Passage Switch Valve for Liquid Chromatograph Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In liquid chromatography, when the polarity of the solvent in a sample is close to the polarity of the analysis column, components in the sample are not concentrated at the tip end of the analysis column, leading to broad peaks and reduced sensitivity, and existing configurations are complex, increasing manufacturing and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A liquid chromatograph design featuring a passage switch valve with specifically positioned ports to switch between load and injection positions, allowing for the mixing of samples with a mixture solvent and the use of a mobile phase to introduce the mixed liquid into the analysis column, adjusting the polarity to enhance sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sample is introduced directly into the analysis column without solvent polarity adjustment, then the analysis process is simple, but components are not concentrated at the tip end of the analysis column, leading to broad peaks and reduced sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A mixture solvent supply pump is introduced as an intermediary component between the sample loop and analysis column. This pump supplies a mixture solvent that mixes with the sample in the sample loop, adjusting the solvent polarity to optimize concentration at the analysis column tip end, thereby improving sensitivity without requiring complex additional equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The polarity of the solvent in the sample is changed by mixing with a mixture solvent supplied by the mixture solvent supply pump. This parameter change optimizes the concentration of sample components at the tip end of the analysis column, resulting in sharper peaks and improved sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If existing complex configurations are used to adjust solvent polarity, then sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing cost and maintenance cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The passage switch valve is designed with multiple ports that serve multiple functions: it controls the flow path for sample introduction, connects the mixture solvent supply pump, and manages the mobile phase flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby lowering manufacturing and maintenance costs while maintaining sensitivity improvement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If a passage switch valve with specifically positioned ports is used to mix sample with mixture solvent, then components are concentrated at the analysis column tip end improving sensitivity, but the valve configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidvalve configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functions of sample introduction, mixture solvent mixing, and mobile phase control are merged into a single passage switch valve with specifically positioned ports. This integration achieves component concentration and sensitivity improvement while avoiding the need for multiple separate valves and complex interconnections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design improves sensitivity by concentrating components at the analysis column's tip end, resulting in sharper peaks and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs through a simpler configuration.

Implementation Method 1

a mobile phase to send the mixed liquid held in the sample loop to the analysis column

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a mixture solvent supply pump for supplying a mixture solvent to be mixed with the sample at a predetermined mixture ratio

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvent mixing:

Implementation Method 3

an analysis column that performs separation on the sample into components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChromatography: Chromatography

Data Source

PatentUS11709154B2Liquid chromatograph including passage switch valve

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 AISTI SCI

AI summary

A liquid chromatograph includes: an analysis column; a sample loop that temporarily contains a mixed liquid of a sample and a mixture solvent; and a passage switch valve capable of switching a passage between a load position where the mixed liquid is temporarily held in the sample loop and an injection position where the mixed liquid held in the sample loop is sent to the analysis column. In the liquid chromatograph, a specific passage is formed in each of the load position and the injection position.