Flow Cell Read Head Registration for Real-Time Molecular Weight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack efficient and accurate methods for real-time molecular weight measurement in downstream process control using multi-angle light scattering.

Innovation Solution

A flow cell, read head, and skid attachment are designed to facilitate real-time molecular weight measurement, comprising a hollow cylindrical tube, inlet and outlet flanges, a read head with push rods and line contacts for registration, and a skid attachment with arms to house a multi-angle light scattering instrument, all compatible with chemical processing equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multi-angle light scattering measurement is implemented for real-time molecular weight measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular weight measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a flow cell for sample introduction, a read head with multiple detectors for light scattering measurement, and a skid attachment for integration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality for real-time molecular weight measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The read head is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures light scattering at multiple angles simultaneously and can accommodate different flow cell configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement systems, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If real-time measurement is implemented for downstream process control, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flow cell design enables continuous sample flow through the measurement zone, allowing uninterrupted real-time molecular weight measurement. The continuous flow maintains consistent measurement conditions while providing ongoing data for downstream process control, thus maintaining both productivity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time molecular weight measurement data that can be fed back to control downstream processing parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures that measurement precision is maintained by allowing immediate detection and correction of process variations, thereby supporting both continuous operation and high measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 precise and efficient real-time molecular weight measurement for downstream process control, enhancing accuracy and compatibility with industrial setups.

Implementation Method 1

multi-angle light scattering instrument

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4090943B1Read head for flow cell
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 WYATT TECHNOLOGY CORP
  • EP4090943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4090943B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4090943B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure describes a flow cell, a read head, and a skid attachment for measuring real-time molecular weight for downstream process control. In an embodiment, the flow cell comprises a hollow cylindrical tube, an inlet flange connected to an inlet of the tube, and an outlet flange connected to an outlet of the tube. In an embodiment, the read head comprises at least one push rod, at least two line contacts, where the at least one push rod is configured to push an outer side wall of a flow cell against the at least two line contacts. In an embodiment, the skid attachment comprises a plurality of arms connected to an enclosure configured to house at least a multi-angle light scattering instrument comprising a read head.