Auxiliary observation device for chromatographic column packing
By installing a fixed structure with a strip light source on the outer wall of the chromatography column, the problem of difficult observation of the gel surface during column packing was solved, achieving efficient and convenient gel surface positioning and improving column packing efficiency and success rate.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI SILUN BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, it is difficult to observe the gel surface during the column packing process, resulting in low packing efficiency and high risk, especially with the increased complexity and difficulty of operation when using large-diameter chromatography columns.
Design an auxiliary observation device comprising two fixed structures and a strip light source. The fixed structures are detachably connected to the outer wall of the chromatography column, and the strip light source is installed along the axial direction to provide uniform illumination for quick location of the gel surface.
Uniform illumination clearly defines the position of the adhesive surface, improving column loading efficiency and success rate while reducing operational complexity and the risk of failure.
Smart Images

Figure CN224207454U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of laboratory equipment, and in particular to an auxiliary observation device for packing chromatography columns. Background Technology
[0002] In downstream purification laboratories, protein purification using chromatography columns is a common and important procedure. Column packing is an indispensable process in purification laboratories, and its effectiveness directly impacts the quality and efficiency of subsequent protein purification.
[0003] Currently, there are generally two methods for observing the gel surface during the column packing process of chromatography: one is the observation method using natural light, and the other is the observation method using artificial light sources such as mobile phones and flashlights.
[0004] The natural light observation method has the following two shortcomings: (1) It is highly dependent on the quality of the laboratory lighting. Insufficient or excessive light will have an adverse effect on the observation of the gel surface position, making it difficult to clearly observe the gel surface position. (2) It is inconvenient to operate. When packing chromatography columns with a diameter of 2.6 cm or more, due to the large volume of the chromatography column, natural light cannot fully illuminate all parts of the column, resulting in the inability to observe the gel surface position. Furthermore, larger diameter chromatography columns may require constant adjustment of the position to find a suitable angle of natural light, which increases the complexity and difficulty of the operation.
[0005] Although artificial light sources such as mobile phones and flashlights can compensate for the shortcomings of natural light sources to a certain extent, they still have the following disadvantages: (1) The light source is point-shaped and the observation range is small. Artificial light sources such as mobile phones and flashlights appear as points on the chromatography column, which means that their illumination range is limited. When looking for the gel surface, it is necessary to keep moving the position of the light source, making it difficult to find the gel surface quickly. This may lead to a longer column packing time and affect the experimental progress. Moreover, in the process of looking for the gel surface, other interference factors may be introduced due to the frequent movement of the light source, which further increases the difficulty of column packing.
[0006] It is evident that current methods for observing the gel surface during column packing in chromatography all have numerous problems. These problems not only affect packing efficiency but also increase the risk of packing failure. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new solution that can overcome the shortcomings of existing methods and provide a more convenient and accurate way to observe the gel surface, thereby improving the efficiency and success rate of column packing in chromatography. Summary of the Invention
[0007] In view of the problem that it is difficult to quickly observe the gel surface during the column packing process in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an auxiliary observation device for column packing in chromatography, so as to at least partially solve the above-mentioned problem.
[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0009] An auxiliary observation device for packing a chromatography column includes two fixing structures and a strip light source connected between the two fixing structures. Both fixing structures can be detachably and fixedly connected to the outer wall of the chromatography column during use.
[0010] In some preferred embodiments, the fixing structure includes a base and a buckle connected to the base.
[0011] In some preferred embodiments, a channel is provided on the base of one of the fixing structures for the strip light source to pass through, and the base is also screwed with a clamping member for pressing the strip light source.
[0012] In some preferred embodiments, the working end of the clamping member is provided with a buffer pad.
[0013] In some preferred embodiments, a switch is provided on the base of another of the fixed structures, the strip light source is fixed on the base, and the strip light source is electrically connected to the switch.
[0014] In some preferred embodiments, the base is also provided with a power supply electrically connected to the switch.
[0015] In some preferred embodiments, the power source is a battery, and the base is provided with a USB charging interface for charging the battery.
[0016] In some preferred embodiments, the buckle includes two sub-bands respectively fixed to two opposite sides of the base, one of the sub-bands having a buckle head and the other sub-band having a plurality of buckle holes spaced apart along its length.
[0017] In some preferred embodiments, the buckle is made of rubber.
[0018] In some preferred embodiments, the strip light source is a COB potted LED strip.
[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model by adopting the above technical solution are as follows: This utility model, through the setting of two fixed structures and a strip light source connected between the two, enables the strip light source to be installed axially on the outer wall of the chromatography column through the two fixed structures, and the chromatography column is simultaneously irradiated by multiple light source points on the strip light source, so that the chromatography column can receive strong and uniform illumination along its length, thereby facilitating rapid observation of the gel surface and improving column packing efficiency and success rate. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.
[0021] Figure 2 For along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line AA in the middle.
[0022] Figure 3 This is the front view of the present invention in use.
[0023] Figure 4 This is a side view of the present invention in use.
[0024] In the diagram: 1-Strip light source, 2-Chromatography column, 3-Base, 4-Buckling strap, 41-Sub-strip, 42-Buckling head, 43-Buckling hole, 5-Capping, 6-Pressure piece, 7-Buffer pad, 8-Switch, 9-USB charging interface. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these descriptions are for the purpose of aiding understanding of this utility model, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0026] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the description of the structure of this utility model shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0027] The terms "first" and "second" in this technical solution are merely designations for corresponding structures that are identical or similar, or that perform similar functions. They do not represent an arrangement of the importance of these structures, nor do they imply any ranking, comparison of size, or other meaning.
