Gradient LC Dwell Volume Compensation via Transfer Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operation mode adjustment systems for fluidic devices, such as those used in liquid chromatography, lack accuracy due to neglecting dwell volume considerations, leading to suboptimal retention and resolution in gradient LC methods.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining an operation mode that adjusts physical conditions at a source position to achieve a target time-dependent profile at a destination position, compensating for effects like delay and broadening, using a processor to calculate the necessary parameters for solvent composition and delivery timing, allowing for accurate control of concentration, temperature, and flow profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional operation mode adjustment systems are used without considering dwell volume, then the system operation is simple, but the retention and resolution in liquid chromatography deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the transfer function and dwell volume effects before actual chromatography operation. The determination unit pre-computes how solvent composition changes at the source will affect the column inlet conditions, allowing operators to input desired column inlet profiles and receive pre-calculated pump control parameters that account for dwell volume, thereby achieving accurate retention and resolution without complex manual adjustments during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a determination unit and transfer function as an intermediary between the pump control system and the chromatography column. This intermediary component calculates the relationship between source position solvent composition and destination position (column inlet) conditions, mediating the effect of dwell volume by providing corrected control parameters that compensate for the intermediate volume effects, thus improving accuracy without complicating the overall system operation
2Manufacturing precision
If dwell volume effects are compensated through calculation, then the retention and resolution improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit operates autonomously to calculate transfer functions and compensate for dwell volume effects without requiring external intervention or complex manual setup. The system self-determines the relationship between pump output and column inlet conditions by processing input parameters through predefined calculation algorithms, automatically generating corrected operation mode parameters that improve accuracy while maintaining relatively simple system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex physical problem of dwell volume compensation into parameter calculations by the determination unit. Instead of physically modifying the system architecture to eliminate dwell volume, the invention changes the operational parameters through computational adjustment - calculating how to adjust pump delivery parameters based on desired column inlet parameters, thereby achieving accuracy improvement through software-based parameter transformation rather than hardware complexity
3Measurement precision
If the physical condition at source is adjusted to account for dwell volume, then the target time-dependency at destination is achieved accurately, but the operation mode design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operation mode design with automated computational determination. Instead of requiring operators to manually calculate and adjust for dwell volume effects in gradient profiles, the determination unit substitutes mechanical/manual calculation processes with automated computer-based calculations that process desired column inlet conditions through the transfer function to generate corrected pump control parameters, thereby achieving accurate target time-dependency while reducing operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining an operation mode of a device, wherein the device is capable of adjusting a physical condition at a source position to correspondingly influence a physical condition at a destination position, the apparatus comprising a determining unit adapted for determining the operation mode by defining a time dependency of the physical condition at the source position so that a target time-dependency of the physical condition is obtained for the destination position, the target time-dependency representing a resultant variation of the physical condition over time.