Dual Mode Sample Manager for Liquid Chromatography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid chromatography systems typically require either a fixed sample loop or a flow-through needle for sample injection, limiting their versatility and necessitating separate systems for different analysis types, which is costly and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A dual mode sample manager that automatically switches between fixed sample loop and flow-through needle injection modes without manual reconfiguration, utilizing a sample needle, sample loop, metering pump, needle seat, first and second valves, and a processor to control valve states for seamless operation in both modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed sample loop is used for sample injection, then the system structure is simple and operation is straightforward, but the system cannot perform flow-through needle injection and requires separate equipment for different analysis types
Solution Approach 1:
The sample manager is designed to perform both fixed loop injection and flow-through needle injection functions within a single system. The system includes a sample needle, sample loop, metering pump, needle seat, and multiple valves that can be configured through automated switching to enable either injection mode, eliminating the need for separate equipment for different analysis types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automated valve switching mechanisms that dynamically reconfigure the fluidic pathways between different injection modes. The first and second valves can be automatically switched between different positions to connect either the sample loop or the sample needle to the injection port, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the required injection mode without manual reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate chromatography systems are used for different injection modes, then each system is optimized for its specific function, but costs and equipment space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of separate fixed loop injection systems and flow-through needle injection systems into a single integrated sample manager. By combining the sample loop, sample needle, metering pump, and valve switching mechanisms in one unit, the system provides both injection modes without requiring multiple separate chromatography systems, thereby reducing equipment space and costs.
3Ease of operation
If manual reconfiguration is required when changing injection modes, then system structure can be simpler, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated control mechanisms that perform the reconfiguration between injection modes without requiring manual intervention. The processor controls the first and second valves to automatically switch between fixed loop and flow-through needle modes based on user selection, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration and reducing operator burden and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automated control logic that responds to user input or system state to automatically configure the appropriate injection mode. The processor monitors the selected mode and automatically adjusts the valve positions and system configuration, providing feedback-driven automated operation that simplifies user interaction and reduces reconfiguration time.
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 and versatile sample injection by reducing system volume dispersion, injection delay, and sample waste, while allowing for larger sample volumes and precise sample acquisition, thereby enhancing the capability of liquid chromatography systems to perform a wider range of analyses without the need for multiple systems.
Implementation Method 1
a metering pump controllable to draw or dispense a volume of liquid
Implementation Method 2
The first valve is configurable in a first valve state wherein one of the first valve ports is configured in fluidic communication with at least one of the other first valve ports
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a dual mode sample manager for a liquid chromatography system. The dual mode sample manager includes a sample needle, a sample loop, a metering pump, a needle seat and first and second valves. Each valve is configurable in two valve states to enable two modes of operation. In one mode, sample acquired and stored in the sample needle is injected into a chromatography system flow and, in the other mode, sample acquired through the sample needle and stored in the sample loop is injected into the chromatography system flow. The automated switching of the sample manager between the two modes of operation avoids the need for maintaining two separate liquid chromatography systems or manual reconfiguration of a chromatography system for users desiring the capability of both modes of operation.