Fluidic Valve Selective Storage Paths for Sample Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample separation apparatuses in liquid chromatography lack efficiency in adapting storage paths to sample characteristics and speed differences between separation units, requiring manual changes and compromising tightness checks.
Innovation Solution
A sample separation apparatus with a fluidic valve having multiple sets of storage paths with different volumes, allowing selective switching between them to optimize storage characteristics and maintain tightness, enabling efficient adaptation to varying sample requirements without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual changes of storage path are performed to adapt to sample characteristics and speed differences, then storage characteristics can be optimized, but operation efficiency decreases and tightness checks are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different storage paths (first storage path and second storage path) based on sample characteristics and speed differences between separation units. The fluidic valve enables automatic selection of appropriate storage paths without manual intervention, optimizing storage characteristics while maintaining high operation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic valve system provides multiple storage paths with different volumes (first storage path with first volume, second storage path with second volume) that can be selectively coupled to the sample separation apparatus. This multi-functional design allows the same system to handle various sample types and separation conditions, eliminating the need for manual changes while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If storage path volume is increased to match speed differences between separation units, then separation performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple distinct storage paths (first storage path and second storage path) with different volumes. Each storage path is optimized for specific separation conditions, allowing the system to achieve reliable separation performance without requiring a single complex adjustable storage path. The fluidic valve selectively connects appropriate storage paths based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic valve acts as an intermediary component that manages the complexity of having multiple storage paths with different volumes. It automatically selects and couples the appropriate storage path based on sample characteristics and separation unit speed differences, thereby maintaining separation performance while preventing the user from dealing with the underlying complexity of path selection and configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage paths with different volumes are provided, then adaptability to sample characteristics improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple storage paths with different volumes are integrated into a single fluidic valve assembly, combining what would otherwise be separate components into one manufacturable unit. The fluidic valve incorporates internal channels and chambers that form the first storage path and second storage path, allowing simultaneous provision of multiple storage volumes without requiring separate external components, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample separation apparatus includes a fluidic valve including a first inlet fluidically coupled to one of a first fluid drive and a second fluid drive, and a second inlet fluidically coupled to the other of the first fluid drive and the second fluid drive. The fluidic valve includes at least two different sets of storage paths, wherein each set of storage paths comprises a first storage path. The first storage path of a first set of said at least two sets of storage paths has a first volume, and the first storage path of a second set of said at least two sets of storage paths has a second volume different from the first volume. The fluidic valve is configured for selectively switching one set of the least two sets of storage paths to the first inlet and the second inlet.