Fractionating Device With Rotating Carrier For Micro LC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fractionating/collecting devices for liquid chromatographs are limited in their ability to handle multiple samples automatically, especially in micro LC systems, and require manual intervention for tasks like adding digestive enzymes, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and they often have large probe spaces that are inefficient for handling small sample amounts.
Innovation Solution
A fractionating/collecting device with a carrying mechanism that includes a vertical and horizontal moving system to position multiple sample containers under a nozzle for efficient sample collection and storage, and a suction/injection mechanism for automatic handling of samples between chromatograph stages, reducing manual labor and enabling continuous analysis without the need for extensive robot arm installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional fractionating/collecting device is used, then sample collection is limited to one or two plates, but the ability to prepare multiple analyzing samples automatically is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the sample collection system into multiple independent collection plates (first plate, second plate, etc.), each capable of receiving fractionated samples. This segmentation allows simultaneous preparation of multiple samples, increasing productivity while maintaining automated operation through the carrying mechanism that selectively positions each plate under the nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying mechanism serves multiple functions: it carries multiple sample plates, positions them under the nozzle for collection, and transfers them between collection and storage positions. This multi-functionality enables automated preparation of multiple samples without requiring separate mechanisms for each task, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining automation.
2Extent of automation
If a liquid handler with a large probe space is used, then automatic fractionating/collecting and dispensing is achieved, but handling of very small amounts of sample in micro LC is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sample collection function from the liquid handler probe by using a separate fractionating/collecting device with a nozzle that directly deposits samples onto plates. This eliminates the need for a large-volume probe, reducing dead space and enabling efficient handling of very small sample amounts from micro LC while maintaining automation through the carrying mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a carrier mechanism as an intermediary between the fractionating/collecting nozzle and the sample plates. This mediator handles the plates, allowing the nozzle to maintain a minimal opening for small sample handling while the carrier manages plate positioning and transfer, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and minimal dead space.
3Ease of operation
If manual tasks such as adding digestive enzyme are performed, then sample processing is completed, but time consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The device prepares multiple sample plates with fractionated samples in advance and stores them in the storage part. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual tasks like adding digestive enzymes at the time of analysis, as samples are pre-processed and ready for use, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying mechanism automatically transfers plates between collection and storage positions without manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates time-consuming manual handling tasks, allowing the system to prepare and store multiple samples automatically, thereby reducing both time loss and operational complexity.
4Productivity
If multiple sample plates are used, then more analyzing samples can be prepared, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of carrying multiple plates and positioning them under the nozzle into a single integrated carrying mechanism. This mechanism simultaneously handles plate storage, retrieval, positioning, and transfer, reducing device complexity while enabling the collection and preparation of multiple samples through functional integration rather than separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
In a preferred embodiment, a sample container storage part for storing a number of sample containers S, a nozzle for dropping a sample component separated and supplied by an LC and an additive liquid such as digestive fluid supplied from another liquid supplying part to the sample container S, a carrying mechanism for carrying and positioning the sample container at an arbitrary position under the nozzle, and a second nozzle, serving as a suction/injection mechanism, for sucking in the fractionated/collected sample component and injecting the sample component to another LC. The carrying mechanism provides a rotation mechanism. The carrying mechanism rotates over 180 degrees and carries the sample container S completed with fractionating/collecting to the position of the second nozzle, and the sample is sucked in by the second nozzle and injected to the LC of next stage.