Liquid-Liquid Mixing Device with Mode Selector Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) techniques face challenges such as high organic solvent consumption, emulsion formation, operator exposure to hazardous chemicals, and labor-intensive processes, with existing automated systems still needing improvement for efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-liquid mixing device with a barrel, plunger assembly, and mode selector mechanism that allows for variable operation modes, enabling controlled aspiration, dispensing, and mixing of immiscible liquids, reducing solvent usage and operator risk through controlled agitation and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional liquid-liquid extraction is used, then analyte separation is achieved, but large volumes of organic solvents are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process is segmented into discrete automated steps (aspiration, mixing, separation, dispensing) performed in a single device, enabling precise control of solvent volumes and reducing overall consumption while maintaining extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes operational parameters through its mode selector mechanism, switching between aspiration mode (seal member moves with stem), mixing mode (agitator moves relative to seal member), and dispensing mode, allowing optimization of solvent usage for each specific extraction step
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual liquid-liquid extraction is performed, then extraction is achieved, but operator exposure to hazardous chemicals occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs all extraction operations autonomously through its automated plunger assembly and mode selector mechanism, eliminating the need for operator intervention during hazardous chemical handling, mixing, and separation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The automated device acts as an intermediary between the operator and hazardous chemicals, with the sealed barrel and automated mechanisms preventing direct operator contact with toxic solvents and samples during the extraction process
3Productivity
If multiple extraction steps are required, then complete analyte recovery is achieved, but the procedure becomes time and labour intensive
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple extraction operations are merged into a single device with integrated aspiration, mixing, separation, and dispensing capabilities, allowing sequential extractions to be performed without manual intervention between steps, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining complete analyte recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The automated plunger assembly enables continuous operation through cyclic reciprocating motion, performing aspiration, mixing, and dispensing operations in continuous sequence without idle time between steps, maximizing extraction productivity
4Ease of operation
If the seal member is fixed to the stem, then liquid aspiration and dispensing are achieved, but the agitator cannot move independently for mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the connection state between the seal member and stem through the mode selector mechanism, being fixed during aspiration/dispensing modes and separated during mixing mode, allowing the agitator to move independently when needed while maintaining the sealed chamber for liquid handling
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where the seal member and stem serve dual purposes: maintaining sealed liquid aspiration/dispensing when fixed together, and allowing independent agitator motion for mixing when separated, with the mode selector enabling transition between these functions
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
The device achieves efficient and safe liquid-liquid extraction with reduced solvent consumption, minimized emulsion formation, and improved operator safety, enabling high-throughput extractions with precise control over mixing and separation.
Implementation Method 1
a seal member that is reciprocably moveable proximally and distally along said axis in sealingly slidable engagement with the internal wall of the barrel to define a variable volume chamber
Implementation Method 2
an agitator reciprocably moveable in the variable volume chamber; and a mode selector mechanism for selection between two or more modes of operation for the plunger assembly, whereby on actuation of the plunger assembly, the agitator and the seal member move together, or the agitator is moveable relative to the seal member
Implementation Method 3
Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) is one of the simplest and most widely used techniques for preparing samples for presentation to analytical instruments. It is particularly useful in separating target analytes from other components of complex matrixes and typically involves the transfer of analyte from an aqueous sample to a water immiscible solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid-liquid mixing device (10, 210) includes a barrel (20, 220) with a liquid port (23) at or adjacent one end. A plunger assembly (30) is reciprocably moveable along an axis in the barrel (20, 220) and includes a seal member (31, 231) and an agitator (50, 250). The seal member (31, 231) is in sealingly slidable engagement with the internal wall of the barrel (20, 220) to define a variable volume chamber (24, 224) therein in communication with the liquid port. The agitator (50, 250) is reciprocably moveable in the variable volume chamber (24, 224), which agitator (50, 250) includes one or more end to end passages (54) through which liquid in the chamber (24, 224) is forced as the agitator (250) reciprocates in the chamber (24, 224). The device (10) also includes a mode selector mechanism (60, 28, 46, 64, 65, 90, 92, 94, 96) for selection between at least two modes of operation for the plunger assembly, wherein the mode selector mechanism (60, 28, 46, 64, 65, 90, 92, 94, 96) is adjustable between two or more modes whereby movement of the plunger assembly (30) effects either movement of the agitator (50, 250) with the seal member (31, 231) or movement of the agitator (50, 250) relative to the seal member (31, 231), depending on the selected mode.