Sanitary Bayonet Coupling for High-Pressure Chromatography Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chromatography systems face challenges with reconnectable fluid tubing couplings that are difficult to sanitize, require tools for connection/disconnection, and are not suitable for high-pressure applications, leading to contamination and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A chromatography system with releasable fluid couplings that can be quickly reconnected without tools, featuring a bayonet locking mechanism and a design with no dead-ends or O-ring grooves to prevent contamination, allowing for easy cleaning and operation across a wide range of applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional plumbing fittings with multiple components (metal springs and O-rings) are used, then fluid sealing is achieved, but dead-ends and O-ring grooves harbour contaminants and are difficult to sanitise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes traditional sealing components (O-rings, metal springs) that create dead-ends and grooves. Instead, it uses a simple tapered interference fit between the tubing and coupling body, eliminating the spaces where contaminants can accumulate while maintaining fluid sealing through the direct contact between the tapered surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is divided into distinct functional zones: a tapered sealing section that creates the fluid-tight connection, a locking section with bayonet mechanism for secure attachment, and a smooth bore section for fluid flow. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its function without creating contaminant-trapping areas.
2Ease of operation
If reconnectable fluid tubing couplings are used for flexible tubing, then ease of connection is improved, but hygiene and suitability for high-pressure applications deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sealing function, locking function, and high-pressure resistance into a single integrated coupling design. The tapered interference fit provides both sealing and pressure resistance, while the bayonet locking mechanism provides secure attachment, all within one component that has no crevices for contaminant accumulation.
3Strength
If tool-assembly barb lock tubing coupling is used, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring tooling for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design allows the tubing to be inserted and secured without external tools. The tapered interference fit automatically creates the sealing connection when tubing is inserted, and the bayonet locking mechanism can be engaged by simple rotational movement of the coupling body, making the entire assembly process tool-free while maintaining strong connections.
4Productivity
If quick release mechanism is implemented, then productivity is improved, but connection strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet locking mechanism provides a dynamic connection system that transitions from a locked state (for high-strength connection during operation) to an unlocked state (for quick release and reconfiguration). The locking lugs engage with corresponding slots to provide rigid connection during chromatography runs, but can be quickly disengaged by rotating the coupling body, enabling fast reconfiguration without compromising connection strength when locked.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are chromatography systems employing a releasable coupling 100 for holding a fluid tubing to a spigot, the coupling comprising: a cylindrical inner component 110 for accepting a fluid tubing 30, said inner component including a resiliently deflectable portion 118 arranged to urge an outer surface of the tubing toward a spigot; and a cylindrical collar 130 having and internal through-aperture 132 for slideably accepting the inner component, the aperture and resilient portion having complementary surface formations which in a first position of the collar mounted to the inner component provide for said resilient deflection in use, and which in a second different position do not cause said deflection, the coupling being characterized in that the collar comprises a collar flange 134 extending outwardly away from the aperture of a size allowing manual manipulation of the collar between the first and second positions. Chromatography systems employing said couplings is disclosed also.