Elastic Attachment Device for LC-MS Fluid Line Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting liquid chromatography systems to mass and/or ion mobility spectrometers is a difficult and time-consuming task, often resulting in dead volumes and eluent leakage, which can lead to hazardous conditions and poor performance.
Innovation Solution
An attachment device with a movable attachment member and elastic member is used to securely attach fluid lines to fluid inlets or outlets, preventing dead volumes and leakage by exerting a force to maintain contact, even if the attachment is incorrect, and allowing for use with multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tubing is attached to liquid chromatography system and mass spectrometer, then fluid delivery is achieved, but dead volume forms and eluent may leak if attachment is incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device incorporates a movable attachment member that can move relative to the fluid line, transitioning between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic mechanism allows the attachment to self-adjust and maintain reliable connection through movement, resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member provides self-adjusting force that automatically maintains contact between the attachment member and fluid line without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates the attachment force, ensuring reliable connection while simplifying the attachment process
2Reliability
If attachment member is fixed relative to fluid line, then attachment simplicity is achieved, but dead volume forms and leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member is designed to move relative to the fluid line, creating a dynamic connection that maintains seal integrity. This movement capability prevents dead volume formation while the elastic member provides the necessary forcing action, achieving reliable connection without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The distance between the attachment member and fluid line outlet/inlet is made variable, allowing the system to adjust the position parameter to eliminate dead volume. The elastic member enables this parameter change while maintaining connection reliability
3Reliability
If elastic member is added to provide forcing action, then leakage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member automatically provides the forcing action needed to prevent leakage without requiring external control or additional complex mechanisms. The elastic deformation self-regulates the contact force, achieving leak prevention with minimal added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member changes the physical state of the attachment system by introducing elastic deformation, which dynamically adjusts the contact force parameter to maintain seal integrity and prevent leakage
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 attachment device ensures reliable and secure connections, preventing dead volumes and leakage, enhancing the quality of chromatography and safety by maintaining contact between fluid lines and spectrometers, and allowing for versatile use across different devices.
Implementation Method 1
movement of the attachment member relative to the fluid line causes elastic deformation of the elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device for releasably attaching a fluid line to a fluid inlet or outlet is disclosed. The device comprises an attachment member for releasably engaging a fluid inlet or outlet, and an elastic member coupled to the attachment member. The attachment device is attachable to a fluid line such that the attachment member is moveable relative to the fluid line and such that movement of the attachment member relative to the fluid line causes elastic deformation of the elastic member.