Laminated Flow Controller With Internal Resistance Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow controllers for gas chromatography require separate channel assemblies for different types of detectors, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for various channel resistances and larger installation spaces, and the use of external resistance pipes can contaminate analyses with volatile components.
Innovation Solution
A flow controller with a laminated substrate channel assembly featuring multiple non-communicating internal resistance channels, allowing for adjustable channel resistance by selecting appropriate resistance channels to form a flow rate control channel, enabling the same assembly to be used across multiple detector types and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external resistance pipes are used to adjust channel resistance, then channel resistance can be adjusted for different detectors, but volatile components from the rubber plug contaminate the analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the resistance function from the external resistance pipe and rubber plug assembly and integrates it directly into the channel assembly by forming resistance channels inside the laminated substrate. This eliminates the rubber plug and its associated contamination while maintaining the ability to adjust channel resistance for different detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the resistance channel function with the channel assembly structure itself. The resistance channels are formed inside the laminated substrate as an integral part of the assembly, combining the flow path and resistance control functions into a single integrated component, thereby eliminating the need for separate external resistance pipes.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated channel assemblies are prepared for each detector type, then specific channel resistances can be achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal channel assembly that can serve multiple detector types by incorporating multiple resistance channels with different resistance values within a single assembly. This allows one assembly design to fulfill various channel resistance requirements, eliminating the need for dedicated assemblies for each detector type and reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves different channel resistance values by changing the parameters of the resistance channels (such as channel dimensions, length, or cross-sectional area) within the same assembly structure. This allows a single assembly design to provide multiple resistance specifications without requiring separate dedicated assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple resistance channels are formed on one channel plate, then channel resistance can be adjusted for different detectors, but the size of the channel assembly increases and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention nests multiple resistance channels within the internal structure of the laminated substrate. The resistance channels are formed inside the layers of the substrate, utilizing the internal volume and cross-sectional area of the assembly rather than adding external dimensions. This nesting approach allows multiple resistance options without increasing the external footprint or installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional surface arrangement of resistance channels to a three-dimensional internal arrangement within the laminated substrate. By forming resistance channels inside the substrate layers, the design utilizes the vertical and internal dimensions of the assembly, allowing multiple resistance channels without increasing the external area or installation space.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow controller includes a channel assembly, a pressure sensor, and a pressure control valve. The channel assembly includes a laminated substrate comprised of a plurality of substrates laminated, the laminated substrate having a surface on which a gas inlet and a gas outlet are formed, and having, inside the laminated substrate, a plurality of resistance channels not communicating with one another inside the laminated substrate as internal channels. In the flow controller, the gas inlet and the gas outlet communicate to each other to form a flow rate control channel. The pressure sensor and the pressure control valve are provided on the flow rate control channel. At least one of the resistance channels which is selected to have a desired channel resistance of the flow rate control channel is connected to the flow rate control channel as part of the flow rate control channel.