Color-Coded Sample Introduction Mounting for ICP Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
ICP and ICPMS instruments face challenges in accurately determining the correct sample introduction system components for different sample types, leading to potential errors due to component mixing during cleaning, storage, and transportation, and communication barriers across languages and instrumentation expertise levels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an interchangeable mounting structure with visual markings or colorings that match associated sample introduction system components, ensuring correct component association and reducing errors through a system that includes exchangeable mounting structures and components with matching visual markings or colorings, and a detection system to verify correct component alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sample introduction system components are used without visual markings, then the system structure remains simple, but component mixing errors occur during cleaning, storage, and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to mounting structures and sample introduction system components. Each mounting structure has a specific color, and the corresponding components have matching color markings. This visual differentiation system allows operators to quickly identify and associate correct components with their respective mounting structures, preventing mixing errors during cleaning, storage, and transportation without adding mechanical complexity to the system.
2Measurement precision
If visual markings are added to components, then component identification accuracy improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual markings are implemented through color coding during the manufacturing process. Rather than adding complex identification mechanisms, the patent incorporates color directly into the component manufacturing, using standard industrial coloring techniques that integrate seamlessly with existing manufacturing workflows while providing clear visual identification.
3Ease of operation
If no visual indicators are used, then the system is easier to operate for multilingual teams, but communication barriers persist across expertise levels
Solution Approach 1:
The color-coded system provides universal visual communication that transcends language barriers. Operators from different linguistic backgrounds and expertise levels can quickly understand component configurations and associations through the intuitive color system, eliminating the need for complex instructions or technical knowledge while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include an exchangeable mounting structure having a visual marking or coloring and at least one physically associated sample introduction system component having an indicating mark or color matching the visual marking or coloring of the exchangeable mounting structure. The visual marking or colored corresponds to a sample analysis configuration for analyzing a particular sample type at an analytical instrument.