seals are designed to maintain continuous contact with the rotating tube surface, automatically adjusting their position and pressure to ensure fluid-tight sealing throughout the range of motion, thereby maintaining connection reliability during orientation changes.
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
This solution allows for reliable and orientation-independent fluid connections, even with large diameter conduits, by enabling the hollow tube to rotate within the connector body, facilitating secure sealing and fluid transfer without requiring the connected devices to be aligned in a specific orientation, thus enhancing the usability and efficiency of fluid processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient deformable annular seal arranged in an annular groove surrounding the central aperture
Implementation Method 2
the inner wall having at least two resilient fingers, each of the at least two resilient fingers having an upper tip with an inwardly facing projection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A connector is provided comprising a hollow connector body having a central aperture and a hollow tube that is rotatable within the central aperture without rotating the hollow connector body.