Separation Column Connection Device with Single Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
The replacement of separation columns in liquid chromatography systems often leads to air invasion due to the difficulty in removing air from the columns, which reduces analysis performance and throughput, and existing solutions require complex configurations with multiple drivers, increasing device size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A separation column connecting device with a column holder, fitting holders, a driver, and an elastic body, allowing for the sequential connection and disconnection of fittings on one side, preventing air invasion and enabling reproducible sealing without the need for multiple drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanism for drivingly moving the fitting is provided on both an upstream side and a downstream side of the separation column to shift connecting/disconnecting timing, then air invasion into the separation column can be prevented, but the device size increases due to requiring two drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate drivers (upstream driver and downstream driver) into a single driver. The single driver sequentially moves the upstream fitting and downstream fitting to achieve the same air prevention effect while eliminating the need for a second driver, thereby reducing device size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single driver is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drive both the upstream fitting holder and the downstream fitting holder at different times. This multi-functional design replaces the need for dedicated drivers for each fitting, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device size.
2Measurement precision
If separation columns are replaced frequently to maintain analysis performance, then analysis quality is improved, but air invasion occurs during replacement which lowers throughput and requires time-consuming air removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sequentially connecting the upstream fitting before disconnecting the downstream fitting, and vice versa during disconnection. This preliminary sequencing of operations prevents air invasion from occurring during the replacement process, allowing frequent column changes without compromising throughput or requiring additional air removal time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual connection and disconnection of separation columns is performed by workers, then flexibility is maintained, but reproducibility of sealing performance deteriorates due to variations in worker proficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically performing the connection and disconnection of separation columns through the single driver mechanism. The automated system executes the sequential fitting operations without human intervention, eliminating variability in worker proficiency while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control sequences.
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
The solution reduces air invasion, enhances reproducibility, and downsizes the device by allowing for efficient connection and disconnection of separation columns with a single driver, improving analysis performance and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body disposed between the column holder and the second fitting holder
Data Source
AI summary
A separation column connecting device includes: a column holder for retaining a separation column; a first fitting holder carrying a first fitting which includes a seal portion to be connected to an upstream seal portion of the separation column and connected with an upstream pipe; a second fitting holder carrying a second fitting which includes a seal portion to be connected to a downstream seal portion of the separation column and connected with a downstream pipe; a body member to which either one of the first fitting holder and the second fitting holder is fixed; a driver for moving, relative to the body member, the first fitting holder or the second fitting holder not fixed to the body member; a guide for guiding the column holder in a direction of movement driven by the driver; and an elastic body disposed between the column holder and the second fitting holder.