Tri-Clamp Seal Fastening for Accurate Flange Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tri-clamp connections in biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications often require precise positioning of seals between conduit ends, which is difficult to achieve due to the need for manual dexterity and frequent opening/closing, leading to potential leaks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A seal with a form-fitting fastening portion, such as a snap-in or clip-in connection, that securely attaches to the flange before connection, ensuring accurate positioning and maintaining the seal's position during closure, using an elastomeric material and projections/recesses for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of the seal is used during tri-clamp connection closure, then the operator can place the seal between conduit ends, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to difficulty in achieving precise alignment and frequent opening/closing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is pre-positioned on one of the conduit ends before the connection is made. The fastening portion is attached to the flange in advance, so that when the tri-clamp connection is assembled, the seal is already in its correct position and does not require manual adjustment during the closing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening portion acts as an intermediary element between the seal and the flange. This intermediate component provides a secure mechanical attachment (through snap-in, clip-in, or other form-fitting connections) that holds the seal in the correct position relative to the flange, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning during assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seal is manually positioned during frequent opening and closing operations, then the connection can be made and broken, but time is lost due to the need to reposition the seal each time
Solution Approach 1:
The seal with its fastening portion is prepared in advance and attached to the flange before use. This preliminary attachment means that during frequent opening and closing operations, the seal remains securely in position and does not require repositioning, thereby eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening portion enables the seal to maintain its own position automatically during connection operations. The elastic deformation and snap-in mechanism allow the seal to self-adjust and self-hold in the correct position without requiring external intervention or manual repositioning during each opening/closing cycle.
3Ease of operation
If the seal is manually positioned during tri-clamp connection closure, then the connection can be assembled, but the positioning reliability deteriorates leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening portion serves as a reliable intermediary that mechanically couples the seal to the flange with high positioning accuracy. This intermediate element ensures that the seal is held firmly in the correct position, preventing misalignment and ensuring reliable sealing even during frequent assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-attaching the seal to the flange using the fastening portion, the positioning is established before the connection is made. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the seal starts in the correct position and maintains it throughout the connection process, eliminating the reliability issues associated with manual positioning during assembly.
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
Facilitates easy and correct positioning of the seal, reducing leaks and improving operational efficiency by maintaining the seal's position during tri-clamp connection closure.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing body and in particular the connecting portion are made of a material which is elastically deformable in order to provide the form-fitting connection and release it again
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a seal (34) for a tri-clamp connection (12), wherein the tri-clamp connection (12) comprises a first flange (14) of a first conduit end (10) and a second flange (16) of a second conduit end (11), wherein the seal comprises a sealing body (36) that can be placed onto a first end face (18) of the first flange (14) or onto a second end face (22) of the second flange (16), wherein the sealing body (36) comprises a fastening portion (38) for the form-fitting connection to the first flange (14) or to the second flange (16).