Multi-lumen Autosampler Probe for Contamination-Free Purging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated sampling processes in laboratories face inefficiencies and contamination risks due to the need for multiple steps in sample preparation, including fluid introduction, mixing, and droplet purging, which increase time and risk of cross-contamination across samples.
Innovation Solution
A sample probe with multiple lumens is designed to facilitate fluid introduction, mixing, and droplet purging within a single probe, allowing for simultaneous handling of multiple fluids and gases to streamline sample preparation and prevent contamination by expelling droplets back into the sample vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate probes or equipment are used for fluid introduction, mixing, and droplet purging, then sample preparation can be performed with dedicated functions for each step, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lumens within a single probe assembly, allowing fluid introduction, mixing, and droplet purging functions to be integrated into one probe. This reduces the number of separate probes and equipment needed while maintaining contamination prevention through dedicated lumens for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single probe assembly performs multiple functions through its multiple lumens: introducing fluids, mixing samples, and purging droplets. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated equipment for each sample preparation step, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple separate steps for fluid introduction, mixing, and droplet purging are performed sequentially, then each function can be performed thoroughly, but total processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous sample preparation by allowing fluid introduction, mixing, and droplet purging to occur in a continuous sequence through the integrated multi-lumen probe. The probe remains in the sample vessel throughout the process, eliminating idle time between steps and maintaining continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple sample preparation functions into a single integrated probe assembly, the patent allows these functions to be performed in rapid succession without the time loss associated with moving between separate equipment or probes, thereby reducing total processing time while maintaining preparation quality.
3Productivity
If a single-lumen probe is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform fluid introduction, mixing, and droplet purging simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into multiple lumens, each dedicated to a specific function (fluid introduction, mixing, droplet purging). This segmentation allows simultaneous or rapid sequential performance of multiple sample preparation tasks, significantly improving productivity while the lumens are contained within a single probe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lumens are nested within the single probe structure, with each lumen performing a specific function. This nested design achieves the functionality of multiple separate probes while maintaining a compact single-probe form factor, balancing productivity improvement with acceptable device complexity.
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
This solution reduces the time and risk of contamination by enabling rapid, efficient sample preparation and mixing without the need for additional equipment or steps, improving laboratory throughput and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is configured to expel a gas from a tip of one of the lumens to purge a droplet of fluid from the tip
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing multiple lumens within a single sample probe of an autosampler system are described. In an aspect, a sample probe for an autosampler system includes, but is not limited to, a tube enclosing at least a portion of a plurality of lumens; and a controller communicatively coupled with a fluid handling system to introduce or draw one or more fluids through each of the plurality of lumens, wherein during a droplet purge operation, the controller is configured to expel a gas from a tip of one of the lumens to purge a droplet of fluid from the tip.