Analytical Device Central Valve Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical devices for determining measured variables in liquids are often complex, prone to defects, and require frequent maintenance, limiting their operational flexibility and safety, especially in industrial applications where reagents need safe disposal and handling.
Innovation Solution
A compact analytical device with a central valve switching mechanism and separate pumps for each liquid path, allowing for individual feed rates and volumes of reagents into a measuring cell, integrated within an exchangeable cassette for reduced maintenance and improved operational flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump and shared liquid line are used to supply multiple liquid containers, then device complexity is reduced, but individual feed rate control and dosing precision for each reagent cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the liquid supply function into separate segments by assigning an individual pump to each liquid container. This segmentation enables independent control of feed rates for each reagent while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it can individually control feed rate, dose specific volumes, and supply different reagents to the measuring cell. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hose connections are used for reagent supply and waste disposal, then operational flexibility is improved, but the system becomes susceptible to material fatigue and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable hose connections from the system by implementing a valve mechanism that enables direct, hose-free connections between liquid containers and the measuring cell. This eliminates the intermediate hose elements that are susceptible to material fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is designed to prevent the need for hose connections in the first place, cushioning against the reliability problems that would arise from hose material fatigue and connection failures over time.
3Measurement precision
If reagents are handled in a complex analytical device, then measurement accuracy is improved, but occupational and environmental safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reagent handling process from complex analytical devices and implements it in a simplified, dedicated device with integrated safety features. This extraction allows for optimized safety design while maintaining measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism and simplified design convert the potential harm of reagent handling into a benefit by enabling precise control and minimal exposure. The system transforms the risk associated with reagent handling into a controlled, safe process.
4Extent of automation
If wear parts such as hoses and pumps are integrated into the analytical device, then automated operation is achieved, but maintenance and replacement become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts wear parts from the automated system and designs them to be easily removable and replaceable. The valve mechanism and direct connections allow wear parts to be taken out and replaced without disassembling the automated control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments wear parts into modular, independently replaceable components. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to replace only the specific wear part that needs attention without affecting the automated control system or other functional components.
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
The device achieves high analytical method flexibility, minimizes maintenance needs, and ensures occupational and environmental safety by reducing the number of vulnerable hose lines and allowing for easy replacement of wear parts, enhancing the overall robustness and simplicity of operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump for transport of liquid along the first liquid path is associated with the first liquid container
Implementation Method 2
a second pump (different from the first pump) for transport of liquid along the second liquid path is associated with the second liquid container
Implementation Method 3
the chemical reaction is detectable by means of physical methods, for example, through optical measurements
Implementation Method 4
the sample to be analyzed is mixed with one or more reagents so that a chemical reaction occurs; the chemical reaction is detectable by means of physical methods
Data Source
AI summary
An analytical device for automated determining of a measured variable of a measured liquid, including: a measuring cell; a measuring transducer; a control unit; a system of liquid lines; a first liquid container which is connected to the measuring cell via a first liquid path; a second liquid container, which is connected to the measuring cell via a second liquid path, liquid path can be blocked by means of at least a second valve; wherein a first pump is associated with the first liquid container; and wherein a second pump (different from the first pump) for transport of liquid along the second liquid path is associated with the second liquid container; and wherein the analytical device has a central valve switching mechanism, especially controllable by the control unit, for actuating the first valve and the second valve.