Modular Flow Injection Analysis System with Integrated Media Channels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flow injection analysis systems require multiple hose connections, leading to increased size and complexity, making it difficult to adapt to different measurement tasks without replacing entire systems and creating new connections.

Innovation Solution

A modular flow injection analysis system with functional modules stacked on top of each other, connected by aligned media channels, which automatically connect upon assembly, allowing for targeted reagent injection and accurate dosing through a media control module, eliminating the need for hose connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional flow injection analysis systems use separate devices connected by tubing, then the system can be assembled from individual units, but the system size and complexity increase due to numerous hose connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different measurement tasksVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate functional units (dosing unit, mixing unit, analysis unit) into a single integrated flow injection analysis device. The dosing channel, mixing channel, and analysis chamber are combined in one device body, eliminating the need for external tubing connections between separate devices. This reduces system complexity while maintaining adaptability through selectable dosing channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates multiple dosing channels with different capacities (first, second, and third dosing channels) that can be selectively activated depending on the measurement task. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle various dosing requirements without requiring separate devices or complex tubing reconfiguration, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual units are replaced to adapt to different analytical tasks, then the system can be customized, but hose connections must be disconnected and reconnected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different analytical tasksVSAvoidtime for reconnection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating all functional units into a single device body, the patent eliminates the need to disconnect and reconnect hose connections when adapting to different analytical tasks. The selectable dosing channels are all permanently integrated into the device, allowing instant reconfiguration through valve selection rather than physical reconnection, thus eliminating time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses selectable dosing channels that can be dynamically activated or deactivated based on the measurement task. Instead of physically reconfiguring the system, the user can switch between different dosing channels (first, second, or third) through control mechanisms, enabling rapid adaptation without time-consuming reconnection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If conventional systems use tubing with minimum permissible bending radii, then fluid can be conveyed, but more space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid conveyance capabilityVSAvoidsystem space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the dosing channel, mixing channel, and analysis chamber within a single compact device body, eliminating the need for external tubing that requires bending radii. The fluid pathways are directly formed within the device structure, significantly reducing the space required while maintaining full fluid conveyance capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a distributed spatial arrangement requiring tubing with bending radii to a compact three-dimensional integration where fluid pathways are embedded within the device body. This dimensional reorganization allows fluid conveyance without the space-consuming external tubing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2470915B1Modular flow injection analysis system
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 BUERKERT WERKE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2470915B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2470915B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2470915B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular flow injection analysis system having a sample connection, an inflow of reagent, and a media discharge. The analysis system is formed of a plurality of functional modules stacked on top of each other. Said functional modules comprise a metering module comprising a metering channel having an inlet and an outlet, a mixing module that has a mixing channel that having an inlet and an outlet, an analysis module having a media chamber connected to the outlet of the mixing channel, and a media control module. The modules are connected by continuous media channels. Said media channels replace the conventional tube connections and are connected automatically when the modules are assembled.