A compact reagent storage and precise supply system for an online water quality monitor

Abstract

The utility model relates to a compact reagent storage and accurate supply system of online water quality monitor belongs to online water quality analysis instrument technical field, especially a reagent management unit for water quality automatic monitor, the utility model aims at overcoming the defects, such as the structure of reagent storage supply system in prior art is loose, bulky, replacement is complicated, supply precision is low and reagent waste, provides a more compact, convenient, accurate, reliable reagent management solution. The integrated design greatly reduces the occupied space of reagent unit, creates conditions for instrument integration more functional modules or realizes the miniaturization of complete machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a compact reagent storage and precise supply system for an online water quality monitor, belonging to the technical field of online water quality analysis instruments, and in particular to a reagent management unit for an automatic water quality monitor. Background Technology

[0002] The stable operation of online water quality monitoring instruments is highly dependent on the accurate and reliable supply of various chemical reagents. Current reagent storage and supply systems generally suffer from the following problems:

[0003] 1. Bulky structure and low space utilization: Traditional reagents are usually stored in separate, large reagent bottles and connected to the internal pump and valve system of the instrument via flexible tubes of varying lengths. This split layout occupies a large amount of valuable internal space, which is not conducive to the compact and integrated design of the instrument.

[0004] 2. Inconvenient replacement and high operational risks: When changing reagents, operators usually need to manually unscrew the bottle cap and disconnect or reconnect the tubing, a cumbersome and time-consuming process. Reagent leakage or splashing is prone to occur during tubing disconnection or reconnection, which may not only corrode instrument parts but also pose a safety threat to the operator. Furthermore, it may introduce air bubbles, affecting the accuracy of subsequent measurements.

[0005] 3. Poor supply accuracy and significant reagent waste: The excessively long tubing from the reagent bottle to the pump valve results in a large "dead volume" in the system. Each time the pump is started, this dead volume needs to be filled first, leading to a delayed reagent response and a waste of reagent volume. Furthermore, the elastic deformation of the long tubing also affects the accuracy and repeatability of supplying small volumes.

[0006] 4. Insufficient reliability: Numerous pipeline connection points increase the risk of system leaks, blockages, or connection errors, reducing the long-term reliability of the instrument and increasing maintenance workload.

[0007] Therefore, designing a novel, highly integrated, compact reagent storage and supply system to solve the above problems is of significant practical value for improving the overall performance of online water quality monitors. Utility Model Content

[0008] This invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of existing reagent storage and supply systems, such as loose structure, large size, cumbersome replacement, low supply accuracy, and reagent waste, and to provide a more compact, convenient, accurate, and reliable reagent management solution.

[0009] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a compact reagent storage and precise supply system for an online water quality monitor, comprising at least one reagent bottle and tubing connecting the reagent bottle. The system structure further includes:

[0010] A bottle rack assembly, comprising multiple combinable bottle racks, for accommodating and positioning the reagent bottles;

[0011] A quick connector is adapted to mate with the mouth of the reagent bottle. The quick connector includes a male connector on the bottle cap and a female connector on the bottle holder. The male and female connectors form a sealed connection when connected or disconnected through a self-sealing valve structure, which enables the installation and removal of the reagent bottle without the use of tools, preventing liquid leakage or air ingress.

[0012] A microfluidic control module is located near the bottle rack assembly. The microfluidic control module integrates a micropump and / or a microvalve for precisely controlling the volume and flow of reagent drawn from the reagent bottle.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottle rack assembly also includes an open housing and a sliding frame that is movably fitted to the open housing, the sliding frame carrying a number of bottle racks or a combination of multiple bottle racks.

[0014] Furthermore, the open box has an opening on its side and a slide rail on its inner wall, and the sliding frame is movably fitted with the slide rail to form a drawer-type structure with the open box.

[0015] Furthermore, the microfluidic control module is housed within the open enclosure.

[0016] Furthermore, the quick connector includes a male connector on the cap of the reagent bottle and a female connector on the bottle rack. Each bottle rack has a female connector at the rear of the slot, and each reagent bottle cap is pre-installed with a male connector with a self-sealing valve that matches the female connector. The male and female connectors have a self-sealing function when connected or disconnected.

