Integrally Molded Column Oven Holding Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chromatography systems have complex configurations and high manufacturing costs due to the use of multiple members to hold analysis columns, which complicates the design and increases production expenses.
Innovation Solution
A column oven with a holding member that is integrally formed with a base portion, first and second sandwiching portions, and engagement portions, allowing for a simple configuration that can be easily molded, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple members are used to hold the analysis column, then the column can be securely held, but the configuration becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple holding members into a single integrated holding portion that includes multiple guide members formed as one piece. This merging approach maintains the column holding stability provided by multiple members while eliminating the complexity of assembling and coordinating separate components, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
2Reliability
If multiple members are used to hold the analysis column, then the column can be securely held, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple guide members into a single holding portion component, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. This single-piece construction maintains secure column holding while significantly reducing manufacturing costs through fewer production steps, less material waste, and simplified quality control
Solution Approach 2:
The holding portion is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides multiple guide members for column support, positioning, and stabilization. This universal design allows a single component to perform the functions previously requiring multiple separate members, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining holding reliability
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 enables a cost-effective and simplified chromatography system by using a single, molded holding member to securely hold analysis columns, reducing production costs and maintaining stable column positioning for efficient analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a heating section configured to heat the analysis column held by the holding member
Data Source
AI summary
A column oven comprises: an analysis column including a base end portion positioned on an upstream side in a flow direction of the mobile phase, a tip end portion positioned on a downstream side in the flow direction, and an intermediate portion between the tip end portion and the base end portion; a holding member configured to hold the analysis column; and a heating section configured to heat the analysis column held by the holding member. The holding member includes a base portion and a first sandwiching portion and a second sandwiching portion provided at the base portion to sandwich the intermediate portion of the analysis column and having protruding portions protruding to an opposite side of the analysis column from the base portion in a sandwiching state, and the base portion, the first sandwiching portion, and the second sandwiching portion are integrally formed.