Chromatograph Data Processing System for Concentration Range Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Chromatograph data processing systems face challenges in accurately analyzing samples with varying component concentrations due to signal noise and non-linearity, requiring multiple analyses or additional detectors to correct for concentration differences.

Innovation Solution

A data processing system that uses standard samples to calculate sensitivity factors and correct chromatograms, allowing for a single analysis with a single detector by selecting optimal retention and wavelength settings to minimize signal deformation and saturation, thereby improving analysis accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sample concentration is increased to correctly detect low-concentration components, then the detection sensitivity for impurities is improved, but the signal of high-concentration principal components becomes deformed or saturated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivity for low-concentration componentsVSAvoidsignal accuracy for high-concentration components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection process into multiple segments by performing analyses at different dilution ratios. Each segment (dilution level) is optimized for detecting components within a specific concentration range, allowing both low-concentration impurities and high-concentration principal components to be accurately measured in separate analyses that are then integrated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs excessive action by conducting multiple analyses with different dilution ratios rather than a single analysis. This partial action approach ensures that each analysis operates within the optimal dynamic range for its specific dilution level, and the results are combined to achieve complete coverage of all concentration ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If multiple analyses with different dilution ratios are performed to accurately detect components across different concentration ranges, then the measurement precision is improved, but the analysis time is significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of concentration determinationVSAvoidtotal analysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by automatically performing background correction and noise filtering on each chromatogram before integration. This preliminary processing prepares the data for accurate combination, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the overall time required to process multiple dilution ratios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by automatically determining the appropriate dilution ratios to be used based on preliminary assessment of the sample, and by automatically integrating results from multiple analyses. This closed-loop approach optimizes the number of analyses required and streamlines the data processing workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If additional detectors with different optical path lengths are used to correct for concentration differences, then the measurement precision across different concentration ranges is improved, but the device complexity and cost are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration determination accuracyVSAvoidnumber of detectors required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the single detector universal by implementing automated data processing that handles multiple dilution ratios and performs background correction, noise filtering, and result integration. This multi-functional software approach replaces the need for multiple physical detectors with different optical path lengths, achieving the same capability through a single instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical system of multiple detectors with different optical path lengths with an automated data processing system. Instead of using hardware diversity (multiple detectors) to handle different concentration ranges, the system uses software-based automated processing to achieve the same objective, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10151734B2Data processing system and method for chromatograph

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

A data processing system for a chromatograph including a standard sample data storage section; a standard sample sensitivity factor calculator; a post-correction standard sample chromatogram strength calculator; a specific designated retention time and specific designated wavelength setter; a measurement sample data storage section; a measurement sample sensitivity factor calculator; and a post-correction measurement sample chromatogram creator.