Liquid Sample Loader Using Pressure-Based Pushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sample loaders for analytical instruments face challenges such as the need for trained operators, high costs, maintenance issues, inability to handle high viscosity samples, and sample wastage due to suction-based methods and manual cleaning requirements.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automated liquid sample loader with a sample holder and inclined sample passageway that uses an air pump to push samples into the analytical instrument, eliminating air slugs and allowing for reliable full-load detection and efficient handling of various sample types, including high viscosity samples, without the need for syringes or disposable consumables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If suction-based loading method is used, then sample loading is achieved, but high viscosity samples cannot be handled and sample components may separate and evaporate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional suction-based loading method by using pressure-based pushing. Instead of pulling samples through the system with a vacuum, the invention applies positive pressure to push samples through the sample passageway, which reliably handles high viscosity samples without causing component separation or evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of sample transport from negative pressure (suction) to positive pressure (pushing). This parameter change enables reliable handling of high viscosity samples while maintaining sample integrity and preventing component separation.
2Extent of automation
If fully automated loaders are used, then unattended operation is achieved, but cost, maintenance requirements, and equipment size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex robotic needle and motorized rack systems from fully automated loaders. By using a simple pressure-based pushing mechanism with manual sample placement, the invention achieves automated sample transport without the high cost, maintenance requirements, and large size associated with robotic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-based system performs automated sample loading without requiring complex robotic mechanisms. The system uses a simple air pump to automatically push samples through the passageway, eliminating the need for expensive robotic components while maintaining automated operation capability.
3Ease of operation
If solenoid valve is placed in sample path, then sample flow control is achieved, but valve is exposed to damaging samples and rinse solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the solenoid valve from the sample path entirely. By using a pressure-based pushing system, the invention achieves sample flow control without requiring a valve in the liquid path, thereby eliminating exposure to damaging samples and rinse solvents that would degrade the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air pressure as an intermediary to control sample flow. Instead of using a solenoid valve directly in the sample path, the invention uses air pressure to push samples through the system, achieving flow control without exposing valves to damaging liquid samples.
4Ease of operation
If manual syringe loading is used, then sample loading is achieved, but trained operators are required and syringes become expensive disposable consumables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for expensive disposable syringes by using a reusable pressure-based pushing system. The simple air pump and sample passageway design replaces costly syringes, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining ease of sample loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-based system automates the sample loading process that previously required manual syringe operation by trained operators. The air pump automatically pushes samples through the system, eliminating the need for trained personnel and expensive disposable syringes.
5Productivity
If sample is drawn by suction, then sample loading is achieved, but high viscosity samples require higher forces and components may separate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the suction-based approach by using pressure-based pushing. Instead of applying negative pressure (suction) that requires high forces for viscous samples, the invention applies positive pressure to push samples through, reducing the force requirements and preventing component separation in high viscosity samples.
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 solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and reliable loading and unloading of liquid samples with minimal sample volume, suitable for a wide range of samples, and reduces maintenance and waste, while eliminating the need for manual handling and expensive valves.
Implementation Method 1
The pump pushes the sample in the sample well downstream through the sample passageway toward the measuring instrument
Implementation Method 2
both the well and the inclined sample passageway fill from the bottom under the action of gravity, which displaces air upwards
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid sample loader for an analytical instrument includes a sample holder with a sample well for holding a liquid sample and a sample passageway extending upwardly at an inclined angle from a bottom portion of the well, a pump positioned upstream from the sample holder and an upstream passageway coupled between the sample and the pump. A controller controls the pump to push the sample in the sample well downstream through the sample passageway toward the measuring instrument.