Double Flange Sample Cell Holder for MALS Background Signal Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In MALS detectors, sample adherence to the inner surface of the sample cell flow path leads to increased background signals, reducing measurement accuracy, and existing cleaning methods require removing the sample cell, causing time-consuming optics readjustment.
Innovation Solution
A cell holder with a double flange structure allows for cleaning the inner surface of the sample cell flow path without removing it, using a detachable second flange to access and clean the flow path while maintaining the sample cell's position, thus avoiding the need for optics readjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sample cell is removed from the cell holder for cleaning, then the inner surface of the flow path can be accessed for brushing and cleaning, but the optics must be readjusted which takes a lot of time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The cell holder is divided into two separate holders: a lower holder that remains fixed and an upper holder that can be detached. This segmentation allows the upper holder to be removed for cleaning while the lower holder with the optics remains in place, eliminating the need for optics readjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper holder containing the flow path is extracted from the cell holder assembly, allowing independent removal and cleaning of the flow path without affecting the lower holder or the optical components. This extraction enables cleaning access while preserving the position of optical elements.
2Measurement precision
If the inner diameter of the flow path is reduced to increase resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but brushing and cleaning becomes impossible through the cell holder
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cell holder into removable upper and lower holders, the invention enables cleaning access to narrow flow paths (inner diameter 0.5-2.0 mm) that would otherwise be inaccessible to brushing tools when the cell is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper holder is extracted from the assembly, allowing direct access to the flow path inner surface for cleaning with brushing tools, thereby enabling maintenance of high-precision narrow flow paths that would be difficult to clean through the installed cell holder.
3Reliability
If the sample cell is held firmly in the cell holder, then measurement stability is improved, but cleaning requires removal and readjustment of the entire assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The cell holder is segmented into a fixed lower holder that provides stable mounting for optics and a removable upper holder that facilitates cleaning. This segmentation allows the lower holder to maintain measurement stability while the upper holder enables simplified cleaning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper holder is extracted as a separate removable component, allowing cleaning operations to be performed on just the flow path portion without disturbing the lower holder and optical assembly, thereby reducing cleaning procedure complexity while maintaining measurement stability.
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
Enables efficient cleaning of the sample cell flow path, reducing background signals and maintaining measurement accuracy without the need to realign optics, allowing for continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-angle light scattering (MALS) detector has been used in addition to an ultraviolet (UV) absorbance detector and a differential refractive index detector. The MALS detector has a feature that the molecular weight and a particle size of a measurement sample can be calculated
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in a light scattering detection apparatus, including a sample cell for holding a liquid sample therein, a light source for irradiating the sample cell with coherent light, a detector for detecting light that coming from the sample cell, and a pair of holders for holding ends of the sample cell. Either or both of the holders has a double flange structure. The double flange structure includes a first flange configured to receiving the sample cell and a second flange configured to hold a tube connected to the sample cell. The second flange is detachably attached to the first flange.