[0017] Furthermore, the male and female connectors adopt a spring-loaded self-sealing valve structure, wherein the male connector has a built-in spring valve core, and the female connector has a built-in matching sealing gasket and spring sealing valve; when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the spring valve core and sealing valve are compressed and opened to form a fluid passage; when the male connector is disconnected from the female connector, the spring valve core and sealing valve automatically reset and close, forming a self-sealing connection to prevent liquid leakage or air entry.

[0018] Furthermore, the microfluidic control module is a pump group module integrating multiple micro pumps, wherein the micro pumps are piezoelectric pumps, peristaltic pumps, or diaphragm pumps.

[0019] Furthermore, the length of the tubing connecting the quick connector to the microfluidic control module is less than 10 centimeters to minimize dead volume.

[0020] Furthermore, the reagent bottle or bottle rack is equipped with a liquid level sensor or a weight sensor for real-time monitoring of the remaining reagent level inside.

[0021] Furthermore, the reagent bottle, quick connector, and microfluidic control module are integrated into a compact housing with electromagnetic shielding and thermal insulation.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] 1. Highly compact structure: The integrated design significantly reduces the space occupied by the reagent unit, creating conditions for integrating more functional modules into the instrument or achieving miniaturization of the entire instrument.

[0024] 2. Extremely convenient and safe replacement: When changing reagents, users can achieve "plug and play" or "pull and replace" without any tools. The self-sealing connector effectively avoids reagent leakage and air bubbles entering, improving the safety of operation and the stability of the instrument.

[0025] 3. Highly precise supply, reducing waste: The ultra-short pipeline design significantly reduces the dead volume of the system, resulting in a qualitative improvement in the response speed and metering accuracy of trace reagents. Especially when adding at the μL level, the error is smaller, and valuable reagents are also greatly saved.

[0026] 4. Enhanced system reliability: The number of external pipes and connectors has been significantly reduced, fundamentally lowering the risk of system leakage and connection failure, and extending the maintenance-free period of the instrument. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the overall structure in one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a side sectional view of the overall structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] In the diagram: A, bottle rack; B, reagent bottle; C, quick connector; D, microfluidic control module; F1, drawer-type structure push-in installation direction; F2, reagent output direction after metering. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, 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. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Specifically, the terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this utility model provides a compact reagent storage and precise supply system for an online water quality monitor, mainly including multiple reagent bottles B and tubing C connecting the reagent bottles. The system structure also includes:

[0034] The bottle rack assembly includes an open housing and a sliding frame that movably engages with the open housing. The sliding frame carries several bottle racks A or a combination of multiple bottle racks A. The individual bottle racks A can be directly combined, modularly assembled or disassembled to form evaluation groups of any size, used to accommodate and position the reagent bottles B. Preferably, the reagent bottles B are arranged in a matrix within multiple slots of the bottle rack A.

[0035] Quick connector C is adapted to connect with the bottle mouth of reagent bottle B. Quick connector C includes a male connector disposed on the bottle cap of reagent bottle B and a female connector disposed on bottle rack A. The male connector and the female connector form a sealed connection when connected or disconnected through a self-sealing valve structure.

[0036] A microfluidic control module D is disposed within the open housing and located near the bottle rack assembly. The microfluidic control module D integrates a micropump and / or a microvalve for precisely controlling the volume and flow of reagent drawn from the reagent bottle.

[0037] In some embodiments, the open box has an opening on its side, and horizontal slide rails are provided on the inner walls on both sides of the opening. The sliding frame is provided with a telescopic slider, which is movable and cooperates with the slide rail to form a drawer-type structure with the open box.

[0038] In some embodiments, the quick connector C includes a male connector on the cap of reagent bottle B and a female connector on bottle rack A. The male and female connectors have a self-sealing function when connected or disconnected to prevent liquid leakage or air ingress. Each bottle rack A has a female connector at the rear of its mounting position, and each reagent bottle B's cap is pre-installed with a matching male connector with a self-sealing valve.

