Capillary Electrophoresis Liquid Level Layout for Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophoresis technologies require complex mechanisms for fine adjustments in liquid levels at the ends of capillaries, leading to time-consuming and cumbersome operations.
Innovation Solution
An electrophoresis unit with externally open liquid level adjustment sections at both ends of the capillary, ensuring equal vertical positions and pressures, allowing for simple alignment of fluid pressures using outflow paths that extend sideways in the vertical direction of the liquid reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used for fine liquid level adjustment at capillary ends, then liquid level alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases and device size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid level adjustment function from complex mechanical mechanisms and implements it through simple externally open sections of the flow paths. By removing unnecessary adjustment components and relying on the natural alignment of the externally open sections, the device achieves liquid level alignment without complex mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The externally open sections of the first and second flow paths serve themselves for liquid level alignment. By simply opening the sections to the exterior and aligning them vertically, the system automatically equalizes fluid pressures and aligns liquid levels without requiring external adjustment mechanisms, operators, or additional components.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used for fine liquid level adjustment at capillary ends, then liquid level alignment precision is improved, but device size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex adjustment mechanisms and their associated components from the device, thereby reducing the overall device volume. The externally open sections provide a compact solution for liquid level alignment that occupies minimal space compared to traditional adjustment mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustment mechanisms are used for liquid level alignment, then liquid level alignment is achieved, but adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The externally open sections automatically align liquid levels by themselves when vertically aligned, eliminating the need for operators to perform time-consuming adjustment operations. The system self-regulates fluid pressures and liquid levels through the simple act of opening the sections to the exterior.
4Device complexity
If simple mechanism is used for liquid level alignment, then device complexity is reduced, but liquid level alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by aligning the externally open sections of the first and second flow paths at the same vertical level. This alignment creates equal potential for fluid pressure at both ends of the capillary, automatically equalizing fluid pressures and achieving precise liquid level alignment without complex mechanisms. The key is ensuring the externally open sections are at identical vertical positions.
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
This configuration enables precise alignment of fluid pressures at the capillary ends, enhancing the accuracy of component analysis by electrophoresis without the need for intricate control mechanisms, even when introduced solution amounts differ.
Implementation Method 1
vertical direction positions of the first liquid level adjustment section and the second liquid level adjustment section are equal to each other... enables fluid pressures acting at the two ends of the capillary to be aligned
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An electrophoresis unit, having: a first flow path (30) including a first liquid reservoir (32), a first inflow path (34) at which a solution flows into the first liquid reservoir, a first outflow path (36) at which the solution flows out from the first liquid reservoir, and a first liquid level adjustment section (38) open to an exterior; a second flow path (60) including a second liquid reservoir (62), a second inflow path (64) at which the solution flows into the second liquid reservoir, a second outflow path (66) at which the solution flows out from the second liquid reservoir, and a second liquid level adjustment section (68) open to the exterior; a capillary (24) that leads from the first liquid reservoir (32) to the second liquid reservoir (62); and an electrode (28) arranged at respective interiors of the first and the second flow paths. Vertical direction positions of the first and the second liquid level adjustment sections are equal to each other.