Extraction Cell Holder With Adjustable Heating Jaws

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Solution Overview

Problem

The handling and positioning of extraction cells in extraction systems, particularly at elevated temperatures, are cumbersome and require manual handling or waiting for cells to cool down, complicating the extraction process.

Innovation Solution

An extraction system with an extraction cell holder that facilitates linear insertion and positioning of the extraction cell, featuring adjustable heating jaws and a locking mechanism for secure clamping, allowing for automatic positioning and heating without direct contact, enabling extraction at elevated temperatures up to 200 °C and pressures of 100 bar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling of extraction cells is used, then direct control and flexibility are maintained, but handling becomes cumbersome and requires waiting for cells to cool down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling of extraction cellsVSAvoidwaiting time for cooling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A holder is introduced as an intermediary device between the operator and the hot extraction cell. The holder allows safe handling of the cell during and after heating without direct hand contact, eliminating the need to wait for cooling while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual handling process is replaced by a mechanical insertion system where the holder with the extraction cell is automatically inserted into the heating device. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for manual placement and removes the time constraint of waiting for cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If extraction cells are heated to elevated temperatures, then extraction efficiency is improved, but direct handling becomes dangerous and complex safety measures are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidheat-related hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder serves as a thermal intermediary that allows the extraction cell to be heated to high temperatures for efficient extraction while protecting the operator from heat-related hazards during handling and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the holder for safe handling, the heating device for temperature control, and the extraction cell for the actual process. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally while mitigating hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If precise positioning of extraction cells is required, then extraction quality is improved, but positioning complexity and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with self-aligning features that automatically position the extraction cell correctly when inserted. The cell holder inserts the cell into the heating device, and the design ensures proper alignment without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is designed so that the holder and heating device have complementary geometries that naturally guide the cell into the correct position. This equipotential design eliminates the need for complex active positioning controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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

Simplifies the handling and positioning of extraction cells, allowing for efficient extraction at high temperatures without manual handling of hot cells, ensuring secure clamping and effective heat transfer while accommodating various cell diameters through adjustable heating jaws and adapter pieces.

Implementation Method 1

at least two heating jaws (20, 21) which are adjustable between an open position and a heating position and which are in heating contact with the extraction cell (1) in the heating position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4019931B1Extraction system for extracting analytes from a sample
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 LCTECH GMBH
  • EP4019931B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4019931B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4019931B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The extraction system according to the invention for extracting analytes from a sample essentially consists of: - an extraction cell for receiving the sample, which has at least one first fluid connection for supplying or removing a fluid; - a clamping device for clamping the extraction cell; and - a fluid connection device for establishing a fluid connection with the at least one first fluid connection of the extraction cell, wherein an extraction cell holder is provided for receiving the extraction cell, and the clamping device has a guide and positioning arrangement for linearly inserting the extraction cell holder together with the extraction cell in order to position the extraction cell in an insertion position.