Needle Support Structure for LC Injection Port Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In liquid chromatography systems, direct injection techniques often result in needle buckling and misalignment due to the force required for sealing, and existing needle washing methods are inefficient, leading to increased cycle times and potential sample carryover.

Innovation Solution

A needle support structure with a passageway and a needle seal configuration, made from materials like PEEK or stainless steel, that provides additional support to prevent buckling and allows for simultaneous washing during the chromatographic run, reducing cycle time and preventing sample carryover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If force is applied to the needle to form a seal at the needle seal surface, then sealing reliability is improved, but the needle buckles and misaligns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidneedle alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure divides the needle into multiple supported sections along its length, with support surfaces positioned at intervals to prevent buckling while allowing the tip to maintain sealing contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the needle and the injection port housing, providing mechanical support and stabilization to the needle without interfering with the sealing function at the needle seal surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If needle washing is performed after chromatographic run completion, then sample carryover is prevented, but analysis cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample carryover preventionVSAvoidanalysis cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The needle washing process is initiated during the chromatographic run before it completes, performing the cleaning action in advance of when it would traditionally be done, thereby overlapping functions and reducing total cycle time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The washing function is merged with the chromatographic run period, allowing both processes to occur simultaneously rather than sequentially, thus eliminating idle time between analysis and cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If needle washing is performed before seal formation, then sample carryover is prevented, but washing efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample carryover preventionVSAvoidwashing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The needle is pre-positioned in the support structure with wash ports aligned, preparing the washing pathway in advance so that washing can begin immediately when seal formation is complete, maximizing washing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The washing process maintains continuous fluid flow through the needle via the support structure ports, ensuring uninterrupted cleaning action throughout the chromatographic run duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2524213B1Injection port needle support and washing

Publication Date: 2024.03.06 WATERS TECHNOLOGY CORP

Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary

Described are techniques for use with an injection port. The injection port includes a needle support structure configured to accommodate a needle containing a sample aspirated therein. The injection port includes a needle seal having a first surface thereof in contact with a second surface of a tip of the needle. A seal is formed when the first surface contacts the second surface and a sufficient force is applied to the needle.