Multiport Valve Integration for Liquid Sample Introduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid sample introduction devices for chromatographs face a limitation where all ports of the second passage switching valve are occupied, leaving no available ports for additional components unless the number of passage switching valves or ports is increased.
Innovation Solution
A liquid sample introduction device with a multiport valve configuration that allows for a measuring pump to be integrated, enabling sample liquid collection and transfer without requiring dedicated passages, thus allowing additional components like a manual syringe to be connected to available ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of ports of the second passage switching valve is increased to connect additional components, then the adaptability of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common port of the second passage switching valve serves multiple functions: it connects to the measuring pump for sample liquid collection, connects to the first passage switching valve for sample injection, and connects to the drain for waste discharge. This multi-functional design allows additional components to be connected without increasing the number of ports, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of passage switching valves is increased to provide available ports for additional components, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second passage switching valve is designed with a common port that can be alternately connected to different components through rotor rotation. This single valve with multi-functional ports eliminates the need for additional passage switching valves, maintaining device simplicity while providing adaptability for connecting manual syringes or other components.
3Reliability
If all ports of the second passage switching valve are occupied for basic functions, then the basic functionality is maintained, but the flexibility for manual intervention is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second passage switching valve employs a rotary mechanism with a common port that can be dynamically switched between different connections. The rotor can be rotated to connect the common port to either the first passage switching valve or the drain, providing flexible adaptability for manual syringe connection while maintaining reliable basic sample injection functionality through the same valve structure.
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 configuration enables easy addition of components without increasing the number of passage switching valves or ports, reducing the risk of contamination and improving operational efficiency by allowing manual syringe connection, thereby enhancing the device's flexibility and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring pump (13), having two ports, for sucking liquid from one port and discharging the liquid from one of the ports
Implementation Method 2
a multiport valve (2) switchable between an injection state where a passage is formed in which the mobile phase flows to the column via the sampling loop, the sampling needle and the sample injection unit and a loading state where a passage is formed in which the mobile phase flows to the column via neither of the sampling loop, the sampling needle nor the sample injection unit
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid sample introduction device including: a multiport valve having a port (a) in communication with a sampling loop, a port (f) in communication with a mobile phase supply passage, a port (e) in communication with a column, a port (d) in communication with a sample injection unit, a port (b) in communication with a measuring pump, and a port (c) in communication with a multi-position valve. The multi-position valve having a common port (g) in communication with the measuring pump, a port (i) in communication with the multiport valve, a port (j) in communication with a cleaning liquid supply passage, and a port (h) in communication with a washing container.