Multi-path Selector Valve with Subterranean Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing selector valves in liquid chromatography often have limited switching options due to the small surface area of the rotor face, requiring additional valves for selecting among multiple alternate paths, which increases complexity and space usage.
Innovation Solution
A dual selector valve design that utilizes subterranean passages or grooves in the rotor to connect multiple chromatographic columns, allowing selection from eight alternate flow paths using a single valve, thereby minimizing the rotor face area required for fluid switching capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single selector valve is used with conventional rotor design, then the valve structure remains simple, but the number of alternate flow paths is limited due to small rotor face area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional rotor face channels to three-dimensional subterranean passages that extend through the rotor body. This dimensional change allows fluid to travel through the interior volume of the rotor rather than confined to surface channels, enabling multiple flow paths to be packed into a compact rotor with diameter of 0.5 to 1.5 inches while providing access to eight or more alternate columns.
Solution Approach 2:
The subterranean passages are nested within the rotor body, with multiple passages arranged concentrically and radially to maximize the use of available rotor volume. The passages are positioned to connect to ports on the rotor periphery while maintaining compact overall dimensions, effectively nesting multiple flow paths within a small rotational envelope.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional selector valves are added to increase flow path options, then the number of alternate paths increases, but the device complexity and space usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single selector valve is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating eight or more input ports that can connect to different chromatographic columns. The rotor with subterranean passages acts as a multi-path switch that can direct fluid to any selected column, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate selector valves. This universal design allows one valve to accomplish the work of several valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple selector valve functions into a single integrated unit. The stator contains multiple ports that would traditionally require separate valves, and the rotor with subterranean passages combines the switching mechanisms of multiple valves into one rotational component. This consolidation reduces the total number of moving parts and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional rotor design with surface channels is used, then the rotor face area is sufficient for simple designs, but port-packing density is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves port connections from the two-dimensional rotor face surface to three-dimensional subterranean passages within the rotor body. This allows ports to be arranged in concentric rings and radial patterns throughout the rotor volume, achieving high port-packing density with eight or more ports accessible within a rotor diameter of only 0.5 to 1.5 inches.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the rotor are assigned different functions: the periphery contains ports for column connections, the interior contains subterranean passages for fluid routing, and the center may contain a hub for motor shaft connection. This localized functional distribution optimizes the use of each rotor region to maximize port density while maintaining structural integrity and fluid flow efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-path selector valve used in liquid chromatography and other analytical methods for directing fluid along alternate paths of a flowstream. The selector valve has a stator and a rotor. The dynamic face of the stator has a plurality of openings arranged along an inner ring, a plurality of openings arranged along an outer ring, and an annular collection groove formed in the dynamic face. The inner ring, outer ring, and annular collection groove are concentric circles. The rotor's dynamic face is configured to mate with the rear face of the stator, and has two fluid flow paths. One fluid flow path has one end at a rotational center of the rotor and another end of the fluid flow path is configured to be aligned with a stator opening along the inner ring. The second fluid flow path has one end that is configured to be aligned with the annular collection groove and another end that is configured to be aligned with a stator opening along the outer ring.