Double-Tube NMR Sample Transport with Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current NMR measurement sample transport systems face challenges in precisely controlling the position of samples within the transport channel, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies due to the uncertainty in gas flow strength and sample position, as well as inadequate temperature control, which prolongs measurement cycles.
Innovation Solution
A double-pipe transport system with transverse bores in the inner tube creates a fixed relationship between gas flow and sample position, allowing precise control of the sample's axial position and enabling effective temperature control, reducing the risk of damage and shortening measurement cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a simple tubular transport channel is used for pneumatic transport, then the device complexity is low, but the position control precision of the sample is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The transport channel is segmented into an inner tube and an outer tube, creating a dual-tube structure. The inner tube contains transverse bores that allow controlled gas flow interaction with the sample, enabling position detection and control while the outer tube provides structural support and thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas flow acts as an intermediary between the transport system and the sample. By controlling the gas flow through the transverse bores in the inner tube, the system can detect and control sample position without direct mechanical contact, achieving precise positioning through fluid-mediated interaction.
2Speed
If gas flow strength is increased to speed up sample transport, then the transport speed increases, but the sample position control becomes less precise and sample damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse bores in the inner tube create a feedback mechanism where gas flow patterns change in response to sample position. By monitoring the gas flow through these bores, the system can detect sample position and adjust the gas flow accordingly, maintaining precise control even at higher transport speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts gas flow characteristics based on sample position and transport requirements. The variable cross-sectional area created by the sample in the inner tube allows the gas flow rate to automatically adapt, providing gentle acceleration and deceleration phases that prevent sample damage while maintaining overall transport speed.
3Temperature
If temperature control is added to the transport channel, then the temperature control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-tube structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the outer tube provides structural support and thermal insulation, while the inner tube with transverse bores enables both position control and thermal management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow serving as the transport medium also acts as a thermal medium. By controlling the temperature of the gas flow entering the transport channel, the system can effectively control sample temperature without requiring complex dedicated heating or cooling systems within the transport channel itself.
4Productivity
If measurement cycle time is reduced by improving transport efficiency, then productivity increases, but the risk of sample damage due to inadequate position control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary position adjustment and gentle deceleration before the sample reaches the NMR probe, ensuring the sample is properly positioned and stabilized before measurement begins. This preliminary action prevents damage during the rapid transport phases while ensuring measurement readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow system provides cushioning protection before critical events occur. During acceleration and deceleration phases, the gas flow creates a protective cushion around the sample, preventing mechanical shocks and vibrations that could cause damage, while still enabling fast overall transport cycles.
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
The solution enables robust, gentle, and fast transport of NMR samples with precise positional control and effective temperature management, significantly reducing the risk of sample damage and minimizing measurement cycle times, resulting in increased operational efficiency and economic advantages.
Implementation Method 1
A transport device for the pneumatic transport of NMR measurement samples from an area outside of an NMR spectrometer through a tubular transport channel into the NMR spectrometer
Implementation Method 2
the tubular transport channel comprises a pipe system which has a gas-tight outer tube with outside diameter Da and inside diameter da and an inner tube arranged coaxially thereto with outer diameter Di and with cross holes 7
Implementation Method 3
one surrounding the outer tube thermal insulation device 8
Data Source
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AI summary
A transport device for the pneumatic conveyance of NMR measurement samples (2) from outside an NMR spectrometer (1) through a tubular transport channel (3) into the NMR spectrometer and from there back outside the NMR spectrometer, wherein the transport device comprises a device (4) for generating overpressure in the end of the tubular transport channel facing away from the spectrometer, is characterized in that the tubular transport channel has a pipe system comprising a gas-tight outer tube (5) with outer diameter Da and inner diameter da, and a coaxially arranged inner tube (6) with outer diameter Di < da and with inner diameter di, wherein the inner diameter di of the inner tube is selected to be greater than or equal to the outer diameter DP of the NMR measurement samples, and that the inner tube has axially spaced transverse bores (7) designed as through bores.This enables precise and robust determination of the current position of the NMR sample within the transport channel, significantly reducing the risk of damage to the sample during transport. The invention can be optimally integrated into existing state-of-the-art systems without major modifications.