Integrated Sample Injector Filtration for Chromatography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chromatography systems require manual filtering of sample fluids before injection, which is inefficient and not fully automated.
Innovation Solution
A sample injector with a filtration unit and handling unit that automates the filtering process by positioning a needle into a receptacle containing the sample fluid, allowing for automated filtering and injection into the mobile phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual filtering is applied to sample fluid before injection, then filtering function is achieved, but automation is reduced and workflow efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filtering function with the sample injection device by integrating a filtration unit into the sample injector. The filtration unit includes a filter element positioned within the injector body, allowing sample fluid to be filtered through the filter element before entering the injection needle. This merging of filtering and injection functions into a single integrated device achieves automation while controlling complexity through functional integration rather than separate manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample injector is designed to perform filtering automatically as part of its own operation without requiring external manual intervention. The handling unit positions the needle into the receptacle, and the filtration unit automatically filters the sample fluid through the filter element during the injection process. This self-service capability enables the device to perform both injection and filtering functions autonomously, improving automation extent while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated design.
2Productivity
If automated filtering is integrated into sample injector, then workflow efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filtering function with the sample injection device by integrating a filtration unit into the sample injector. The filtration unit includes a filter element positioned within the injector body, allowing sample fluid to be filtered through the filter element before entering the injection needle. This functional integration improves workflow efficiency by eliminating separate manual filtering steps while controlling device complexity through unified design rather than multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample injector is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both sample injection and filtering operations. The handling unit positions the needle into the receptacle, while the filtration unit simultaneously filters the sample fluid through the filter element during the injection process. This multi-functionality improves productivity by combining multiple operations into a single automated sequence, while managing device complexity through integrated functional design.
3Reliability
If filtration unit is moved within receptacle to filter sample fluid, then filtering effectiveness is improved, but positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the filter element in advance within the receptacle before the injection process begins. The handling unit is pre-programmed to position the needle at the correct location relative to the filter element. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the needle enters the receptacle, it is already correctly aligned with the filter element, achieving reliable filtering while reducing the real-time positioning precision requirements during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element acts as an intermediary component between the sample fluid and the injection needle. The handling unit positions the needle into the receptacle, and the filtration unit filters the sample fluid through the filter element before it reaches the needle. This intermediary filtering mechanism ensures reliable sample preparation while allowing for controlled positioning tolerances, as the filter element provides a stable interface for fluid processing.
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 automated and efficient filtering of sample fluids, improving the workflow efficiency in chromatography systems by integrating automated filtering into the sample preparation process.
Implementation Method 1
providing a receptacle comprising a filtration unit configured for filtering a sample fluid comprised within the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A sample injector is provided for a chromatography system that includes a mobile phase drive and a separation unit. The mobile phase drive is configured for driving a mobile phase through the separation unit, and the separation unit is configured for chromatographically separating compounds of a sample fluid in the mobile phase. The sample injector is configured for injecting the sample fluid into the mobile phase and comprises a needle and a handling unit configured for positioning the needle. Operating the sample injector includes providing a receptacle that includes a filtration unit configured for filtering a sample fluid comprised within the receptacle, moving the filtration unit within the receptacle in order to filter at least a portion of the sample fluid contained in the receptacle, operating the handling unit to position the needle into the receptacle, and aspirating a volume of the filtered sample fluid.