Batch Chemical Analyzer Valve Segmentation for Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional batch chemical analyzers face issues with foreign substances accumulating in multi-port valves due to repeated circulation of samples and reagents, leading to clogging and limiting design flexibility, as all components are connected to a single closed loop tube.
Innovation Solution
A batch chemical analyzer design that separates the multi-port valve from other components, using a switching valve and rotor to selectively communicate holes for sample and reagent introduction and circulation, allowing for independent supply of samples and reagents from outside the loop tube, and an air suction/discharge mechanism to manage fluid flow and prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all components (multi-port valve, reaction tank, detector) are connected to one closed loop tube for automated batch analysis, then automation and analysis efficiency are improved, but foreign substances accumulate in the multi-port valve holes due to repeated circulation, causing clogging and reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the closed loop into multiple separate loop tubes instead of using a single loop tube. Each loop tube can be independently configured with specific components, allowing the multi-port valve to be isolated from the circulation path that causes foreign substance accumulation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining automated batch analysis while preventing valve clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-port valve is extracted from the closed loop tube configuration and positioned separately. The valve introduces samples and reagents into the loop tubes without being part of the circulation path itself. This extraction eliminates the problem of foreign substance accumulation in the valve while preserving the automated analysis functionality.
2Device complexity
If all components are connected to one closed loop tube, then device complexity is reduced, but design flexibility and product diversity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into multiple loop tubes that can be independently configured, the patent enables diverse product designs while maintaining manageable system complexity. Each loop tube can be tailored for specific analysis requirements, allowing for product differentiation and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-port valve serves multiple functions by introducing different samples and reagents into different loop tubes. This universal component design allows a single valve structure to support various analysis configurations and product types, enhancing design flexibility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Extent of automation
If samples and reagents are repeatedly circulated in a closed loop, then analysis automation is improved, but foreign substances accumulate and clog the multi-port valve holes
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-port valve is extracted from the circulation path and positioned as a separate component that introduces materials into the loop tubes without being subjected to repeated circulation. This eliminates the harmful accumulation of foreign substances in the valve while maintaining high automation through the circulating loop tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop tubes act as intermediaries between the multi-port valve and the analysis components. Samples and reagents are introduced by the valve into the loop tubes, which then circulate and transport materials to reaction tanks and detectors. This intermediary structure protects the valve from direct exposure to circulating foreign substances while maintaining automated functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A batch chemical analyzer is disclosed, the analyzer including a reaction tank (100) in which sample and reagent are mixed, a detector (200), a switching valve (300), a multi-port valve (400), a pump (500) and an air suction/discharge hole (600), and particularly, the switching valve (300) includes a plurality of holes (301˜310) configured to receive sample and reagent and to send the same to the reaction tank (100) and the detector (200) for discharge to the outside, and the rotor (320) formed with a plurality of inlets (321˜325) simultaneously communicating with two adjacent holes of the plurality of holes (301˜310), whereby the two adjacent holes are differently paired to be communicated in two ways by the rotation of the rotor (320).