Fluid Supply Device for HPLC Mobile Phase
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other sample separation applications, there is a challenge in precisely forming a mobile phase with a mixture of fluids, as volume errors can occur during the operation of fluid supply devices, and it is also necessary to filter solvents to remove impurities and contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A fluid supply device is designed with an elastic buffer unit to dampen pressure fluctuations, an integrally formed fluid member for combining and mixing fluids, and a sterile filter to ensure precise composition and purity of the mobile phase, including multiple supply conduits, fluid valves, and a compensating volume to prevent reflow and maintain accurate solvent composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is provided in a fluid line to remove impurities, then the purity of the mobile phase is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing is designed to combine multiple functions: it houses the filter element, provides a mounting structure for the entire assembly, and integrates with the fluid line connections. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining filtration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter housing serves multiple purposes: it protects the filter element, provides structural support, enables fluid flow control, and facilitates easy installation and removal. This multi-functionality reduces the number of additional components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while improving reliability through consistent filtration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an elastic buffer unit is added to dampen pressure fluctuations, then the stability of fluid flow is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic buffer unit utilizes a flexible membrane or elastic element that can deform in response to pressure changes. This flexible structure absorbs pressure fluctuations and dampens vibrations without requiring complex mechanical components, thereby stabilizing fluid flow while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic buffer unit changes the physical parameters of the fluid system by introducing elasticity and compliance. This allows the system to absorb pressure variations and maintain stable flow conditions. The parameter changes are achieved through the elastic properties of the buffer material, which naturally dampen fluctuations without requiring additional control mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple supply conduits and fluid valves are used to form precise mobile phase composition, then the manufacturing precision of fluid mixing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply system is divided into multiple independent supply conduits, each capable of delivering a specific fluid. This segmentation allows for precise control of each fluid's flow rate and timing, enabling accurate mobile phase composition. The segmented architecture also allows for modular design, where each conduit and valve assembly can be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid valves are positioned and configured to enable precise timing and sequencing of fluid delivery. By controlling the opening and closing of valves in a predetermined sequence, the system ensures that fluids are mixed in the correct proportions at the right moments. This preliminary planning of fluid delivery timing and sequence achieves precise composition control without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
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 solution ensures a precise and accurate mobile phase composition, reduces pressure pulses, and effectively filters out impurities, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the sample separation process by preventing reflow and maintaining the integrity of the solvent composition.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic buffer unit which is fluidically coupled upstream of the fluid valve with the supply conduit and which is configured for buffering the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a sterile filter to ensure precise composition and purity of the mobile phase
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid supply device for providing a mobile phase for a sample separating device includes a supply path configured to provide a fluid for forming at least a part of the mobile phase, a fluid conveying unit configured to receive and pressurize the fluid from the supply path and to convey the fluid to the sample separating device, and a sterile filter disposed in the supply path upstream of the fluid conveying unit and configured to filter the fluid. The fluid supply device may include a pre-filter pump configured to push the fluid through the sterile filter and/or a buffer unit configured to buffer the fluid.