The Solver's novel low volume fluidic interconnect that can be broken and reattached many times without any drips or residual fluid on either side of the interconnect in acidic chemical environments is the "Unisex Magnetic Fluidic Connector".
The novel Unisex Magnetic Fluidic Connector is resistant to specific chemistries, and is mass-producible using standard industrial processes like injection moulding and insert moulding.
The novel Unisex Magnetic Fluidic Connector comprises a conduit for channelling a fluid under pressure, a shaft for stopping flow of the fluid, and an internal wall for biasing the shaft by magnetic repulsion force.
The conduit comprises a ring magnet embedded in the port. The ring magnet is diametrically magnetised so that the port makes connection to a port of another conduit in unisex configuration. The shaft comprises an embedded permanent magnet, and the internal wall comprises an embedded permanent magnet. The shaft is capable of exerting force onto a shaft of another unisex connector in order to open fluid communication between two unisex connectors.
Please refer to the detailed drawings of the Unisex Magnetic Fluidic Connector.
Each of the Seeker's Technical Requirements and Desirable Properties is addressed as follows.
The body of the Unisex Magnetic Fluidic Connector will be made of PVDF (Polyvinylidene Difluoride). PVDF withstands an acidic chemical environment of air and CO2 which contains up to 100 ppm NOx and up to 1 % vaporous HNO3. The body will be produced by injection moulding or insert moulding for mass production.
The volume of the Unisex Magnetic Fluidic Connector pair will be < 2 ml, and the inside diameter will be < 10 mm.
The Unisex Magnetic Fluidic Connector will have a shelf life of > 1 year, and last for > 1 000 connection cycles.
The Unisex Magnetic Fluidic Connector will be leak-free at < 10 psi during use, and when disconnected. The pressure drop across the coupling will be < 0.1 psi at 5 centipoise viscosity and 80 ml/min flow rate.
The interconnect force of the Unisex Magnetic Fluidic Connector will be < 5 N per coupling with one-handed connect/disconnect and positive engagement feedback of a click. No tools will be required for connect/disconnect.
The bulkhead attachment threads of the Unisex Magnetic Fluidic Connector will be 1/4"-28 or 10-32.
The cost of the Unisex Magnetic Fluidic Connector will be < $100 USD each in prototype quantities and < $10 USD/part in 1 000+ volume.
References and Notes
Patent application "Drip-free Interconnect with Unisex Magnetic Connector" has been drafted by the Solver for potential licensing to the Seeker. Please find attached the partial text of the patent application for your review.
Conclusion
The Solver believes that the novel Unisex Magnetic Fluidic Connector will meet all of the Seeker's Technical Requirements and Desirable Properties.
