Liquid Chromatograph Control Unit for Method Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid chromatographs with different specifications, such as varying tube diameters and detector capacities, produce inconsistent retention times and separation degrees, making it difficult to transfer measurement methods between devices without developing new methods for each device.

Innovation Solution

A liquid chromatograph system that includes an elution unit and a control unit capable of converting an elution time table based on the elution responses of different devices, allowing for precise and efficient control of the elution process across devices with varying specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the same measuring method is used in liquid chromatographs with different specifications, then the measurement method can be universally applied, but the retention time and degree of separation vary due to differences in tube diameters, dead volume, and other system parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasuring method transferabilityVSAvoidretention time consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by converting the time table based on elution response characteristics specific to each liquid chromatograph system. The control unit adjusts flow rate, injection amount, and other parameters dynamically according to the elution response of the target device, transforming the time table from one optimized for a source device to one suitable for the target device while maintaining consistent measurement results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the elution response obtained from the target liquid chromatograph to convert and adjust the time table. The control unit receives elution response data, compares it with the source device's elution response, and uses this feedback information to generate a converted time table that compensates for system differences and ensures consistent measurement outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If a new measuring method is developed for each liquid chromatograph device, then measurement precision can be optimized for each device, but the work量和 time required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement result consistencyVSAvoidmethod development time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-obtaining elution response data from the source liquid chromatograph and storing it in advance. When transferring to a target device, the control unit retrieves the pre-stored elution response and uses it to convert the time table automatically, eliminating the need to perform time-consuming method development from scratch for each new device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements copying by transferring the time table and elution response data from the source device to the target device. Instead of developing a completely new measuring method for each device, the system copies the proven time table structure and adapts it to the target device's specific elution response characteristics through automated conversion, significantly reducing development time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If the time table is converted based on elution response, then measurement results can be consistent across devices, but the complexity of the control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement result consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a control unit as a mediator between the time table conversion process and the elution control. The control unit receives the original time table, obtains elution response data, performs the conversion calculation, and outputs the converted time table for controlling the elution unit. This intermediary structure manages the complexity centrally while keeping the overall system architecture modular and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10281439B2Method of transmitting control data for system conversion among liquid chromatographs
Publication Date: 2019.05.07 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • US10281439B2 patent drawing
  • US10281439B2 patent drawing
  • US10281439B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In the present invention, differences in liquid feed properties between liquid chromatographic devices are determined, a liquid feed time table that takes these differences into account is acquired by way of system changes, and flow control is performed by a pump. Furthermore, the liquid feed time table after the system changes is divided into a plurality of intervals, and instructions are sent to the pump after approximate calculations are performed. Thus, by efficiently performing system change processes, the same measurement results can be obtained in a plurality of different liquid chromatograph devices, regardless of the differences in liquid feed properties.