Multi-Stage Pump Head for Wide-Range Chromatography Flow Rates

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional chromatography systems require multiple pumps or reconfiguration of pump components to accommodate varying flow rates for small-scale and large-scale analyses, leading to increased complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A multi-stage pump design featuring coaxial chambers with different diameters and plunger sections of varying diameters, allowing for a single pump to be configured for a wide range of flow rates through linear motion and control of inlet and outlet check valves, bypass valves, and controllable valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pump heads or separate pump systems are used to accommodate both small-scale and large-scale analyses, then flow rate capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pump stages with different plunger diameters into a single integrated pump head. The first pump stage has a larger plunger diameter for large-scale analysis, while the second pump stage has a smaller plunger diameter for small-scale analysis. Both stages share common components including the drive mechanism, seal assembly, and fluid pathways, thereby achieving versatile flow rate capability without increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump head is designed to perform multiple functions through its multi-stage configuration. A single pump head can deliver both high flow rates (using the first pump stage with larger plunger) and low flow rates (using the second pump stage with smaller plunger), making it universally applicable for both small-scale and large-scale chromatographic analyses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pump heads or separate pump systems are used to accommodate both small-scale and large-scale analyses, then flow rate capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pump stages with different plunger diameters into a single integrated pump head. The first pump stage has a larger plunger diameter for large-scale analysis, while the second pump stage has a smaller plunger diameter for small-scale analysis. Both stages share common components including the drive mechanism, seal assembly, and fluid pathways, thereby achieving versatile flow rate capability without increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump head is designed to perform multiple functions through its multi-stage configuration. A single pump head can deliver both high flow rates (using the first pump stage with larger plunger) and low flow rates (using the second pump stage with smaller plunger), making it universally applicable for both small-scale and large-scale chromatographic analyses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient delivery of fluid across a wide range of flow rates with minimal variation, reducing the need for multiple pumps and lowering costs by allowing quick reconfiguration for different analytical scales.

Implementation Method 1

The multi-stage pump may further include a plunger spring disposed between the fourth end of the second plunger section and a closed end of the second chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the inlet check valve enables a forward flow of a liquid during an intake stroke and prevents a reverse flow of the liquid during a delivery stroke

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11181103B2Multi-stage displacement pump

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 WATERS TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

Described is a multi-stage pump having at least two stages. The multi-stage pump includes a first pump stage and a second pump stage each having a chamber of different diameter and volume. The multi-stage pump also includes a plunger having first and second plunger sections. The first plunger section has a first plunger diameter, a first end configured for coupling to a drive mechanism, and a second end opposite to the first end. The second plunger section has a second plunger diameter that is less than the first plunger diameter, a third end in contact with the second end of the first plunger, and a fourth end opposite the third end. Movement of the plunger produces a displacement volume for the first chamber that is different than a displacement volume produced for the second chamber. The multi-stage pump can be configured in different operational modes to provide different flow rates.