Modular Sample Conditioning Base Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular sample conditioning systems require complex designs and assembly processes, leading to bulky and difficult-to-troubleshoot systems with significant internal volume and limited performance, necessitating the development of a more efficient and adaptable solution for fluid sample conditioning in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular on-stream sample conditioning system utilizing seamless stainless steel base plates with internal fluid passages and docking surfaces for mounting components, eliminating the need for external tubing and fittings by forming custom fluid paths and accommodating electrical and communication conduits, allowing for flexible and compact configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular sample conditioning systems are designed with multiple modular bases and complex interconnecting structures, then the system can accommodate diverse sample conditioning requirements, but the device complexity and difficulty of assembly and troubleshooting increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate modular bases into a single integrated base structure. The base incorporates multiple docking stations and sample conditioning components within one unified platform, eliminating the need for multiple separate modular bases and their complex interconnections. This integration maintains adaptability while significantly reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various sample conditioning components through standardized docking stations. The single base structure provides multiple functional capabilities (fluid handling, electrical connections, communications) through integrated pathways, allowing one base to perform the functions previously requiring multiple separate bases.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional plate mounting with external tubing and fittings is used for fluid interconnections, then the system is easier to assemble, but the internal volume and dead volume increase significantly reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates fluid pathways directly into the base structure rather than using external tubing. The base incorporates internal channels and passages that provide fluid interconnections between docking stations, eliminating the need for separate tubing, fittings, and connectors. This integration dramatically reduces internal and dead volume while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized component mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pathways are nested within the base structure itself. The internal channels are embedded in the base material, with docking stations positioned to access these integrated pathways. This nesting eliminates the need for external fluid interconnection components and minimizes dead volume.
3Productivity
If modular bases are designed with custom fluid passage structures in multiple planes, then the fluid circuit performance improves, but the design and troubleshooting difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric, non-planar fluid pathways that optimize fluid flow performance. The internal channels are strategically positioned in three-dimensional space within the base, creating efficient fluid circuits that adapt to specific application requirements while maintaining a unified base structure that simplifies troubleshooting compared to multiple separate modular bases.
4Volume of stationary object
If seamless base plates with internal passages are used, then the system becomes more compact and performance improves, but the fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates fluid pathways and mounting features directly into the base plate fabrication process. By forming internal channels, docking stations, and mounting structures as integral parts of the base plate during manufacturing, the design achieves compact dimensions without requiring complex post-fabrication assembly steps. The seamless construction with integrated features simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the sophisticated internal geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
An on-stream sample collection and conditioning system, which is easier to construct, implement, maintain, and is more cost efficient then existing systems. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a modular system adaptable to a variety of diverse sample conditioning requirements. The system having incorporated a seamless piece having a surface for docking multiple sample conditioning components and having a system of internal passages to provide fluid flow between sample conditioning components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also contemplates a modular system containing essentially the entire sample conditioning components required for one or more fluid streams.