Multilayer Injector Manifold Reducing Flow Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated analyser systems face inefficiencies in washing steps due to separate tubing units, leading to increased energy consumption, flow resistance, dead volume, maintenance costs, and inaccurate measurements, which affect the reliability of test results.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer unit with integrated liquid channels and valves for washing and rinsing buffers, allowing aspiration probes to be cleaned by a rinsing buffer that flushes around them, and incorporating sensors for real-time measurement of physical properties directly within the channel between the valve and injector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate tubing units are used for washing and rinsing buffers, then functional separation is achieved, but flow resistance increases and energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional separationVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate tubing units for washing buffer and rinsing buffer into a single integrated tubing system. The tubing is configured with multiple channels that share common segments, allowing functional separation of washing and rinsing operations while reducing total tubing length and eliminating redundant components. This merging approach maintains adaptability for separate buffer delivery while reducing flow resistance and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated tubing system is designed to perform multiple functions within a single structure. Common tubing segments serve both washing and rinsing operations, while dedicated channels handle specific buffer deliveries. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate units needed while maintaining the ability to independently control washing and rinsing buffer flows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate tubing units are used for washing and rinsing buffers, then functional separation is achieved, but dead volume increases and measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional separationVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By merging separate tubing units into an integrated system with shared common segments, the patent reduces total dead volume while maintaining functional separation. The design ensures that buffer transitions occur in controlled common channels rather than through multiple connection points, minimizing areas where bubbles can form and accumulate. This reduces interference with optical sensors and improves measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate units with tubing are used, then functional separation is achieved, but maintenance costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional separationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces system complexity by merging multiple separate units into a single integrated tubing system with unified connections to the pump and buffer reservoirs. Fewer connection points and components mean reduced maintenance requirements and lower spare parts inventory needs, while the internal structure maintains functional separation for washing and rinsing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate tubing units are used, then functional separation is achieved, but pump output requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional separationVSAvoidpump output

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating separate tubing units into a unified system with optimized flow paths, the patent reduces total flow resistance. The common tubing segments eliminate redundant restrictions and connection points that create pressure drops. This allows the pump to operate at lower output levels while maintaining adequate flow rates for both washing and rinsing buffer delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 flow resistance, dead volume, and maintenance needs, enhances measurement accuracy, and improves energy efficiency by integrating functionalities within a compact unit, minimizing the risk of bubbling and errors.

Implementation Method 1

the rinsing buffer flushes around the aspiration probes for cleaning their parts that were in contact with washing buffer or a sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

the at least one layer of the multilayer unit comprises channel for washing buffer separated from channel for rinsing buffer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical separation:

Data Source

PatentUS11243220B2Injector manifold

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 STRATEC SE

AI summary

A device and method for purification of information or particles from a sample and provides a device for performing washing steps in automated analyzer systems, the device comprising a multilayer unit with liquid channel and valves. The multilayer unit may comprise three layer.