[0028] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, a connection can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two structures. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the overall concept and the specific context of the solution. Example
[0029] An auxiliary observation device for packing chromatography columns, such as Figure 1-4As shown, it includes two fixed structures and a strip light source 1 connected between the two fixed structures. Both fixed structures can be detached and fixedly connected to the outer wall of the chromatography column 2 during use.
[0030] The two fixing structures have roughly the same structure, each including a base 3 and a buckle 4 connected to the base 3. The base 3 is roughly rectangular in shape. The buckle 4 is a two-section structure, including two sub-bands 41, which are fixed to two opposite sides of the base 3. One sub-band 41 has a buckle 42 at its end, and the other sub-band 41 has several buckle holes 43 spaced apart along its length. In use, the tightness of the buckle 4 is adjusted by engaging the buckle 42 with different buckle holes 43. Typically, the buckle 4 is made of a material with a certain degree of elasticity and flexibility, such as rubber. This prevents the buckle 4 from scratching the outer wall of the chromatography column 2 and also allows the buckle 4 to stretch appropriately to better engage the buckle 42 with the buckle holes 43.
[0031] The base 3 has two opposite sides equipped with pressure caps 5 for pressing the sub-belt 41. The surface of the base 3 has grooves to accommodate the pressure caps 5, ensuring a flat surface. One end of the pressure cap 5 is pivotally connected to the base 3, and the other end is connected to the base 3 via a snap-fit structure, which can be arranged on the sides of the pressure cap 5 and the grooves. When the pressure cap 5 and the base 3 are connected via the snap-fit structure, a certain gap remains between them, slightly smaller than the thickness of the sub-belt 41. The surfaces of the pressure cap 5 and the base 3 opposite to each other are embossed to increase friction and prevent the sub-belt 41 from falling off.
[0032] In this embodiment, there are some subtle differences between the two fixed structures, which are mainly reflected in the base 3.
[0033] Specifically, one of the fixing structures has a base 3 with a channel for the strip light source 1 to pass through. The surface of the base 3 also has a threaded hole communicating with the channel, into which a clamping element 6, such as a screw (e.g., a hand screw), is screwed. Tightening the screw clamps the strip light source 1 passing through the channel. In use, the fixing structure with the channel in the base 3 is typically positioned higher on the outer wall of the chromatography column 2, while the other fixing structure is positioned lower on the outer wall of the chromatography column 2.
[0034] A switch 8 is mounted on the base 3 of another fixing structure. The lower end of the strip light source 1 is fixed to the base 3, for example, by adhesive bonding, and the lower end of the strip light source 1 is also electrically connected to the switch 8. Typically, the base 3 of this fixing structure also has a power source (not shown in the figure) electrically connected to the switch 8, such as a battery arranged inside the base 3, or a power adapter connected to the switch 8 via a cable. When the power source is a battery, a USB charging port 9 for charging the battery can also be provided on the base 3.
[0035] By placing the fixed structure with a power source at a relatively low position on the chromatography column 2, the center of gravity of the chromatography column 2 can be lowered, thereby improving its stability and reducing the risk of the chromatography column 2 tipping over.
[0036] Typically, a buffer pad 7, made of materials such as rubber or silicone, is fixed (e.g., bonded) to the working end of the clamping member 6 facing the strip light source 1. The base 3, when in use, is also typically provided with a buffer pad on the side facing the chromatography column 2, also made of materials such as rubber or silicone.
[0037] In this embodiment, the strip light source 1 can be an LED strip, more preferably a COB potted strip. Compared with ordinary LED strips, COB potted strips can more effectively ensure the uniformity of the light source. Ordinary LED strips have problems such as uneven brightness and light spots, while COB potted strips, through special encapsulation technology, can make the light source more evenly distributed on the surface of the strip. Thus, when observing the adhesive surface, the uniform light source can ensure that the adhesive surface is clearly visible from all angles, avoiding the situation where the adhesive surface is not detected in time due to uneven light.
[0038] The auxiliary observation device for packing chromatography columns provided in this embodiment of the invention is used as follows:
[0039] In use, the two fixing structures are respectively fixed to the upper and lower ends of the outer wall of the chromatography column 2 using buckles 4. Then, the strip light source 1 is straightened along the axial direction parallel to the chromatography column 2 and pressed down by the clamping member 6 to keep it straight. During the use of the chromatography column 2, the strip light source 1 is lit by the switch 8 to illuminate the interior of the chromatography column 2. Compared with the prior art, since the strip light source 1 has multiple light-emitting points along the length of the chromatography column 2, the illumination range is large, making it convenient to quickly locate the gel surface, thereby improving the efficiency and success rate of column packing.
[0040] The embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this utility model is not limited to the described embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this utility model, and these variations still fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. An auxiliary observation device for packing a chromatography column, characterized in that: It includes two fixed structures and a strip light source connected between the two fixed structures. Both fixed structures can be detachably and fixedly connected to the outer wall of the chromatography column during use.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing structure includes a base and a buckle connected to the base.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: One of the fixed structures has a base with a channel for the strip light source to pass through, and the base is also screwed with a clamping member for pressing the strip light source.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: The working end of the clamping component is equipped with a buffer pad.
5. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: A switch is provided on the base of another fixed structure, the strip light source is fixed on the base, and the strip light source is electrically connected to the switch.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The base is also provided with a power supply that is electrically connected to the switch.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that: The power source is a battery, and the base is provided with a USB charging port for charging the battery.
8. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The buckle includes two sub-bands fixed to two opposite sides of the base, one of which has a buckle and the other has a plurality of buckle holes spaced apart along its length.
9. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The buckle is made of rubber.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The strip light source is a COB glue-filled LED strip.