Dual-Port Autosampler with Segmented Sample Loops
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid chromatographs can only perform analysis processes on one column at a time due to the limitation of a single sample loop, necessitating multiple autosamplers for simultaneous analysis of multiple processes on the same sample.
Innovation Solution
An autosampler with two injection ports and sample loops, along with a metering pump, allows for simultaneous injection and analysis on two separate analysis flow paths, enabling multiple analysis processes to be executed concurrently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single sample loop is used in the autosampler, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is limited to one analysis process at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The single sample loop is segmented into multiple sample loops (first sample loop, second sample loop, etc.), allowing each loop to serve a separate analysis flow path. This segmentation enables simultaneous execution of multiple analysis processes while maintaining independent control over each analysis channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The autosampler is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple injection ports and sample loops that can simultaneously serve different analysis flow paths. The needle assembly can move between multiple injection ports, and the metering pump can load samples into multiple sample loops, enabling the system to perform multiple analysis functions concurrently.
2Productivity
If multiple autosamplers are used to execute multiple analysis processes simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple autosampler functions are merged into a single integrated device. The invention combines multiple sample loops, multiple injection ports, and a shared needle assembly into one autosampler unit, allowing multiple analysis processes to be executed simultaneously without requiring separate autosampler devices for each analysis channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The autosampler achieves multi-functionality by enabling a single device to perform multiple analysis processes concurrently through its multiple sample loops and injection ports, eliminating the need for multiple separate autosampler devices and reducing overall system complexity.
3Speed
If a single needle is used to inject samples, then the device complexity is reduced, but the speed of switching between multiple analysis flow paths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The needle assembly is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to rapidly position itself at different injection ports based on which analysis flow path requires sample injection. This dynamic positioning enables fast switching between multiple analysis channels while maintaining a single needle structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An autosampler for a chromatograph includes a first injection port through which a sample is injected into a first analysis flow path of the chromatograph, a second injection port through which a sample is injected into a second analysis flow path of the chromatograph, a needle that is movable to both of the first injection port and the second injection port, and injects a sample into the first injection port and the second injection port, a first sample loop that stores a sample to be injected into the first analysis flow path, a second sample loop that stores a sample to be injected into the second analysis flow path, and a metering pump that loads a sample in the first sample loop and the second sample loop.