Parallel Autosampler Sipper Head for Large Volume Chromatography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated parallel autosamplers are limited in their ability to extract larger-sized chromatography samples and are not adaptable to varying configurations and sizes of sample containers, making them unsuitable for medium to large-scale biological sample purifications.
Innovation Solution
An automated parallel autosampler system with a deck and a movable head equipped with elongated sippers and negative pressure sources, allowing for simultaneous insertion into multiple sample containers, enabling the extraction of larger sample sizes with variability in container configuration and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a plurality of syringe pumps are used for drawing samples from multi-well plates, then automated parallel sampling is achieved, but the sample size is limited and not suitable for medium or large scale purifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs negative pressure sources connected to outlet tubes that lead into sample containers. The negative pressure is applied through lumens of sippers to draw samples, replacing the syringe pump mechanism. This pneumatic approach enables extraction of larger sample volumes while maintaining automated parallel operation across multiple containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The head is made movable relative to the deck through at least one drive mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the head position in three coordinate directions. This enables the sippers to be selectively positioned and simultaneously inserted into multiple sample containers of varying configurations, providing adaptability for different sample sizes and container arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed for fixed container configurations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to varying container configurations and sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The head is made movable relative to the deck through at least one drive mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the head position in three coordinate directions. This enables the sippers to be selectively positioned and simultaneously inserted into multiple sample containers of varying configurations, providing adaptability for different sample sizes and container arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck defines an array of compartments that can closely receive different types of sample containers in upright manners. The system is designed to accommodate varying container configurations and sizes while maintaining precise positioning through the movable head and selective drive mechanisms, making the system universally applicable to multiple container types.
3Productivity
If multiple sippers are mounted on a stationary head, then simultaneous sampling is achieved, but the ability to adjust for varying container configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The head is made movable relative to the deck through at least one drive mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the head position in three coordinate directions. This enables the sippers to be selectively positioned and simultaneously inserted into multiple sample containers of varying configurations, providing adaptability for different sample sizes and container arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The negative pressure system is applied selectively to control sample extraction through multiple sippers simultaneously. The outlet tubes are connected to negative pressure sources that can be selectively activated, enabling parallel sampling efficiency while adapting to different container configurations through controlled pressure application.
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 system allows for the efficient extraction of larger chromatography samples with flexibility in container size and configuration, enhancing the capability for medium to large-scale biological sample purifications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one source of negative pressure in selective communication with the outlet tubes to selectively provide negative pressure in the lumens of the sippers
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an automated, parallel autosampler system for drawing chromatography samples from a plurality of sample containers is provided which includes: a deck; a head movable relative to the deck; at least one drive selectively controllable to move the head relative to the deck; a plurality of elongated sippers mounted to the head at spaced-apart locations; a plurality of outlet tubes connected to the sippers in one-to-one correspondence; and, at least one source of negative pressure in selective communication with the outlet tubes to selectively provide negative pressure in the lumens of the sippers, wherein, the sippers are arranged on the head so that the sippers are simultaneously insertable into a corresponding number of the sample containers. Advantageously, the subject invention allows for much greater size samples to be extracted than the prior art with permitted variability in the number and configuration of the sample containers.