Chromatography Cartridge Mount with Push-Off Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chromatography cartridge holders cause residual media to splash and contaminate the workspace due to loose connections, posing safety and cleanliness issues during cartridge removal.
Innovation Solution
A holder with a retaining element, release element, and operating device that allows easy insertion and removal of cartridges through a frictional connection and a swivelable or rotatable release mechanism, ensuring safe handling and minimizing solvent splashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Luer-Lock connection is clamped or fixed in the holder, then the cartridge can be securely held during operation, but the connection jams after use and suddenly comes loose causing solvent splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into two independent clamping arms (first clamping arm and second clamping arm) that can be actuated separately. The first clamping arm secures the Luer-Lock connection while the second clamping arm holds the cartridge body, allowing independent control of each clamping function to prevent jamming while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping arms are designed with spring-loaded mechanisms that provide dynamic, adjustable clamping force. The springs allow the clamping arms to automatically adapt to the cartridge dimensions and maintain optimal clamping pressure without over-tightening, preventing the connection from jamming while ensuring secure holding during operation.
2Reliability
If a conventional clamping mechanism is used, then the cartridge can be held in place, but removal is difficult and causes residual media to splash
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamping arms automatically release when the cartridge is removed. The first clamping arm automatically disengages from the Luer-Lock connection and the second clamping arm automatically releases the cartridge body, allowing easy removal without manual intervention and preventing solvent splashing.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed with a release mechanism that预先 prepares the clamping arms for easy cartridge removal. When a cartridge is inserted, the clamping arms automatically engage and secure it. When removal is needed, the system is already configured to easily release, preventing residual media from splashing during the removal process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the holder design is simple, then manufacturing is inexpensive, but safe handling of residual solvents is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The holder combines multiple safety functions into a single integrated device. The first clamping arm secures the Luer-Lock connection while the second clamping arm holds the cartridge body, and both are spring-loaded for automatic engagement and release. This integrated design provides safe handling of residual solvents while remaining cost-effective to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder uses simple, inexpensive materials and components that can be easily manufactured and disposed of if needed. The spring-loaded clamping arms are made from affordable materials that provide reliable performance for the intended service life, ensuring operator safety without requiring expensive, complex mechanisms.
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 holder facilitates easy and ergonomic cartridge handling, preventing solvent splashing and reducing operator exposure to chemicals, thus ensuring clean working conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a retaining element for frictional or frictional connection with at least one end of a cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A mount for a cartridge, in particular a cartridge in column chromatography. The mount comprises: a mounting element for force-fitting or frictionally locking connection to at least one end of a cartridge, a detaching element, in particular a push-off sleeve, for releasing the cartridge from the mounting element in the direction of an axis of the cartridge, and an operating device for actuating the detaching element. The detaching element is movable between a neutral position and a detaching position. The cartridge can be mounted on the mounting element when the detaching element is in the neutral position. The cartridge can be separated from the mounting element when the detaching element is moved from the neutral position into the detaching position.