Column Chromatography Fraction Collection Using Optical Volume Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid auto fraction apparatuses for column chromatography face challenges in accurately and conveniently obtaining small volumes of liquid fractions due to reliance on weight-based methods, leading to high error margins and difficulty in handling small sample sizes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid auto fraction apparatus with a microtube mounting portion, light source, image acquisition unit, volume determination unit, and control unit that uses image analysis to determine liquid volumes in microtubes, ensuring accurate and convenient fractionation by measuring water surface heights and adjusting operations based on preset reference values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight-based methods are used to obtain liquid fractions, then the apparatus can operate with simple mechanisms, but measurement precision deteriorates due to large error margins when handling small volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces weight-based mechanical measurement with optical image analysis. The image acquisition unit captures microtube contents, and the volume determination unit calculates liquid volume by analyzing image data, eliminating the need for complex mechanical weighing mechanisms and achieving precise small volume measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary to enable non-contact measurement. The light source unit illuminates the microtubes, and the image acquisition unit captures optical information that indirectly reveals liquid volume, allowing precise measurement without direct mechanical contact or weight measurement.
2Measurement precision
If manual visual checking is used to determine fractionation, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human error and variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically performs measurement and determination without human intervention. The image acquisition unit continuously captures microtube images, the volume determination unit automatically analyzes the images to determine liquid volumes, and the control unit automatically controls the fractionation process, eliminating human error and variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the volume determination unit continuously monitors liquid volumes in microtubes and provides real-time information to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of the fractionation process based on actual measured volumes, ensuring high accuracy without manual checking.
3Measurement precision
If image analysis is used to determine liquid volumes, then measurement precision improves for small volumes, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image acquisition unit multi-functional by using it for both visual inspection and precise volume measurement. The same optical system that captures images for analysis also serves as the primary measurement tool, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing overall device complexity despite the added functionality.
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
Enables precise and automated fractionation of liquid samples, reducing human error and improving productivity by mechanically determining and adjusting liquid volumes in microtubes through image analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit provided on a rear side of the plurality of microtubes to emit light
Implementation Method 2
an image acquisition unit provided on a front side of the plurality of microtubes to acquire images of the plurality of microtubes
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid auto fraction apparatus for column chromatography includes a microtube mounting portion in which a plurality of microtubes for accommodating liquids to be fractionated according to column chromatography are mounted, a liquid supply unit configured to sequentially supplying the liquids to the plurality of microtubes, a light source unit provided on a rear side of the plurality of microtubes to emit light, an image acquisition unit provided on a front side of the plurality of microtubes to acquire images of the plurality of microtubes at preset time intervals while column chromatography is performed, a volume determination unit configured to extract heights of water surfaces of the accommodated liquids by analyzing the images of the plurality of microtubes acquired by the image acquisition unit, and a control unit configured to set a reference value for determining whether the volumes reach the target volume.