Flow Channel Mechanism for Liquid Chromatograph Mixer Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid chromatograph configurations require manual replacement of separation columns and mixers for different analysis conditions, complicating operations and making it difficult to perform analysis with varying internal capacities.

Innovation Solution

A flow channel mechanism with a first and second mixer, first and second separation column, and a flow-channel switching unit, allowing easy switching between communication states to accommodate different internal capacities, with all components housed in a column oven and operated by a single valve for simplified operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mixers with different capacities are used for different analysis conditions, then the adaptability for different flow rates is improved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase due to needing to replace both mixers and separation columns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for different flow ratesVSAvoidcomplexity of replacing multiple components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent sets of components: a first mixer with its associated first separation column for conventional flow rates, and a second mixer with its associated second separation column for micro flow rates. The flow-channel switching unit enables selective activation of either set, allowing the system to handle different flow rate requirements while maintaining clear functional segmentation that simplifies operation compared to replacing all components manually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If manual replacement of separation column and mixer is required for different analysis conditions, then the measurement precision for different flow rates is improved, but the loss of time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision for different flow ratesVSAvoidtime for replacing components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Both the first mixer and second mixer are pre-configured with their respective separation columns (first and second separation columns) in ready-to-use assemblies. The flow-channel switching unit is pre-positioned to enable rapid switching between these pre-configured paths. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual replacement operations during analysis condition changes, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining the precision required for different flow rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flow-channel switching unit introduces dynamic switching capability that allows the system to adapt between conventional and micro flow rate paths without physical reconfiguration. This dynamic switching mechanism enables rapid transition between analysis conditions, maintaining measurement precision for different flow rates while eliminating the time-consuming manual replacement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple valves are used for switching between communication states, then the adaptability for different analysis conditions is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for synchronized valve switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching capability between analysis conditionsVSAvoidease of valve switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple valve functions are merged into a single flow-channel switching unit. This unified switching mechanism simultaneously controls the communication paths between the first mixer, second mixer, and detector, eliminating the need for multiple independent valve operations. The merging of switching functions into one unit greatly simplifies operation while maintaining full adaptability for switching between conventional and micro flow rate analysis conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates easy switching between analysis states with different internal capacities, simplifying operations and eliminating the need for synchronized valve switching, enabling efficient analysis with either the first or second separation column.

Implementation Method 1

The column oven houses the first mixer, the second mixer, the first separation column, and the second separation column. The inside of the column oven is heated.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11573212B2Flow channel mechanism and liquid chromatograph including the same

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

A first mixer mixes solvents therein. A second mixer has a capacity different from that of the first mixer, and mixes solvents therein. A first separation column is associated with the first mixer. A second separation column is associated with the second mixer. A first valve enables switchover between a first communication state in which the first mixer and the first separation column communicate with a detector, and a second communication state in which the second mixer and the second separation column communicate with the detector. Only by switching the first valve, it is possible to switch between the first communication state and the second communication state. The internal capacity of a flow channel in the first communication state differs from that in the second communication state. Therefore, it is easy to perform analysis with different internal capacities.