Column Joining Structure With Inclined End Face for Easy HPLC Attachment
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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 inclined end faces and a clamping mechanism that aligns and securely connects the column flow path with the liquid passage flow path using a pair of pedestals and a cam-based clamping mechanism, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without a large number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw type joint is used to attach the column, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring dedicated tools and multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the column attaching/detaching unit with the flow path member integration into a single unified structure. The inclined surface is directly formed on the column end face, eliminating the need for separate pressing mechanisms, lever arms, and multiple fastening components. This merging achieves both strong connection and simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of connection from complex screw joints and pressing mechanisms, retaining only the critical inclined surface geometry on the column end face. This extraction removes unnecessary components while preserving the core functionality of secure attachment and easy detachment.
2Reliability
If a pressing mechanism with lever mechanism is used to improve withstanding pressure, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and cost increases due to large number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure-bearing function into the simple inclined surface geometry of the column end face. The inclination angle of 15-45 degrees provides both mechanical advantage for secure attachment and sufficient pressure withstanding capability, eliminating the need for separate pressing mechanisms and lever systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive inclined surface structure that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This simple geometric feature provides reliable pressure withstanding without the cost and complexity of sophisticated pressing mechanisms, aligning with the principle of using simple, cost-effective solutions.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for column attachment, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome attaching/detaching process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines attachment and detachment functions into a single inclined surface interface. The same geometric feature that provides secure attachment also enables easy detachment by simply reversing the insertion motion, eliminating the need for separate fastening and releasing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential inclined surface geometry needed for both secure attachment and easy detachment. This extraction removes all unnecessary fastening components, tool requirements, and complex operations, leaving a simple interface that is both reliable and easy to operate.
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
This configuration enables efficient and cost-effective attachment and detachment of columns, ensuring smooth liquid flow and preventing pressure drops, while minimizing the risk of abnormal peaks in measurement results by maintaining close contact between the column and the attaching unit.
Implementation Method 1
the second end face is formed as an inclined surface inclined from an opening of the second flow path toward a periphery
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 opened to a first end face (25) of the first member (10), the second flow path (62) is opened to a second end face (60) of the second member (50), and the second end face (60) is formed as an inclined surface (60) inclined from an opening of the second flow path (62) toward a periphery.