Chromatography Column Hoisting System with Integrated Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for maintaining and disassembling process-scale chromatography columns are cumbersome and pose safety risks due to the need for heavy lifting equipment, which is undesirable in clean environments and can damage precision components.
Innovation Solution
A holding system comprising an upright member with movably arranged holding members, supporting members, and hoist assisting members that allow for the safe and efficient hoisting and positioning of chromatography columns without requiring complex hoist units, enabling easier maintenance and reduced operator risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heavy lifting equipment such as crane or hoist is used to lift the upper end/adapter assembly and column tube, then the column can be disassembled for maintenance, but operator safety is compromised and alignment structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment and support structure that interfaces between the column components and the lifting mechanism. This intermediary structure provides precise alignment guides and support surfaces, allowing the heavy adapter assembly (weighing over three tons) to be lifted and positioned without requiring external cranes or hoists, thereby maintaining operator safety while enabling maintenance access
Solution Approach 2:
The column system is segmented into separable components (adapter assembly, column tube, base assembly) with standardized interfaces. The adapter assembly can be independently removed and repositioned using the integrated lifting mechanism, allowing maintenance personnel to access internal components without exposing themselves to overhead heavy loads
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment structures are added to keep column and base/adapter assemblies axially aligned, then component damage is prevented, but the system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is merged into the base assembly and adapter assembly structures themselves. The base assembly includes integrated alignment guides and support surfaces that automatically maintain axial alignment during the lifting and separation process, eliminating the need for separate external alignment structures and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the lifting and alignment mechanism to operate on a predetermined alignment path, ensuring that the adapter assembly and column tube remain in axial alignment throughout the separation process. This equipotential alignment approach prevents misalignment-induced damage without requiring complex active control systems
3Force
If overhead space and support are provided to accommodate hoists or cranes, then heavy lifting can be performed, but the facility space requirements and structural modifications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment and support structure that interfaces between the column components and the lifting mechanism. This intermediary structure provides precise alignment guides and support surfaces, allowing the heavy adapter assembly (weighing over three tons) to be lifted and positioned without requiring external cranes or hoists, thereby maintaining operator safety while enabling maintenance access
Solution Approach 2:
The column system incorporates self-contained lifting and alignment capabilities within the adapter and base assemblies. The system can perform its own maintenance-related lifting operations using integrated mechanisms, eliminating the need for external overhead lifting equipment and the associated facility space requirements
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the column is moved to another room for disassembly and maintenance, then contamination risk is reduced, but the maintenance process time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The column system incorporates self-contained lifting and alignment capabilities within the adapter and base assemblies. The system can perform its own maintenance-related lifting operations using integrated mechanisms, eliminating the need for external overhead lifting equipment and the associated facility space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the lifting and alignment mechanism to operate on a predetermined alignment path, ensuring that the adapter assembly and column tube remain in axial alignment throughout the separation process. This equipotential alignment approach prevents misalignment-induced damage without requiring complex active control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A holding system for holding and hoisting a chromatography column of one or more chromatography columns is disclosed. The holding system includes an upright member and a plurality of holding members movably arranged along the upright member. A first supporting member is positioned at an end portion of the chromatography column, wherein a holding member of the plurality of holding members is configured to be engaged to the first supporting member. A second supporting member is positioned at another end portion of the chromatography column. A holding member of the plurality of holding members is configured to be engaged to the second supporting member. One or more hoist assisting members may be also present. A hoist assisting member is operatively connected to the holding member engaged to the first supporting member. The hoist assisting member is operable to move the holding member connected to the first supporting member for hoisting the chromatography column.