Annular Gas Chromatograph Filter Reducing Flow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter apparatuses for gas chromatographs suffer from increased flow path resistance and dead space issues, leading to reduced capturing efficiency and stability in analysis operations, along with potential gas leakage due to multiple connecting points.
Innovation Solution
A filter apparatus with an annular second flow path and a seal member to minimize flow path resistance, reduce dead space, and consolidate connecting points, featuring a main body with an inlet and outlet at one end to facilitate space-saving and leak reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the internal space is formed to be elongated to fit the filter material, then the filter material can be accommodated, but the cross-sectional area becomes small and flow path resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the flow path in a U-shape rather than a straight line. This curved configuration increases the cross-sectional area available for gas flow while accommodating the filter material, thereby reducing flow path resistance without compromising the volume capacity for filter material placement.
2Device complexity
If gas moves linearly through the apparatus, then the flow path is simple, but dead space is generated around boundaries where gas is difficult to pass
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped flow path creates a curved configuration that eliminates dead spaces around boundaries. The curved design ensures gas flows uniformly through the entire filter material cross-section, preventing stagnant zones where capturing efficiency would deteriorate, while maintaining relatively simple flow path structure.
3Ease of operation
If connecting portions are provided at both ends of the main body, then gas flow connection is achieved, but a large space is required and gas leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inlet and outlet connections to be located at the same end of the main body, forming a U-shaped flow path. This consolidation reduces the number of connecting portions from two to one, decreasing the risk of gas leakage and reducing the space required for installation, while still achieving proper gas flow connection through the filter material.
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 annular design enhances capturing efficiency, maintains low gas velocity, and stabilizes analysis operations by reducing pressure and minimizing gas leakage, while allowing for easy visual inspection of filter material contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a seal member (77) provided at the other end of the tubular portion (711) in the axial direction. The seal member (77) seals between the outer lid (715) and the fixed block (8)
Implementation Method 2
A sample component contained in the gas passing through the internal space A is captured by the filter material (72)
Data Source
AI summary
In a main body of a filter apparatus, an internal space A corresponding to a flow path of gas is formed in an annular shape, and a filter material filled in the internal space A is disposed in an annular shape. For this reason, it is possible to keep a cross-sectional area of the filter material large when compared to a case in which the filter material is disposed in an elongated shape, reduce flow path resistance, and keep a speed (linear velocity) of gas passing through the inside of the filter material low. Further, it is possible to improve capturing efficiency of the filter material. In addition, one end edge of a flow path, and flow paths and are formed at one end of the main body.