Closure Element Pivoting for Contamination-Free Sample Introduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elemental analysis devices require complex setups and risk introducing foreign substances during sample introduction, making it difficult to feed samples to the reactor efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An analysis device with a closure element in the introduction shaft that temporarily stores the sample in a sample receiving chamber before pivoting to align with the reactor, ensuring no direct fluidic connection and using a sealing body like fluoroelastomer for tightness and a stainless steel sleeve for stability, along with a flushing system to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding piston with receiving bore is used to feed sample by gravity, then sample introduction is achieved, but the device becomes complex and requires installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sample holding function from the complex sliding piston mechanism and isolates it into a separate closure element with a receiving chamber. This closure element can be simply inserted and removed from the introduction shaft, eliminating the need for the complex sliding piston mechanism while maintaining the sample introduction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction shaft is segmented into functional zones: a first section for receiving the closure element with the sample, and a second section that opens directly into the reactor. This segmentation allows the closure element to be held in the first section during sample loading, then rotated to eject the sample into the second section, simplifying the overall mechanism.
2Productivity
If direct fluidic connection exists between introduction opening and reactor, then sample feeding is direct, but foreign substances may be introduced into the analysis system
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element acts as an intermediary between the introduction opening and the reactor. It holds the sample in its receiving chamber during loading, then rotates to eject the sample into the reactor while maintaining a seal. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct fluidic connection between the introduction opening and reactor, preventing contamination while maintaining efficient sample feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to rotate between positions: initially blocking the introduction opening while holding the sample, then rotating to eject the sample into the reactor. This dynamic rotation allows the system to switch between sample loading and sample ejection modes, maintaining both efficiency and contamination prevention.
3Ease of operation
If closure element is pivoted to eject sample, then sample is transferred to reactor, but sealing tightness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element incorporates a sealing body made of fluoroelastomer that forms a flexible seal within the introduction shaft. This flexible sealing body maintains tight sealing during the pivoting motion, preventing gas leakage while allowing the closure element to rotate between sample holding and ejection positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element uses composite material construction: a stainless steel sleeve for mechanical stability and structural integrity, combined with a fluoroelastomer sealing body for tight sealing. This composite approach ensures both the mechanical durability needed for pivoting and the sealing tightness required to prevent contamination.
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
Facilitates easier and contamination-free sample introduction into the reactor, reducing the complexity of the setup and ensuring accurate measurements by preventing foreign substances from entering the analysis system.
Implementation Method 1
The sample dropped through the introduction opening falls towards the closure element... the sample receiving chamber is opened to the reactor... the dropped sample is not dropped through the introduction shaft directly into the reactor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an analytical device for elemental analysis comprising a sample feed device (Z) with a feed opening (8) for introducing a sample (38), a line for oxygen and inert gas, a reactor (UR) for the catalytic combustion of the sample (38), a reduction reactor provided downstream of the reactor (UR), a water trap (W) provided downstream of the reduction reactor (RR), an adsorber (A) provided downstream of the water trap (W), a detector provided downstream of the absorber, and a logic unit for processing the data transmitted by the detector, wherein a feed shaft (34) leading to the reactor is provided downstream of the feed opening (8) in the feed direction.To create an analysis device with which the sample to be analyzed can be fed into the reactor more easily and without the risk of introducing foreign substances into the elemental analysis, the invention proposes to pivotably mount a closure element (12) with a sample receiving chamber (14) closed on one side in the feed shaft (34), wherein in a first position of the closure element (12) the sample (38) can be introduced into the sample receiving chamber (14) through the feed opening (8) and a bottom (16) of the sample receiving chamber (14) closes the feed shaft (34) from below, and in a second position of the closure element (12) in which the closure element (12) is pivoted relative to the first position such that the sample receiving chamber (14) is open to the reactor (UR) and the bottom (16) closes the reactor (UR) relative to the feed opening (8).