Column Clamping Structure for Leak-Free Flow Path Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flow path member joining structures in high-speed liquid chromatography apparatuses are complex and require numerous components, making the attachment and detachment of columns cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A simplified flow path member joining structure featuring a column attaching/detaching unit with a clamping mechanism comprising pedestals, communication holes, and an enlarged diameter portion, allowing for alignment and secure joining of flow paths without additional sealing materials, utilizing a cam and spring mechanism for efficient attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw type joint is used to attach the column, then the connection is secure, but the attaching/detaching process becomes complicated and requires a dedicated tool
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into a connector and a chromatographic tube, with the connector being detachably coupled to the column. This segmentation allows the column to be easily attached and detached without requiring complex screw-type joints or dedicated tools, while maintaining secure connection during operation.
2Strength
If a pressing mechanism with lever mechanism is used to improve withstanding pressure, then the coupling portion strength is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism is integrated into the column attaching/detaching unit as a unified structure. The first and second pressing mechanisms are combined with the attaching/detaching unit, eliminating the need for separate lever mechanisms and reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining the required pressing force for secure column attachment.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing materials are used to prevent leakage, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separate sealing material is extracted from the system by forming an enlarged diameter portion directly on the flow path member. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate sealing materials while maintaining effective sealing, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated tool is used for column attachment, then the attachment precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The column attaching/detaching unit is designed as a multi-functional device that integrates alignment, pressing, and sealing functions. This universal device can attach and detach columns without requiring specialized dedicated tools, while maintaining precise alignment through the integrated first and second alignment mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a flow path member joining structure for enabling a liquid to flow by attaching, to a first member (10) having a first flow path (22), a second member (50) having a second flow path (62) and aligning the first flow path (22) and the second flow path (62) with each other, the first flow path (22) is open toward a first end face (25) of the first member (10), and an enlarged diameter portion (23) whose inner diameter gradually increases toward the first end face (25) is formed at an end of the first flow path (22), and the second flow path (62) is open toward a second end face (60) of the second member (50).