[0039] Preferably, the male and female connectors adopt a spring-loaded self-sealing valve structure, wherein the male connector has a built-in spring valve core, and the female connector has a built-in matching sealing gasket and spring sealing valve; when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the spring valve core and sealing valve are compressed and opened to form a fluid passage; when the male connector is disconnected from the female connector, the spring valve core and sealing valve automatically reset and close, forming a self-sealing connection to prevent liquid leakage or air entry.

[0040] In some embodiments, the microfluidic control module D is a pump assembly module integrating multiple micropumps, which are piezoelectric pumps, peristaltic pumps, or diaphragm pumps. This arrangement can reduce the volume of the pump assembly and optimize space by setting it in the form of a smaller module in the open housing. It can also provide a certain degree of protection for the microfluidic control module D.

[0041] In some embodiments, preferably, the length of the conduit connecting the quick connector C and the microfluidic control module D is less than 10 cm to minimize dead volume.

[0042] In some embodiments, the reagent bottle B or the bottle rack A is equipped with a liquid level sensor or a weight sensor for real-time monitoring of the remaining reagent level inside.

[0043] In some embodiments, preferably, the reagent bottle B, quick connector C, and microfluidic control module D are integrated into a compact housing with electromagnetic shielding and thermal insulation.

[0044] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A compact reagent storage and precise supply system for an online water quality monitor, comprising at least one reagent bottle (B) and tubing connecting the reagent bottle, characterized in that, The system structure also includes: A bottle rack assembly, comprising multiple combinable bottle racks (A) for accommodating and positioning the reagent bottles (B); A quick connector (C) is adapted to mate with the mouth of the reagent bottle (B). The quick connector (C) includes a male connector disposed on the cap of the reagent bottle (B) and a female connector disposed on the bottle rack (A). The male connector and the female connector form a sealed connection when connected or disconnected through a self-sealing valve structure. A microfluidic control module (D) is located near the bottle rack assembly. The microfluidic control module (D) integrates a micropump and / or a microvalve for precisely controlling the volume and flow of reagent drawn from the reagent bottle.

2. The compact reagent storage and precise supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottle rack assembly also includes an open housing and a sliding frame that is movably fitted to the open housing. The sliding frame carries a number of bottle racks (A) or a combination structure of multiple bottle racks (A).

3. The compact reagent storage and precise supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The open box has an opening on the side and a slide rail on the inner wall. The sliding frame is movably fitted with the slide rail to form a drawer-type structure with the open box.

4. The compact reagent storage and precise supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The microfluidic control module (D) is located within the open enclosure.

5. The compact reagent storage and precise supply system according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The quick connector (C) includes a male connector on the cap of the reagent bottle (B) and a female connector on the bottle rack (A). Each bottle rack (A) has a female connector at the rear of the slot, and each reagent bottle (B) has a male connector with a self-sealing valve pre-installed on the cap to match the female connector. The male and female connectors have a self-sealing function when connected or disconnected.

6. The compact reagent storage and precise supply system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The male and female connectors adopt a spring-loaded self-sealing valve structure, wherein the male connector has a built-in spring valve core, and the female connector has a built-in matching sealing gasket and spring sealing valve; when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the spring valve core and sealing valve are compressed and opened to form a fluid passage; when the male connector is disconnected from the female connector, the spring valve core and sealing valve automatically reset and close, forming a self-sealing connection to prevent liquid leakage or air entry.

7. The compact reagent storage and precise supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microfluidic control module (D) is a pump group module that integrates multiple micro pumps, which are piezoelectric pumps, peristaltic pumps, or diaphragm pumps.

8. The compact reagent storage and precise supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the tubing connecting the quick connector (C) to the microfluidic control module (D) is less than 10 cm.

9. The compact reagent storage and precise supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent bottle (B) or bottle rack (A) is equipped with a liquid level sensor or weight sensor for real-time monitoring of the remaining reagent level inside.

10. The compact reagent storage and precise supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent bottle (B), quick connector (C), and microfluidic control module (D) are integrated into a compact housing with electromagnetic shielding and thermal insulation.

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