Universal Manifold Angled Ports Gasket Securing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage container caps for HPLC systems face limitations in accommodating multiple supply tubes due to space constraints and often result in gasket damage during removal, leading to contamination of chemical liquids.

Innovation Solution

A universal manifold with angled ports for easier attachment of supply tubes and a gasket securing system with a groove to ensure complete removal of the gasket from the storage container, allowing for secure sealing and reduced contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple supply tubes are attached to a cap, then the storage container can receive multiple chemical liquids, but the surface area of the cap limits the number of tubes and makes attachment difficult due to space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of supply tubesVSAvoidattachment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold introduces a three-dimensional structure with ports extending in multiple directions and angles, transforming the two-dimensional cap surface into a multi-dimensional attachment system. This allows supply tubes to be connected at various angles and positions, increasing the number of tubes that can be attached while maintaining adequate space for manipulation and tool access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a gasket is used to seal between the cap and storage container, then chemical liquid evaporation is prevented, but the gasket often remains connected to the storage container during cap removal and may be damaged, causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidgasket debris contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold separates the gasket from the cap structure, extracting it as an independent sealing element positioned between the manifold and the storage container. This allows the gasket to remain with the storage container during cap removal without being damaged, as the manifold provides structural support and the gasket is no longer stretched or stressed by cap-manifold separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If caps are designed with threaded ports for securing supply tubes, then secure attachment is achieved, but the limited surface area restricts the number of ports and complicates additional attachments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidnumber of ports

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold divides the attachment system into multiple segmented ports distributed throughout its structure, with each port capable of secure threaded attachment. This segmentation allows multiple supply tubes to be connected at different locations and orientations, maintaining secure attachment at each port while increasing overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9725294B2Gasket securing means for a universal manifold

Publication Date: 2017.08.08 COLE PARMER INSTR CO

AI summary

The current invention teaches a universal manifold for delivering chemical liquids to a storage container. The universal manifold contains a universal mating system that enables a single manifold to attach to a number of variously sized storage containers that include a number of variously sized fill apertures. This enables the use of the same universal manifold for the delivery and collection of liquid chemical to the storage container at different times.