Column Joining Structure With Tool-Free Clamping and Leak-Tight Flow Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flow path member joining structures in high-speed liquid chromatography apparatuses are complicated and require a large number of 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 crimping mechanism, including pedestals with communication holes and enlarged diameter portions, allows for easy alignment and attachment of columns without additional sealing materials, using a cam and spring mechanism to apply a controlled clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw type joint is used to attach the column, then the attachment is secure, but the attaching/detaching work becomes complicated and requires a dedicated tool
Solution Approach 1:
The joining structure is divided into distinct functional elements: the flow path member with its open-ended flow path, the column with matching flow path, and the clamping mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling simple attachment without complex tools while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The open-ended flow path design allows the column to be inserted and joined directly without requiring external tools for attachment. The structure itself provides the means for joining through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for dedicated attaching tools and simplifying the operation.
2Reliability
If a dedicated tool is used for column attaching/detaching, then the attachment is reliable, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attaching function is merged into the flow path member structure itself through the open-ended flow path design. The column and flow path member are designed to join directly through their complementary geometries, combining the attachment mechanism with the flow path structure and eliminating the need for separate dedicated tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path member's open-ended flow path serves multiple functions: it guides the column during insertion, provides alignment, enables direct joining, and maintains secure connection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated attaching tools, reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If sealing materials are used to join flow paths, then liquid leakage is prevented, but additional components are required and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The open-ended flow path geometry is designed to create a natural sealing interface when the column is inserted. The geometric configuration itself provides the sealing function that would otherwise require separate sealing materials, converting the structural design into the sealing mechanism and eliminating additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from separate sealing materials and integrated directly into the flow path member's open-ended flow path structure. The geometric design of the flow path itself provides the sealing capability, removing the need for additional sealing components and simplifying the overall structure.
4Ease of operation
If flow paths are not in close contact, then assembly is easier, but liquid leakage increases and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The open-ended flow path is designed with specific local geometric qualities at the joining interface. The flow path dimensions, angles, and surface characteristics are optimized locally to ensure close contact between the column and flow path member, guaranteeing liquid tightness and accurate chromatography measurements while maintaining overall assembly simplicity.
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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective attachment and detachment of columns with close contact between flow paths, reducing the risk of liquid leakage and improving measurement accuracy by minimizing pressure drops and abnormal peaks in chromatography results.
Implementation Method 1
an enlarged diameter portion whose inner diameter gradually increases toward the first end face is formed at an end of the first flow path
Implementation Method 2
a clamping mechanism causing the pair of pedestals to approach the two end faces to join the liquid passage flow paths and the column flow path
Data Source
AI summary
In a flow path member joining structure for enabling a liquid to flow by attaching, to a first member having a first flow path, a second member having a second flow path and aligning the first flow path and the second flow path with each other, the first flow path is open toward a first end face of the first member, and an enlarged diameter portion whose inner diameter gradually increases toward the first end face is formed at an end of the first flow path, and the second flow path is open toward a second end face of the second member.