Fluidic Switch for Uninterrupted Flow in Liquid Chromatography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure shocks during fluid processing in liquid chromatography devices can damage fluidic members and reduce separation or detection accuracy by causing excessive pressure, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A fluid processing device with a fluidic switch that allows seamless transfer of fluid from one flow path to another without interrupting the fluid flow, maintaining continuous flow in both paths and preventing pressure fluctuations, achieved through independent adjustment of pressures, flow rates, and separation procedures in separate flow paths connected only within the switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fluidic switch is used to transfer fluid between flow paths in liquid chromatography, then operational flexibility and separation modes can be adjusted, but pressure shocks occur during switching operations that can damage fluidic members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a preliminary fluid connection path before the actual switching operation. The fluidic switch is designed with a bypass channel that is pre-configured to receive fluid flow, allowing the main flow path to be switched without interrupting fluid movement. This prevents pressure shocks by ensuring the receiving path is ready before switching occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary bypass channel as a mediator between the first and second flow paths. This intermediate structure allows fluid to be transferred smoothly during switching operations by providing a transitional path that connects both flow paths, eliminating direct abrupt switching that causes pressure shocks.
2Ease of operation
If fluid flow is interrupted during switching operations, then the fluidic switch can be reconfigured, but pressure fluctuations occur that can damage fluidic members and reduce separation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by designing the fluidic switch with a bypass channel that maintains continuous fluid flow during switching operations. The bypass channel ensures that fluid movement never stops, allowing the switch to be reconfigured without interrupting the useful action of fluid transport, thereby preventing pressure fluctuations that could damage fluidic members.
3Productivity
If high pressure is used in liquid chromatography for efficient separation, then separation speed and productivity improve, but pressure shocks can cause excessive pressure that damages fluidic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a bypass channel that acts as a pressure buffer during switching operations. This pre-configured alternative path absorbs pressure shocks that occur during valve switching, cushioning the impact on fluidic members while allowing high-pressure operation to maintain separation speed and productivity.
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 prevents damage to sensitive fluidic components and maintains accurate separation and detection by ensuring uninterrupted fluid flow during switching operations, even at high pressures, thus enhancing the longevity and performance of fluid processing devices.
Implementation Method 1
transferred first fluid from the first flow path into the second flow path without interruption of fluid flow along the first flow path and along the second flow path
Implementation Method 2
without interruption of (i.e. continuously maintaining) fluid flow along at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path (in particular along the first flow path and along the second flow path (more particularly without pressure fluctuations or pressure shocks))
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid processing device (10) for processing fluid, wherein the fluid processing device (10) comprises a first fluid drive unit (20) configured for driving a first fluid along a first flow path (85), a second fluid drive unit (20') configured for driving a second fluid along a second flow path (86), and a fluidic switch (90) fluidically coupled to the first flow path (85) and to the second flow path (86) and configured for being switchable for transferring first fluid from the first flow path (85) into the second flow path (86) without interruption of fluid flow along at least one of the first flow path (85) and the second flow path (86).