Horizontal Calorimeter Insertion for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calorimetric instruments face challenges in achieving high measurement stability and fast sample insertion with multi-channel devices for heat flow measurements, particularly with disposable sample containers, due to thermal equilibration issues and mechanical disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A device with a horizontal opening and channel design for minimal height, thermally isolated metal bodies, and a divided measurement chamber for efficient equilibration and temperature control, allowing for parallel monitoring of multiple vessels with thermal sensors and an outer container for heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large opening is provided in the device for insertion of multi-well vessel assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement stability deteriorates due to large space above samples causing temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the opening from vertical to horizontal, allowing the vessel assembly to be inserted horizontally. This dimensional change enables a smaller opening size while maintaining ease of insertion, and simultaneously reduces the vertical space above samples in the measurement chamber, improving temperature stability and measurement reliability.
2Ease of operation
If vertical insertion of vessel assembly is used, then ease of operation is improved, but equilibration time increases and thermal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical insertion approach by implementing horizontal insertion of the vessel assembly. This inversion allows the sample vessels to be positioned closer to the heat sink without requiring vertical space for equilibration, thereby reducing equilibration time while maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If minimal height design is used for opening and channel, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement stability improves due to reduced space for temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the opening orientation to horizontal and minimizing the vertical height of the channel and measurement chamber, the patent achieves a simpler structural design. The reduced vertical space above samples limits temperature variations and improves temperature control stability, while the horizontal configuration maintains ease of access and operation.
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
This configuration provides a stable and controlled measurement environment for heat flow measurements, enabling rapid sample insertion and parallel analysis of multiple samples with improved thermal stability and reduced equilibration time.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement chamber with a heat sink
Implementation Method 2
a measurement chamber with a heat sink
Implementation Method 3
parallel monitoring of multiple vessels with thermal sensors
Implementation Method 4
thermally isolated metal bodies
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a method for the measurement of heat flow from at least one sample. The device 1 is adapted to receive a multi well vessel assembly (2) with samples in one or several vessels (21, 22,.... 2n). The device (1) comprises an opening (11) for insertion of the vessel assembly (2) into the device (1), a measurement chamber (12) with a heat sink (13), a channel (14) extending from the opening (11) to the measurement chamber (12). The present invention specifically teaches that the opening (11) and channel (14) leads horizontally into the device (1), and that the height of the opening (11), channel (14) and measurement chamber (12) is only high enough to receive the vessel assembly (2).