Integrated Chromatography Injector Column Detector Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems face challenges with long, narrow tubing that increases pressure resistance, leads to cross-contamination, and requires complex and expensive connections, as well as temperature control issues and blockages due to multiple connections.
Innovation Solution
An integrated chromatography device that combines a chromatography injector, column, and detector into a single unit with internal flow passageways and threaded ports, eliminating the need for external tubing connections, reducing dead volume, and providing thermal stability and minimizing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate HPLC units are connected with long narrow tubing, then the system can be assembled with modular components, but the pressure resistance increases and separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the injector, column, and detector into a single unified housing, eliminating the need for external tubing connections between these components. This merging approach directly reduces pressure resistance by removing multiple connection points and long narrow tubing from the fluid path, while still allowing modular assembly of the complete system.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple tubing connections are used to connect HPLC components, then modular assembly is enabled, but the risk of blockages increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the injector, column, and detector into one integrated unit with internal fluid pathways, the patent eliminates multiple external tubing connections and fittings. This dramatically reduces the number of potential blockage points while maintaining the ability to assemble and disassemble the complete system in modular fashion.
3Ease of operation
If plastic tubing is used to connect HPLC components, then flexibility and ease of assembly are improved, but cross-contamination through adsorption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent housing is made of PEEK (polyether ether ketone), a high-performance polymer that combines the flexibility and ease of assembly of plastic materials with the chemical inertness and resistance to adsorption of metal materials. This composite material approach eliminates cross-contamination issues while maintaining operational ease.
4Device complexity
If long narrow tubing is used to connect HPLC components, then modular configuration is achieved, but dead volume increases and separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of injector, column, and detector into a single housing with internal fluid pathways eliminates long narrow tubing and associated dead volume. This maintains modular configurability while significantly improving separation efficiency by minimizing unnecessary fluid volume in the system.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate HPLC units are used, then component independence is maintained, but temperature control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the injector, column, and detector into a single housing, the patent enables unified temperature control for all three components through a single thermal zone or controlled environment. This eliminates the need for multiple independent temperature control systems while maintaining component functionality and independence.
Data Source
AI summary
A chromatography device includes a unitary body that mounts and connects together as an integrated unit a chromatography column, an sample injector and a detector cell. The device components are arranged generally along X-Y-Z space axes. This arrangement allows hydraulic connection of all the components without additional tubing, fittings, or threaded ports. It also allows an integrated chromatography device to be produced inexpensively by machining or injection molding. The disclosed arrangement allows a user to have convenient access to the components for replacement or service. In addition, the disclosed construction enhances chromatography efficiency, reduces pressure, improves temperature control, and eliminates cross-contamination.