Spring-Loaded Fluidic Connector Assembly for Leak-Free Quick Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluidic connections in analytical instrument systems, such as liquid chromatography, are inefficient due to the need for tools, potential leaks, and the inability to provide reliable, leak-free connections without torque, especially in high-pressure applications and when dealing with biological samples, where stainless steel components can contaminate samples.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic connection assembly that uses a body with latch portions and hinges to allow for easy connection and disconnection without torque, utilizing a spring to exert a constant axial force and provide a visual cue for proper sealing, and is made from biocompatible materials to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional threaded fittings are used to provide secure fluidic connections, then connection reliability is improved, but the complexity of operation increases and tool requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting assembly is divided into a body portion and a separate tube retention mechanism. The retention mechanism includes a compression element and a locking element that can independently engage with the port, allowing the connection function to be segmented into sealing (body) and securing (locking element) tasks, thereby improving reliability without complicating operation
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting assembly incorporates a self-locking mechanism where the locking element automatically engages with the port upon insertion, and a spring-loaded compression element automatically secures the tube. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual tightening or tool assistance, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable connection
2Reliability
If threaded connections are tightened to ensure leak-free sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but the risk of over-tightening damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression element is spring-loaded to automatically apply and maintain optimal sealing force on the tube without requiring manual tightening. The spring force self-regulates to provide sufficient sealing pressure while preventing over-compression that could damage the tube or fitting, thus maintaining both sealing reliability and component integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism transitions from torque-dependent compression to spring-force-dependent compression. The spring element maintains a controlled compression parameter on the tube throughout operation, automatically adjusting to provide consistent sealing pressure without the risk of excessive force, thereby protecting component strength while ensuring leak-free sealing
3Strength
If stainless steel components are used in fluidic connections, then mechanical strength is improved, but sample contamination occurs in biological applications
Solution Approach 1:
Only the body portion of the fitting that interfaces with the port requires high mechanical strength, while the tube retention and sealing surfaces use materials biocompatible with biological samples. This local differentiation allows stainless steel or strong polymer in the body for strength, while PEEK or other biocompatible materials contact the samples, eliminating contamination risk without sacrificing structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting assembly uses composite construction combining materials with different properties: a strong polymer or metal body for mechanical strength, and biocompatible polymer surfaces for tube sealing and sample contact. This composite approach simultaneously achieves the required mechanical strength while preventing sample contamination in biological applications
4Productivity
If quick-connect mechanisms are implemented to reduce connection time, then productivity is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-connect mechanism is segmented into insertion (body engagement with port) and securing (locking element engagement) phases. The locking element features a snap-action or cam-actuated design that rapidly transitions from open to locked state upon insertion, providing both speed and reliability through the distinct functional segmentation of connection steps
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the port's locking feature upon insertion, before any manual manipulation is required. This preliminary automatic engagement ensures reliable connection is established as part of the quick-connect action itself, not as a separate subsequent step, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability
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, reliable, and leak-free connections in high-pressure applications without the need for tools, ensuring accurate sample analysis and reducing contamination risks in biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a spring to exert a constant axial force
Data Source
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.