Dual-Path Flow Control for Stable Connections and Efficient Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control devices for automated sample preparation systems face challenges in efficiently guiding fluids and ensuring effective drying of separation media, often resulting in insufficient pressure for efficient drying and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device with a displaceable means that can move between two positions, controlling fluid paths to manage flow resistance and ensure efficient drying by blocking primary flow paths and maintaining secondary flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow path with high flow resistance is used to minimize leakage effects, then connection stability is improved, but drying efficiency deteriorates due to insufficient pressure for efficient drying
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into two distinct paths: a first flow path with high flow resistance for stable connections and minimal leakage, and a second flow path with low flow resistance for efficient drying. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the first and second flow paths based on operational requirements. A displaceable element selectively blocks or opens each path, enabling transition from high-resistance mode (for stability) to low-resistance mode (for drying efficiency) as needed.
2Productivity
If gas flow rate is increased to improve drying of residual solvent, then drying efficiency is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to pressure instability
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow system is segmented into two paths with different resistance characteristics. The second flow path provides a controlled low-resistance route that enables high flow rates for efficient drying while the overall system maintains stability through the selective activation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The displaceable element acts as an intermediary that controls the switching between flow paths. It mediates between the need for high flow rates (drying efficiency) and system stability by enabling controlled transition to the low-resistance path only when drying is required.
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 efficient separation of target molecules by controlling fluid flow and resistance, ensuring effective drying of separation media, thereby improving the overall efficiency and stability of the sample preparation process.
Implementation Method 1
the displaceable means is displaced at least the first distance and close the inlet opening of the primary outlet, whereby the inlet opening is substantially blocked
Implementation Method 2
The primary and the secondary outlets may advantageously have different flow resistances
Implementation Method 3
a step of drying may be performed by means of flowing a gas at an overpressure through the cartridge at higher flow rate compared to the flow rate of the first solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device, a system and a method are disclosed. The flow control device comprises a displaceable means (101) having a direction of displacement and being displaceable between a first position and a second position. The flow control device further comprises a body (110) comprising a first cavity (102) in fluid contact with a first side of the displaceable means (102) forming a first volume. The first cavity further comprising a first inlet (103), a primary outlet (104) with a primary flow resistance and arranged essentially parallel with the displacement direction, wherein the primary outlet comprises an inlet opening (105) facing the displaceable means at a first distance (106) from the displaceable means in the direction of displacement, a secondary outlet (107) with a secondary flow resistance, wherein the displaceable means is displaceable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a first fluid path (108) between the first inlet (103) and the primary outlet (104) is provided, and a second flow path (109) between the inlet (103) and the secondary outlet (107) is provided; In the second position, the displaceable means is displaced at least the first distance and close the inlet opening (105) of the primary outlet, whereby the inlet opening (105) is blocked, and the second fluid path (109) between the first inlet (103) and the secondary outlet (107) is maintained.