Column Oven Rack With Integrated Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and difficulty in attaching and detaching multiple analytical columns from a column oven for liquid chromatography result in wasted time and increased chances of piping mistakes due to the need to connect and disconnect numerous pipes, and the limited space within the oven makes piping installation challenging.
Innovation Solution
A column oven design featuring a column rack with integral inlet and outlet switching valves and connection portions that can be attached and detached together with the rack, reducing the need for individual pipe connections to each column, and incorporating a sliding mechanism for easier access and a rotary configuration to minimize space and prevent pipe twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple analytical columns are attached and detached individually with separate pipes, then each column can be connected precisely, but the attachment and detachment process becomes extremely complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple column connection ports and their associated piping into a single integrated manifold assembly. This manifold can be attached and detached as one unit, eliminating the need to individually connect and disconnect multiple separate pipes for each column. The manifold integrates multiple connection functions into a single component, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the column system into modular components: the manifold assembly that handles multiple connections, the column rack that holds columns, and the column cartridges themselves. This segmentation allows the manifold to be detached with the columns as a group, rather than requiring individual pipe disconnections for each column, thus simplifying the overall attachment and detachment process.
2Reliability
If individual pipes are connected to each analytical column, then precise connection is achieved, but the time required for attachment and detachment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold combines multiple column inlet and outlet connections into a single integrated component. When replacing columns, the entire manifold assembly can be detached and reattached as one unit, dramatically reducing the time required compared to individually connecting and disconnecting multiple separate pipes for each column, while still ensuring accurate connections through the manifold's integrated design.
3Area of stationary object
If the column oven has a narrow inner space to maintain compact size, then the footprint is minimized, but piping installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the manifold, column rack, and connection ports into a single compact assembly that can be manufactured as one unit or pre-assembled outside the oven. This integration eliminates the need for complex in-oven piping installation, as the entire fluid distribution system is contained within the detachable manifold assembly. The compact design maintains a small oven footprint while simplifying piping installation through external pre-assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the piping system into the manifold assembly that can be pre-installed and tested outside the oven, then installed as a complete unit. This segmentation allows piping work to be performed in a more accessible environment before final installation, making the overall process easier while maintaining a compact oven design.
Data Source
AI summary
To diminish complication and difficulty in attachment and detachment of analytical columns to and from a column oven. The column oven includes, in a column housing part that includes a space for housing the plurality of analytical columns, a column rack that holds the plurality of analytical columns, an inlet switching valve, and an outlet connection portion. At least either the inlet switching valve or the outlet connection portion is formed integrally with the column rack and capable of being attached to and detached from the column housing part together with the column rack.