Multi-mode Injection Valve for Chromatography Sample Introduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary valves in chromatography systems are limited to a single mode of sample introduction, which can result in sample loss, pressure spikes, and contamination due to unintended fluid communication during rotation, necessitating the use of different valves for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode injection valve design featuring a stator and rotor with multiple fluid ports and grooves, allowing for four distinct rotational positions that enable flexible fluidic functions, including multiple modes of sample introduction, and incorporating an intermediary seal to prevent fluid loss and pressure issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rotary valve is used with a single mode of sample introduction, then the valve structure is simple, but sample loss, pressure spikes, and contamination occur due to unintended fluid communication during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple operational modes (first mode for sample introduction, second mode for washing, third mode for backflushing) with distinct fluid communication pathways. Each mode is achieved through specific rotor groove configurations that segment the fluid flow paths to prevent unintended communication between different ports during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary seal member is introduced between the rotor and stator to prevent fluid leakage and contamination during rotation. This seal member acts as a mediator that maintains fluid isolation while allowing rotational movement, thereby preventing sample loss and contamination without complicating the overall valve structure.
2Stress or pressure
If a conventional rotary valve allows fluid communication during rotation, then the valve operation is simple, but pressure spikes occur due to unintended fluid pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The valve employs a dynamic rotor that can be positioned at different angular orientations to achieve different operational modes. The rotor grooves are dynamically aligned with stator ports at specific rotation angles to establish intended fluid pathways while preventing unintended communication, thereby maintaining pressure stability during mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design pre-configures multiple rotor groove patterns that correspond to different operational modes. Before rotation occurs, the appropriate groove configuration is selected and positioned to ensure that fluid communication pathways are properly established from the outset, preventing pressure spikes by eliminating unintended pathways before they can cause issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single valve design is used for all applications, then the device is simple to manufacture, but versatility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed with multi-functionality to perform sample introduction, washing, and backflushing operations within a single device. This is achieved through multiple rotor groove configurations that can be selectively engaged by rotating the rotor to different positions, allowing one valve to replace multiple specialized valves while maintaining ease of manufacture through a unified structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve achieves versatility by adding the dimension of rotational positioning to the basic valve structure. By incorporating angular orientation as an additional degree of freedom, the valve can switch between different operational modes without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby enhancing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode injection valve includes a stator having an outer stator face and an inner stator face; a plurality of fluid ports in the outer stator face; a plurality of fluid orifices in the inner stator face, the fluid orifices disposed in fluid communication with the fluid ports, respectively; a rotor having a rotor surface engaging the inner stator face of the stator; a plurality of rotor grooves in the rotor surface of the rotor, each of the rotor grooves adapted for fluid communication with a pair of the fluid orifices depending upon a rotational or angular position of the rotor with respect to the stator; and an actuator unit engaging the rotor, the actuator unit adapted to rotate the rotor relative to the stator.