HPLC Fluid Path Bubble Detection Through Electromagnetic Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analytical devices, particularly HPLC systems, face challenges in accurately detecting and removing gas bubbles in fluid paths, which can distort measurements and potentially damage instruments, with conventional methods being inefficient and requiring additional equipment.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing an electromagnetic signal detector to identify gas bubbles by responding to a pressure signal, determining bubble presence through electromagnetic signal contraction and expansion, and employing existing pressurizing devices and detectors within the HPLC system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bubble detection methods are used, then bubble detection capability is provided, but additional equipment and increased device complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebubble detection capabilityVSAvoidadditional equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic signal detector is configured to perform both its original analytical detection function and bubble detection function. By monitoring electromagnetic signals in response to pressure signals, the existing detector identifies bubbles without requiring separate detection equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable bubble detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing electromagnetic signal detector and pressurizing device to detect bubbles, rather than requiring external specialized equipment. The detector leverages the pressure signals already present in the system to identify bubbles through electromagnetic signal responses, making the system self-sufficient for bubble detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If existing HPLC components are utilized for bubble detection, then device complexity is reduced, but bubble detection efficiency must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware requirementsVSAvoidbubble detection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects bubbles by monitoring changes in electromagnetic signal parameters in response to pressure variations. When a bubble is present, it causes characteristic changes in the electromagnetic signal response to pressure signals, allowing efficient detection using existing components without compromising detection speed or accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic signal detector provides feedback about bubble presence by analyzing the response of electromagnetic signals to applied pressure signals. This feedback mechanism enables the system to efficiently identify bubbles using existing HPLC components, maintaining high detection efficiency while avoiding additional hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables efficient and reliable bubble detection and removal, enhancing measurement accuracy and preventing instrument damage without the need for additional hardware, by leveraging existing HPLC components.

Implementation Method 1

determining the presence of the bubble in the fluid path based on the detected electromagnetic signal... because the bubble responds with a contraction and expansion to the pressure signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression and expansion of gas bubbles in response to pressure signal: Boyle's Law

Data Source

PatentEP4621406A1Detecting a bubble in a fluid path
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP4621406A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4621406A1 patent drawingFigure 4A~6
  • EP4621406A1 patent drawingFigure 7A~7B

AI summary

There is described a method for detecting a bubble (150), in particular a gas bubble, in an analytical device (10), the method comprising: i) detecting in a fluid path an electromagnetic signal (110) in response to a provided flow/pressure signal (120); and ii) determining the presence of the bubble (150) in the fluid path based on the detected electromagnetic signal (110).